Third Watch Fic: Upside Down (9-10/10)
Title: Upside Down
Written in March of 2004
Authors: NYPDBosco and X_tremeroswellian
Emails: mauriceboscorelli@yahoo.com and faithboscorelli1@yahoo.com
Rating: Most chapters will be of the general audience version.
Genre: AU
Main Characters: Faith, Maurice and Mikey
Summary: When Third Watch characters get mixed up with two fanfic authors who like to write Alternate Universe stories, the characters roles get mixed up and things tend to get turned...Upside Down.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She wished she'd never turned her cell phone on that day, or that she had at least checked caller ID before answering. "Lieu, I really can't--"
"Faith, I know that you needed time with your family, but we're -really- hurtin' for officers. It'd just be this one shift."
She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck as she saw Maurice heading in her direction. "I'm sort of tied up at the moment."
"I've basically only got half a staff right now. I never woulda called you if it wasn't important."
His eyebrows furrowed as he walked up to her. "Who's that," he asked softly.
Faith covered the mouth piece of her phone. "My boss," she whispered.
"What's he want?"
"He wants me to come in. They're understaffed."
"You should go," he encouraged her.
Her eyebrows furrowed. "But..."
"I'll be fine," he assured her.
"Faith...you still there?"
She sighed, closed her eyes. "I'm here, Lieu."
"So can you come in," he asked softly. "I'll throw in a few extra vacation days for you."
"Okay, all right. I'll be there."
"Thanks, Faith. See you in roll call."
Maurice smiled softly as she hung up the phone. "So you caved, huh," he joked.
"Michael'll be shocked to see me." She managed a small smile though her enthusiasm for working a long eight-hour shift was nearly zero.
"Yeah. Definitely." He nodded his head. "So..." He glanced at his watch. "You probably gotta head over there now?"
Faith sighed. "I should, or I'll be late."
"Okay. I can make it home on my own if you give me enough money for the subway, and I wouldn't mind gettin' a soda from the vending machine," he told her softly.
"Are you sure? I can be late."
"I'll be fine. Besides, I gotta spread my wings sooner or later, right?"
A smile tugged at her lips and she pulled some money out of her purse. "I probably won't be home til around 11:30."
"That's fine. I got some homework to do anyway." He held up the binder with the worksheets his counselor had been giving him.
"Okay." She handed him the money, then kissed him softly.
He tucked the money in the pocket of his jeans as he returned the kiss. "Be careful," he whispered.
"Always," she whispered back. "I love you."
"Love you, too. I'll see you tonight."
Faith kissed him once more, touching his cheek lightly, then turned and headed down the corridor.
He stood there as he watched her walk away. Part of him was nervous to be on his own for the evening, but part of him was excited because it gave him a chance to prove himself. When Faith was no longer in sight he headed in the opposite direction.
* * *
He'd gotten a soda out of the vending machine at the end of the hallway before heading outside toward the subway station. He stood patiently at the street corner waiting for the walk signal when a familiar car stopped in front of him, and the passenger side window rolled down.
"Hey, man. 'Sup?" Marcus called, grinning.
Maurice looked around nervously before approaching the car. "Hey."
"Haven't seen you around for awhile...where you been, Maurice?"
"I uh..." He ran his hand through his hair as he leaned against the car. "I've been busy."
"Get in. I'll give you a ride."
He eyed up his friend for a moment before climbing into the car.
Marcus grinned again, and pressed his foot on the gas pedal as soon as Maurice was settled in the passenger seat.
He looked over at him. "I live in the other direction now. I kinda...moved."
"Oh yeah? Where to?"
He bit his lip for a moment, not wanting to tell him where Faith's apartment was because he knew he couldn't have anyone over. "Actually if you wanna just drop me off over by PS 150 I can just walk from there cause it's not too far."
Marcus raised his eyebrows. "You're living over on that side now?"
"Yeah. That's where my girlfriend--"
"Girlfriend? What happened to Lisa?"
"Oh, well she was just...Lisa and I weren't serious or anything."
"Yeah? You mind if I ask her out? Cause she's hot."
He gave his friend a look. "Feel free." He glanced out the passenger's side window. "You know I could really just walk from here if you wanna let me out. I could use the fresh air."
"Come on, Man. Barely seen you in weeks. Hang out with me for awhile."
Maurice glanced at his watch, and swallowed hard. "Well...I guess I've got some time."
"Yeah. See? Just like old times." He grinned.
He nodded slightly. "Yeah. Old times," he whispered.
* * *
Faith rubbed the back of her neck as she stepped into the only half-crowded locker room.
Mike closed his locker, and started to make his way around the metal structure as he headed for roll call a little early. His eyes widened slightly. "Faith?"
"Hey, Michael." She headed for her locker.
He looked around quickly, and then followed her. "What are you doin' here? What's goin' on?"
"Lieu called. Said he was short-staffed and begged me to come in."
"Where's Mo," he asked softly.
"He was gonna take the subway back to my place."
He ran his hand through his hair. "You think that's..." He shook his head. "He's capable...right?"
Faith nodded as she glanced at him. "Yeah. He's been doin' real good."
"Okay. I just get a little nervous, ya know?"
"I know," she said softly, opening her locker.
"We gonna check on him later?"
She hesitated a moment. "I don't know...I don't want him to think we don't trust him, you know?"
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "Guess we'll just have to go with the flow...see what we think later."
"Yeah. I'm gonna get dressed. See you in roll call?"
"Absolutely. Maybe I'll actually get a good partner today," he said lightly.
"Maybe?" She raised an eyebrow. "Better watch it, Michael."
He winked at her before leaving the room.
Faith smiled and shook her head as she started to get ready for the shift. Maybe working for the day wouldn't be so bad after all.
* * *
Maurice watched Marcus get out of the car, and head for the establishment on the corner. He got out of the vehicle as well, and looked up at the sign. "What are we doin' here?"
"Gettin' a drink. Playin' some pool." Marcus walked toward the door.
"Oh man," he whispered as he stared at the pool hall where he and his friends used to hang out. "Marc, I don't know, man."
"Come on. It'll be fun."
"I don't have any money."
He shrugged. "So what? You know Big Tony ain't gonna care. You're family."
He contemplated whether or not he should go in, but after a few moments of silent debate he figured he could handle this. "Okay, but I can't stay long. I gotta get home."
"Just one game. It won't take long." Marcus nodded and stepped into the bar.
"One game's all I need to kick your ass," he informed his friend as he followed him inside.
He chuckled. "Yeah. Right. We'll see."
Once they were inside it wasn't long before he had a bottle of beer in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. He hadn't said a word to anyone, and had only nodded at Big Tony but that had obviously been enough to get a waitress to come over with drinks and smokes for them as Marcus set up the pool table.
Marcus pulled a joint out of his shirt pocket and lit it, taking a hit. "Want one?"
"What?" He shook his head. "No. No, I'm good."
He shrugged and took another drag off the grass. "You can go first."
"Yeah. Okay." He took a swig of beer, surprised at how odd it tasted to him now, then set it on a nearby table. Picking up a cue stick, his cigarette between his lips he eyed up the pool table and took his shot.
"Nice break," Marcus said, nodding with approval as he grinned.
"Thanks." He looked at his friend. "You sure you should be smoking that in here...out in the open like that?"
"Tony don't mind." He lined up his pool stick and took his shot, managing only to hit the cue ball against the side of the table, leaving the others in their original position.
"Right," he mumbled. He took aim and sunk the nine ball in the corner pocket. "So um...is uh, weed the only thing you're smokin' these days," he asked curiously.
"Hey, I ain't that old, Maurice." He grinned.
"So uh...what else ya got," he asked, his voice a mere whisper.
"Depends on what you want."
"No, I...well..." He ran his hand through his hair, and bit his lip. The urge to take something was nearly overwhelming.
"I got X. And I got some rocks in the car."
He rubbed his forehead. "I don't have any money."
"Hey, you're a friend."
Maurice took another shot, and missed. He moved over to the table and picked up his beer. "Is it good stuff," he asked before taking a long drink.
"Ain't it always?"
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "It always was."
"So what's your poison?"
"Let's uh...let's go check out that stuff in your car."
* * *
Marcus slid into the driver's seat of his car and reached underneath his seat, removing a large plastic baggie and holding it up for Maurice to see. "Stash one."
Swallowing hard he took the bag in his hands. "You mean there's more?"
"Isn't there always?"
He let out a shaky breath, his eyes focused on the colorful pills and powders.
"Check out the glove compartment."
Setting the first bag in his lap he leaned forward, and pressed the button to open the glove compartment. His eyes widened. "That's a lot of..." He turned to look at Marcus. "You dealin' now?"
"Took over your old route," he replied.
"Business must be good," he whispered.
"Very." Marcus started the car, a grin on his face.
"What are you doin'," he asked nervously.
"I got a delivery to make."
"No." He shook his head quickly as Marcus pulled out of his parking space. "Let me out."
"What?" Marcus glanced over at him, his eyebrows furrowed. "I thought you'd wanna see Tina."
Maurice quickly shut the glove compartment. "No. I can't. I gotta get back home."
"Come on, Maurice. She's been dyin' to see you since you dropped the route."
He stared down at the bag of drugs that were resting in his lap. His heart beating quickly. His body screaming out for just a taste. He nervously played with the necklace that was around his neck. "Look...I don't...I don't do this stuff anymore." He picked up the bag and tossed it into Marcus's lap.
"Whatever man." He put the car in gear and pulled onto the street.
"Just...just let me out. I can't do this."
"Relax. It'll only take a few minutes." Marcus' eyes were bloodshot.
"I'm serious, man."
"I'll take you home when I'm done. It's only a few blocks."
He ran his hands through his hair. "I gave it all up Marcus. I can't...I can't risk doin' this."
"Why would you give it up?" He shook his head.
"Because I wanna live! Cause I want a life!"
"You're crazy man. This is good shit." He turned his eyes away from the road to look at Maurice.
"Yeah? Well so's havin' a girlfriend, and..." He turned his head to look out the windshield. "Look out!"
Marcus turned his head to gaze at the road, slamming on the brakes as a truck headed straight for them.
His eyes were wide with fear, and he reached out to brace himself for the collision.
* * *
He glanced over at Faith from the passenger's seat. "It's nice havin' you back for a day. I feel spoiled."
She grinned. "As you should."
Mike chuckled softly then shifted in his seat when his cell phone rang. "I bet it's Nicole," he grinned before answering the phone.
"No X-rated conversations while I'm in the car, all right?" Faith smiled.
His smile widened slightly. "Boscorelli...Yes, Maurice is my brother." Mike's eyebrows furrowed, and he glanced over at Faith.
She quickly glanced over at him, a worried look on her face.
"Whoa. He what? When?"
"What's goin' on?"
"Yeah...Yeah, I understand...I'm on my way." Swallowing hard he hung up the phone, and stared at it for a moment.
"Michael. What's going on?"
He slowly turned to look at her. "We uh...we gotta go to Mercy," he whispered. "Maurice was in some kind of accident."
"What?" There was alarm in her eyes. "Is he all right?"
"I'm not really sure," he told her softly. "They said he was conscious long enough to ask for me, but..."
Swallowing hard, she reached out and flipped on the sirens, pressing her foot down on the gas pedal.
* * *
Mike quickly climbed out of the RMP when it came to a screeching halt in the ambulance bay. It was only a matter of a few seconds before Faith was by his side and they were racing into the ER. "I thought he was taking the subway."
"That's what he told me." Her voice was shaky as she led the way to the nurse's station.
"Proctor," Mike called the nurse's name as they approached. "What's goin' on?"
Mary turned around. "Thank God you're here, Mike." She shook her head and sighed. "Your brother is impossible."
"Is he all right?" Faith demanded.
"He's gonna be just fine," she assured them. "He's pretty banged up. From what the medics said his legs were pinned in so he had to be extracted from the vehicle." She looked at Mike. "Nasty cuts and bruises but the worst injury is a broken wrist. Very lucky. He's definitely your family though. Stubborn as all hell."
Tears prickled at her eyes and she quickly shut them as she leaned against the counter, letting out a shaky breath.
"He woke up just after you were called, and he's definitely a handful. Anytime we get -near- him with something to help with the pain he refuses it, and demands to see you first." Proctor shook her head. "Gave us a hell of a time about the IV."
She rubbed the back of her neck. "And you're sure he's all right?"
"We've checked him over. He's fine."
Faith looked away.
"Where is he," Mike asked as he looked toward the exam rooms.
"Trauma 4," she told them softly.
Swallowing hard, Faith looked at the floor. "You should go."
He turned to look at her. "Come with me. He'll wanna see you."
"I think you should go in first." Her voice was barely a whisper.
Mike put his hand on her arm. "You okay?"
She nodded, biting down on her lower lip.
"I'll come get you in a minute," he told her softly. He turned to go see his brother.
"Oh, Mike," Proctor called. "You should probably know...the guy driving the car your brother was in...he didn't make it."
He ran his hand through his hair. "Oh...okay. Thanks."
Faith leaned against the nurse's station and closed her eyes tightly.
* * *
Hearing the door open Maurice grimaced as he shifted in the bed. "I told you I don't want anything," he said, assuming it was a nurse.
Mike stepped inside. "Mo?"
He quickly turned his head. "I had one beer, Michael. That's it. I swear."
He closed the door and moved over to his brother's bed. "How ya feelin'?"
His left hand was cradled against his body, an ice pack wrapped around it. "I swear, Mikey," he whispered.
Mike gazed at him. "I believe you."
"You do?"
"Yeah. I do. Now how are ya feelin'?"
He let out a breath as he relaxed back into the bed. "It hurts."
"What's this about you not takin' pain killers?"
"I couldn't. I didn't want you to think I was..." He paused. "Marcus was high. There were drugs in the car."
Mike sighed softly and sat down in the seat by the bed. "Don't worry. You're not gonna get in any trouble."
Shifting to try and get more comfortable he groaned. "You seen Faith today," he asked softly.
"Yeah. Yeah, she's outside."
"She pissed?"
"No. She's pretty freaked out though."
He bit his lip. "Can you get her?"
"Yeah." Mike nodded and stood up. "I'll be right back."
"Thanks, Mikey." He closed his eyes, and tried to relax.
He turned and headed for the door.
Faith sat in a chair in the waiting room, her face pale. She stared at the floor, her muscles tense. Nervous.
"Faith," he said her name softly as he approached.
She looked up, her eyes reflecting unspoken emotions.
"He's fine," he assured his partner as he stood in front of her. "He's hurtin', but he's all right."
She nodded, swallowing hard. "That's good," she whispered.
"He's asking for you."
Biting her lip, she closed her eyes and slowly stood up.
He placed his hand on her arm. "He had a beer," he told her very softly. "But the guy drivin' was high."
Faith opened her eyes to look at him and nodded silently.
"Faith...I think he's afraid to take the pain medication they've been trying to give him. What should we do?"
"I'll talk to him," she said softly.
"Okay. I'll give you two some time alone, all right? I'll call into the house."
"Thanks, Michael," she whispered.
"No problem." He smiled softly. "Just come get me if you need somethin'."
She started to turn and head away when she paused and slid her arms around his waist, rested her chin on his shoulder.
He wrapped his arms around her. "It's okay," he whispered. "He's all right."
"Thank God," she murmured, closing her eyes.
"You were right when you said he was doin' good," he told her softly. "He didn't do any drugs even though he had access. I'm willin' to let the beer thing slide."
Faith kissed his cheek. "I'm gonna go see him."
He nodded his head as he let her go. "Take your time."
She patted his arm before heading down the hallway, feeling nervous.
Maurice took a deep breath, and let it out slowly as he tried to relax his body. His wrist was throbbing despite the ice, and his legs hurt. He lifted his right hand, reaching for the necklace, his eyebrows furrowing when he realized it wasn't there.
Knocking softly on the door, she waited til she heard him say 'come in' before stepping inside the room.
Seeing her come in he tried to sit up a little straighter. "Hey."
"Hey," she whispered, lingering in the doorway, swallowing hard as her eyes swept over the IV hooked up to his hand, to the bruises and cuts on his head and arms.
"I'm sorry. I was gonna go straight home. I know I should've, but..."
"Shh. Don't." She hesitated a second longer, then crossed the room to where he lay in bed.
"I had a beer," he told her softly.
"I don't care," she whispered. Without another word, she leaned down and touched his cheek with one hand, kissing him softly.
His eyes drifted shut as he kissed her back. Relieved that she wasn't upset with him.
A single teardrop slid down her cheek and splashed onto his. "I love you," she murmured.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered.
"All that matters is you're okay." She kissed his forehead as she sat down on the edge of his bed.
He reached for her hand as he lay back down, closing his eyes.
She carefully slid her fingers through his, her gaze dropping to his other hand which was in a splint.
"What about...everyone else? Marcus?"
For a moment she couldn't speak. She'd assumed he already knew. "Maurice...I'm really sorry. Marcus...he didn't make it," she whispered.
"Oh God." He opened his eyes, and stared up at the ceiling.
"I'm sorry," she whispered again, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
"I've uh...I've known Marcus a long time. He was..." He closed his eyes, and shook his head.
Faith touched his cheek, her eyes sad.
He shifted slightly, grimacing at the movement.
"Is there anything I can do?" she whispered.
"Can you take me home," he asked quietly.
"Maurice, I don't know," she murmured. "They may want you to spend the night."
He swallowed hard. "I don't really wanna spend the night here. I can't get comfortable."
"I'll see what I can do." She smoothed the hair off his forehead with a gentle hand, gazing at him.
Closing his eyes tight he moaned softly. "Mikey still here?"
"Yeah. He's out in the waiting room."
"Maybe you could have him call our mother? Maybe if I'm stuck here tonight she could stay with me until you get off work?"
"I can have him call your mom." She kissed his forehead. "But I'm not goin' anywhere."
"You can go back to work. I'm okay."
"I'm not leaving you."
He smiled softly. "Thanks."
She kissed his cheek lightly before brushing her lips against his.
Maurice returned the soft kiss. "The necklace," he murmured.
"What about it?" she asked softly.
"I know I had it earlier. Cause I was...I was playin' with it when I was deciding if I wanted to take a hit," he told her, his voice barely audible. "But..." He lifted his hand to his neck. "It's gone."
Faith kissed his forehead again. "It's okay," she whispered.
His eyes drifted shut. "It worked."
"I want you to take the pain pills," she said quietly.
"I can't," he whispered.
"You're in pain."
"I can handle it."
She traced her fingers along his jawbone. "At least take some Tylenol or somethin'," she whispered.
He moved his legs, and bit down hard on his lip as pain radiated through him. "Yeah, okay. We just...need to monitor it."
"We will. Together. I promise." Faith touched his stomach lightly.
Nodding his head he looked at her, his eyes tired. "Sorry if I scared you," he whispered.
"Shh. Just get some rest, Maurice. It's all gonna be all right," she murmured.
He closed his eyes. "Love you."
She kissed his forehead. "I love you, too."
Maurice held her hand tightly as he drifted off to sleep.
Faith watched over him as he slept, watching the rise and fall of his chest. And thanking God that he was still alive.
* * *
Maurice leaned heavily on the crutches that he'd been given by the doctor to help keep some weight off his legs as the swelling and bruises went down. He looked over at Faith as she unlocked her apartment door then pushed it open for him to enter. He gave her a small nod before hobbling inside.
She followed him in, quickly closing the door and locking it behind them. She watched as he maneuvered over to the sofa and she moved forward to take the crutches from him once he'd sat down. "I'll get you some ice."
"Thanks," he whispered. He lifted his legs onto the sofa, and closed his eyes tight, taking deep breaths as he waited for the pain to subside.
Faith hurried into the kitchen and fixed a makeshift icepack by putting ice in a ziploc bag. Then she carried it out to him. "Here you go."
Taking it from her he rested the icepack across his knees. "Can you uh...get something to prop my feet up with," he asked her softly, slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah, of course." She carefully tucked a few pillows under his feet and sat down on the edge of the sofa. "Better?"
"Mmmhmm." He rested his now casted hand on the back of the sofa. "This is much better than the hospital. Cuter nurse, too."
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Are you hungry? Can I get ya anything else?"
"Right now..." He rested his hand on her leg. "I just wanna stare at you."
Her eyes softened as she gazed at him. "I'm all right with that."
He rubbed her leg gently. "I was thinkin' that this must really mean I was meant to have a second chance," he whispered.
"I believe that too," she whispered back.
"I survived for a reason."
She nodded, then kissed him softly.
Maurice lifted his hand to her cheek as he slowly deepened the kiss.
"I love you," she murmured against his lips.
"Love you, too," he whispered. Breaking away he did his best to scoot forward on the sofa, making room for her to sit behind him. He patted the sofa cushion.
She shifted into the place where he'd motioned her and carefully pulled his head down to rest on her lap so she was gazing down at him. She slid her fingers lightly through his hair. "Maurice?"
"Hmm?"
Faith was silent for a moment, slowly moving her fingertips across his cheek. "Marry me."
He blinked rapidly a few times. "W-what?"
"Not right now or anything." Her voice was soft. "But when we're ready." She slid her fingers over his jawbone. "I wanna spend my life with you."
There was a shocked expression on his face, but it quickly turned into a smile.
She smiled back faintly.
"As soon as I'm back on my feet...I'll get a job, and I'll buy you a ring."
Kissing his cheek lightly, she rested a hand against his chest. "I love you more than anything."
He covered her hand with his. "I never expected to have something like this."
"Me either," she admitted softly.
"My life got a whole lot better," he whispered.
Faith slid her fingers through his hair. "I'm so glad I met you."
"Too bad Mikey kept you a secret for so long," he told her lightly.
She smiled. "No kidding."
"We could be married with a couple kids by now," he joked.
She chuckled. "Well...hopefully that'll happen at some point." She kissed him lightly.
"You want kids," he asked seriously.
"Yeah. Do you?"
He nodded. "But not until I've been clean for awhile. Ya know?"
"I know." She leaned her forehead against his.
"I'm gonna be sober," he whispered. "And we're gonna have a family."
"I know that too." She kissed him again.
He smiled against her lips as he returned the kiss. Reaching up he tangled his fingers in her hair.
Faith touched his cheek as he deepened the kiss.
After a moment the kiss ended, and he gazed up at her, his eyes warm. "Thanks for bringing me home," he whispered.
Swallowing hard, she held his gaze. "Thanks for comin' home."
* * *
Epilogue
Maurice followed Faith into his mother's kitchen after Mike had let them in. His eyes widened at the spread of finger foods that were on the table, surrounding a homemade chocolate cake. He smiled as he saw the words 'Congrats Maurice' scrolled out in blue icing, and a large candle of the number one sticking out of the cake. "Ma, what's all this? I thought we were just comin' over for coffee."
Rose Boscorelli grinned at him. "Today's a special day."
"Yeah, bro. One year. It's a milestone, and calls for celebration."
Faith kissed his cheek.
He turned to Faith. "Did you know about this?"
"Guilty." She smiled, her eyes sparkling.
"I shoulda known." He wrapped his arms around her.
She hugged him back. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered in his ear.
"Couldn'ta done it without you." He kissed her softly before pulling away just slightly. "I couldn't have done this without all of you."
Mike grinned, and looked at his mother.
Rose smiled back at her youngest son, then at Maurice. She moved over and slipped her arms around him. "I always knew you could do it."
"Thanks, ma." He hugged her tightly, and kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner."
"Shh. All that matters is you did it." She kissed his cheek, as well. "I love you, Maurice."
"Love you, too. Thanks for all this."
"You deserve it."
Faith rested her chin on Maurice's shoulder as she stood behind him, her arms wrapped around his waist.
He rested his arms on top of hers, and looked over at his brother.
Mike gave him a smile, and nodded his head.
Maurice took a deep breath. "So...seein' as I've been clean for a year now, and I've held a decent job for about eight months. I'm thinkin' it's time to take another step forward."
"What do you mean?" Rose asked curiously.
"Well...Faith and I have been talkin' about gettin' married for quite a while."
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
Faith smiled and kissed his cheek.
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "We've just been waitin' for the right time, and..." He turned his head to look at Faith. "I'm ready."
"That's wonderful!" Rose beamed.
Maurice smiled at his mother's reaction. "So I thought tonight might be a good night to talk about this since we're all here."
Mike grinned. "It's about time if you ask me."
He chuckled softly then grew serious. "Mikey?"
"Yeah?"
"Seein' as you're my little brother, and Faith's best friend...I was hopin' you'd be my best man."
His eyes widened slightly, a stunned expression on his face. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, Michael. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have in my wedding."
"Wow...that's...yeah, of course. I'd be honored to be your best man."
"Good." He nodded his head. "I really owe you a lot," he told him softly.
Mike shook his head. "You don't owe me anything. You're my brother." His voice was quiet, serious.
"Yeah, and I'm finally gonna start actin' like it again."
"You been actin' like it for a long time." He held his hand out and when Maurice clasped it, he shook it and gave him a hug.
He hugged his brother tight. "I love you, Mikey," he whispered very softly.
"I love you, too, Mo." Mike looked over Maurice's shoulder at Faith, who was smiling softly.
He pulled away from his brother, and moved back over to Faith sliding his arms around her.
She hugged him back tightly, kissing his shoulder.
"Thank you for helpin' me get my life together."
"Thank you for givin' me a happy life," she whispered in his ear.
He kissed her softly then rested his forehead against hers. "So...who wants cake?"
"It's chocolate. Everyone wants cake," Rose said lightly.
Maurice chuckled softly before placing another kiss on Faith's lips. "I'll get the plates."
"I'll grab the forks," Mike chimed in.
Faith smiled as she gazed at him. "Love you," she mouthed, her eyes soft.
He smiled at her in return, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I love you," he mouthed back.
Rose watched the interaction between them and smiled softly as she went to cut the cake.
He moved over to the cabinet to retrieve the plates. "Hey Mike. You should call Nicole. Invite her over."
Mike grinned. "You think so?"
"Well, she's basically family, right? She should be here."
Faith smiled. "He's right. Call her."
Maurice pointed toward the phone hanging on the wall. "She doesn't live that far away. We'll even wait for her."
"Thanks, Mo." He smiled and picked up the phone, dialing a number.
Setting the plates on the table he placed a kiss on his mother's cheek then moved back over to Faith. Standing behind her he pulled her close as he put his arms around her. "Whadda ya think? Mikey and Nicole gonna tie the knot soon?"
"Maybe we could plan a double wedding," she said lightly.
He chuckled. "Only if Nicole's folks are payin' for it all."
"Works for me." She paused, then tilted her head to the side. "Actually...I want you all to myself on our wedding day. They can find another day to get hitched."
"Yes." He kissed her shoulder. "Yes, they can."
She slid her arms on top of his, leaning back against him.
He watched as his brother hung up the phone. "She comin'?"
"Yeah, she's on her way."
"Perfect. Now all we gotta do is find ma a date."
Rose raised her eyebrows. "I think I can find my own date."
"Okay, so next time we all get together I'm countin' on you to have a nice gentleman to decorate your arm," he informed her.
"Done." She smiled at him.
"Good. Then just give us some time, and we'll supply ya with grandkids to baby-sit. We'll be that perfect family we were always hopin' for."
Rose looked around. "I think we're already pretty damn close."
"Yeah." He leaned his head against Faith's. "I'm likin' how we turned out."
Faith kissed his cheek and smiled softly as she looked at Michael.
"I have to admit...you two look pretty good together," Mike told them. "Not as good as me and Nicole, but..."
She chuckled. "Not that you're biased."
"We'll just let him keep tellin' himself that. We know the truth," Maurice whispered.
She turned her head to look at him, a smile on her face. Her eyes twinkled. She had a feeling they were going to have a long, happy marriage.
Written in March of 2004
Authors: NYPDBosco and X_tremeroswellian
Emails: mauriceboscorelli@yahoo.com and faithboscorelli1@yahoo.com
Rating: Most chapters will be of the general audience version.
Genre: AU
Main Characters: Faith, Maurice and Mikey
Summary: When Third Watch characters get mixed up with two fanfic authors who like to write Alternate Universe stories, the characters roles get mixed up and things tend to get turned...Upside Down.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
She wished she'd never turned her cell phone on that day, or that she had at least checked caller ID before answering. "Lieu, I really can't--"
"Faith, I know that you needed time with your family, but we're -really- hurtin' for officers. It'd just be this one shift."
She sighed, rubbing the back of her neck as she saw Maurice heading in her direction. "I'm sort of tied up at the moment."
"I've basically only got half a staff right now. I never woulda called you if it wasn't important."
His eyebrows furrowed as he walked up to her. "Who's that," he asked softly.
Faith covered the mouth piece of her phone. "My boss," she whispered.
"What's he want?"
"He wants me to come in. They're understaffed."
"You should go," he encouraged her.
Her eyebrows furrowed. "But..."
"I'll be fine," he assured her.
"Faith...you still there?"
She sighed, closed her eyes. "I'm here, Lieu."
"So can you come in," he asked softly. "I'll throw in a few extra vacation days for you."
"Okay, all right. I'll be there."
"Thanks, Faith. See you in roll call."
Maurice smiled softly as she hung up the phone. "So you caved, huh," he joked.
"Michael'll be shocked to see me." She managed a small smile though her enthusiasm for working a long eight-hour shift was nearly zero.
"Yeah. Definitely." He nodded his head. "So..." He glanced at his watch. "You probably gotta head over there now?"
Faith sighed. "I should, or I'll be late."
"Okay. I can make it home on my own if you give me enough money for the subway, and I wouldn't mind gettin' a soda from the vending machine," he told her softly.
"Are you sure? I can be late."
"I'll be fine. Besides, I gotta spread my wings sooner or later, right?"
A smile tugged at her lips and she pulled some money out of her purse. "I probably won't be home til around 11:30."
"That's fine. I got some homework to do anyway." He held up the binder with the worksheets his counselor had been giving him.
"Okay." She handed him the money, then kissed him softly.
He tucked the money in the pocket of his jeans as he returned the kiss. "Be careful," he whispered.
"Always," she whispered back. "I love you."
"Love you, too. I'll see you tonight."
Faith kissed him once more, touching his cheek lightly, then turned and headed down the corridor.
He stood there as he watched her walk away. Part of him was nervous to be on his own for the evening, but part of him was excited because it gave him a chance to prove himself. When Faith was no longer in sight he headed in the opposite direction.
* * *
He'd gotten a soda out of the vending machine at the end of the hallway before heading outside toward the subway station. He stood patiently at the street corner waiting for the walk signal when a familiar car stopped in front of him, and the passenger side window rolled down.
"Hey, man. 'Sup?" Marcus called, grinning.
Maurice looked around nervously before approaching the car. "Hey."
"Haven't seen you around for awhile...where you been, Maurice?"
"I uh..." He ran his hand through his hair as he leaned against the car. "I've been busy."
"Get in. I'll give you a ride."
He eyed up his friend for a moment before climbing into the car.
Marcus grinned again, and pressed his foot on the gas pedal as soon as Maurice was settled in the passenger seat.
He looked over at him. "I live in the other direction now. I kinda...moved."
"Oh yeah? Where to?"
He bit his lip for a moment, not wanting to tell him where Faith's apartment was because he knew he couldn't have anyone over. "Actually if you wanna just drop me off over by PS 150 I can just walk from there cause it's not too far."
Marcus raised his eyebrows. "You're living over on that side now?"
"Yeah. That's where my girlfriend--"
"Girlfriend? What happened to Lisa?"
"Oh, well she was just...Lisa and I weren't serious or anything."
"Yeah? You mind if I ask her out? Cause she's hot."
He gave his friend a look. "Feel free." He glanced out the passenger's side window. "You know I could really just walk from here if you wanna let me out. I could use the fresh air."
"Come on, Man. Barely seen you in weeks. Hang out with me for awhile."
Maurice glanced at his watch, and swallowed hard. "Well...I guess I've got some time."
"Yeah. See? Just like old times." He grinned.
He nodded slightly. "Yeah. Old times," he whispered.
* * *
Faith rubbed the back of her neck as she stepped into the only half-crowded locker room.
Mike closed his locker, and started to make his way around the metal structure as he headed for roll call a little early. His eyes widened slightly. "Faith?"
"Hey, Michael." She headed for her locker.
He looked around quickly, and then followed her. "What are you doin' here? What's goin' on?"
"Lieu called. Said he was short-staffed and begged me to come in."
"Where's Mo," he asked softly.
"He was gonna take the subway back to my place."
He ran his hand through his hair. "You think that's..." He shook his head. "He's capable...right?"
Faith nodded as she glanced at him. "Yeah. He's been doin' real good."
"Okay. I just get a little nervous, ya know?"
"I know," she said softly, opening her locker.
"We gonna check on him later?"
She hesitated a moment. "I don't know...I don't want him to think we don't trust him, you know?"
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "Guess we'll just have to go with the flow...see what we think later."
"Yeah. I'm gonna get dressed. See you in roll call?"
"Absolutely. Maybe I'll actually get a good partner today," he said lightly.
"Maybe?" She raised an eyebrow. "Better watch it, Michael."
He winked at her before leaving the room.
Faith smiled and shook her head as she started to get ready for the shift. Maybe working for the day wouldn't be so bad after all.
* * *
Maurice watched Marcus get out of the car, and head for the establishment on the corner. He got out of the vehicle as well, and looked up at the sign. "What are we doin' here?"
"Gettin' a drink. Playin' some pool." Marcus walked toward the door.
"Oh man," he whispered as he stared at the pool hall where he and his friends used to hang out. "Marc, I don't know, man."
"Come on. It'll be fun."
"I don't have any money."
He shrugged. "So what? You know Big Tony ain't gonna care. You're family."
He contemplated whether or not he should go in, but after a few moments of silent debate he figured he could handle this. "Okay, but I can't stay long. I gotta get home."
"Just one game. It won't take long." Marcus nodded and stepped into the bar.
"One game's all I need to kick your ass," he informed his friend as he followed him inside.
He chuckled. "Yeah. Right. We'll see."
Once they were inside it wasn't long before he had a bottle of beer in one hand, and a cigarette in the other. He hadn't said a word to anyone, and had only nodded at Big Tony but that had obviously been enough to get a waitress to come over with drinks and smokes for them as Marcus set up the pool table.
Marcus pulled a joint out of his shirt pocket and lit it, taking a hit. "Want one?"
"What?" He shook his head. "No. No, I'm good."
He shrugged and took another drag off the grass. "You can go first."
"Yeah. Okay." He took a swig of beer, surprised at how odd it tasted to him now, then set it on a nearby table. Picking up a cue stick, his cigarette between his lips he eyed up the pool table and took his shot.
"Nice break," Marcus said, nodding with approval as he grinned.
"Thanks." He looked at his friend. "You sure you should be smoking that in here...out in the open like that?"
"Tony don't mind." He lined up his pool stick and took his shot, managing only to hit the cue ball against the side of the table, leaving the others in their original position.
"Right," he mumbled. He took aim and sunk the nine ball in the corner pocket. "So um...is uh, weed the only thing you're smokin' these days," he asked curiously.
"Hey, I ain't that old, Maurice." He grinned.
"So uh...what else ya got," he asked, his voice a mere whisper.
"Depends on what you want."
"No, I...well..." He ran his hand through his hair, and bit his lip. The urge to take something was nearly overwhelming.
"I got X. And I got some rocks in the car."
He rubbed his forehead. "I don't have any money."
"Hey, you're a friend."
Maurice took another shot, and missed. He moved over to the table and picked up his beer. "Is it good stuff," he asked before taking a long drink.
"Ain't it always?"
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "It always was."
"So what's your poison?"
"Let's uh...let's go check out that stuff in your car."
* * *
Marcus slid into the driver's seat of his car and reached underneath his seat, removing a large plastic baggie and holding it up for Maurice to see. "Stash one."
Swallowing hard he took the bag in his hands. "You mean there's more?"
"Isn't there always?"
He let out a shaky breath, his eyes focused on the colorful pills and powders.
"Check out the glove compartment."
Setting the first bag in his lap he leaned forward, and pressed the button to open the glove compartment. His eyes widened. "That's a lot of..." He turned to look at Marcus. "You dealin' now?"
"Took over your old route," he replied.
"Business must be good," he whispered.
"Very." Marcus started the car, a grin on his face.
"What are you doin'," he asked nervously.
"I got a delivery to make."
"No." He shook his head quickly as Marcus pulled out of his parking space. "Let me out."
"What?" Marcus glanced over at him, his eyebrows furrowed. "I thought you'd wanna see Tina."
Maurice quickly shut the glove compartment. "No. I can't. I gotta get back home."
"Come on, Maurice. She's been dyin' to see you since you dropped the route."
He stared down at the bag of drugs that were resting in his lap. His heart beating quickly. His body screaming out for just a taste. He nervously played with the necklace that was around his neck. "Look...I don't...I don't do this stuff anymore." He picked up the bag and tossed it into Marcus's lap.
"Whatever man." He put the car in gear and pulled onto the street.
"Just...just let me out. I can't do this."
"Relax. It'll only take a few minutes." Marcus' eyes were bloodshot.
"I'm serious, man."
"I'll take you home when I'm done. It's only a few blocks."
He ran his hands through his hair. "I gave it all up Marcus. I can't...I can't risk doin' this."
"Why would you give it up?" He shook his head.
"Because I wanna live! Cause I want a life!"
"You're crazy man. This is good shit." He turned his eyes away from the road to look at Maurice.
"Yeah? Well so's havin' a girlfriend, and..." He turned his head to look out the windshield. "Look out!"
Marcus turned his head to gaze at the road, slamming on the brakes as a truck headed straight for them.
His eyes were wide with fear, and he reached out to brace himself for the collision.
* * *
He glanced over at Faith from the passenger's seat. "It's nice havin' you back for a day. I feel spoiled."
She grinned. "As you should."
Mike chuckled softly then shifted in his seat when his cell phone rang. "I bet it's Nicole," he grinned before answering the phone.
"No X-rated conversations while I'm in the car, all right?" Faith smiled.
His smile widened slightly. "Boscorelli...Yes, Maurice is my brother." Mike's eyebrows furrowed, and he glanced over at Faith.
She quickly glanced over at him, a worried look on her face.
"Whoa. He what? When?"
"What's goin' on?"
"Yeah...Yeah, I understand...I'm on my way." Swallowing hard he hung up the phone, and stared at it for a moment.
"Michael. What's going on?"
He slowly turned to look at her. "We uh...we gotta go to Mercy," he whispered. "Maurice was in some kind of accident."
"What?" There was alarm in her eyes. "Is he all right?"
"I'm not really sure," he told her softly. "They said he was conscious long enough to ask for me, but..."
Swallowing hard, she reached out and flipped on the sirens, pressing her foot down on the gas pedal.
* * *
Mike quickly climbed out of the RMP when it came to a screeching halt in the ambulance bay. It was only a matter of a few seconds before Faith was by his side and they were racing into the ER. "I thought he was taking the subway."
"That's what he told me." Her voice was shaky as she led the way to the nurse's station.
"Proctor," Mike called the nurse's name as they approached. "What's goin' on?"
Mary turned around. "Thank God you're here, Mike." She shook her head and sighed. "Your brother is impossible."
"Is he all right?" Faith demanded.
"He's gonna be just fine," she assured them. "He's pretty banged up. From what the medics said his legs were pinned in so he had to be extracted from the vehicle." She looked at Mike. "Nasty cuts and bruises but the worst injury is a broken wrist. Very lucky. He's definitely your family though. Stubborn as all hell."
Tears prickled at her eyes and she quickly shut them as she leaned against the counter, letting out a shaky breath.
"He woke up just after you were called, and he's definitely a handful. Anytime we get -near- him with something to help with the pain he refuses it, and demands to see you first." Proctor shook her head. "Gave us a hell of a time about the IV."
She rubbed the back of her neck. "And you're sure he's all right?"
"We've checked him over. He's fine."
Faith looked away.
"Where is he," Mike asked as he looked toward the exam rooms.
"Trauma 4," she told them softly.
Swallowing hard, Faith looked at the floor. "You should go."
He turned to look at her. "Come with me. He'll wanna see you."
"I think you should go in first." Her voice was barely a whisper.
Mike put his hand on her arm. "You okay?"
She nodded, biting down on her lower lip.
"I'll come get you in a minute," he told her softly. He turned to go see his brother.
"Oh, Mike," Proctor called. "You should probably know...the guy driving the car your brother was in...he didn't make it."
He ran his hand through his hair. "Oh...okay. Thanks."
Faith leaned against the nurse's station and closed her eyes tightly.
* * *
Hearing the door open Maurice grimaced as he shifted in the bed. "I told you I don't want anything," he said, assuming it was a nurse.
Mike stepped inside. "Mo?"
He quickly turned his head. "I had one beer, Michael. That's it. I swear."
He closed the door and moved over to his brother's bed. "How ya feelin'?"
His left hand was cradled against his body, an ice pack wrapped around it. "I swear, Mikey," he whispered.
Mike gazed at him. "I believe you."
"You do?"
"Yeah. I do. Now how are ya feelin'?"
He let out a breath as he relaxed back into the bed. "It hurts."
"What's this about you not takin' pain killers?"
"I couldn't. I didn't want you to think I was..." He paused. "Marcus was high. There were drugs in the car."
Mike sighed softly and sat down in the seat by the bed. "Don't worry. You're not gonna get in any trouble."
Shifting to try and get more comfortable he groaned. "You seen Faith today," he asked softly.
"Yeah. Yeah, she's outside."
"She pissed?"
"No. She's pretty freaked out though."
He bit his lip. "Can you get her?"
"Yeah." Mike nodded and stood up. "I'll be right back."
"Thanks, Mikey." He closed his eyes, and tried to relax.
He turned and headed for the door.
Faith sat in a chair in the waiting room, her face pale. She stared at the floor, her muscles tense. Nervous.
"Faith," he said her name softly as he approached.
She looked up, her eyes reflecting unspoken emotions.
"He's fine," he assured his partner as he stood in front of her. "He's hurtin', but he's all right."
She nodded, swallowing hard. "That's good," she whispered.
"He's asking for you."
Biting her lip, she closed her eyes and slowly stood up.
He placed his hand on her arm. "He had a beer," he told her very softly. "But the guy drivin' was high."
Faith opened her eyes to look at him and nodded silently.
"Faith...I think he's afraid to take the pain medication they've been trying to give him. What should we do?"
"I'll talk to him," she said softly.
"Okay. I'll give you two some time alone, all right? I'll call into the house."
"Thanks, Michael," she whispered.
"No problem." He smiled softly. "Just come get me if you need somethin'."
She started to turn and head away when she paused and slid her arms around his waist, rested her chin on his shoulder.
He wrapped his arms around her. "It's okay," he whispered. "He's all right."
"Thank God," she murmured, closing her eyes.
"You were right when you said he was doin' good," he told her softly. "He didn't do any drugs even though he had access. I'm willin' to let the beer thing slide."
Faith kissed his cheek. "I'm gonna go see him."
He nodded his head as he let her go. "Take your time."
She patted his arm before heading down the hallway, feeling nervous.
Maurice took a deep breath, and let it out slowly as he tried to relax his body. His wrist was throbbing despite the ice, and his legs hurt. He lifted his right hand, reaching for the necklace, his eyebrows furrowing when he realized it wasn't there.
Knocking softly on the door, she waited til she heard him say 'come in' before stepping inside the room.
Seeing her come in he tried to sit up a little straighter. "Hey."
"Hey," she whispered, lingering in the doorway, swallowing hard as her eyes swept over the IV hooked up to his hand, to the bruises and cuts on his head and arms.
"I'm sorry. I was gonna go straight home. I know I should've, but..."
"Shh. Don't." She hesitated a second longer, then crossed the room to where he lay in bed.
"I had a beer," he told her softly.
"I don't care," she whispered. Without another word, she leaned down and touched his cheek with one hand, kissing him softly.
His eyes drifted shut as he kissed her back. Relieved that she wasn't upset with him.
A single teardrop slid down her cheek and splashed onto his. "I love you," she murmured.
"I'm so sorry," he whispered.
"All that matters is you're okay." She kissed his forehead as she sat down on the edge of his bed.
He reached for her hand as he lay back down, closing his eyes.
She carefully slid her fingers through his, her gaze dropping to his other hand which was in a splint.
"What about...everyone else? Marcus?"
For a moment she couldn't speak. She'd assumed he already knew. "Maurice...I'm really sorry. Marcus...he didn't make it," she whispered.
"Oh God." He opened his eyes, and stared up at the ceiling.
"I'm sorry," she whispered again, giving his hand a gentle squeeze.
"I've uh...I've known Marcus a long time. He was..." He closed his eyes, and shook his head.
Faith touched his cheek, her eyes sad.
He shifted slightly, grimacing at the movement.
"Is there anything I can do?" she whispered.
"Can you take me home," he asked quietly.
"Maurice, I don't know," she murmured. "They may want you to spend the night."
He swallowed hard. "I don't really wanna spend the night here. I can't get comfortable."
"I'll see what I can do." She smoothed the hair off his forehead with a gentle hand, gazing at him.
Closing his eyes tight he moaned softly. "Mikey still here?"
"Yeah. He's out in the waiting room."
"Maybe you could have him call our mother? Maybe if I'm stuck here tonight she could stay with me until you get off work?"
"I can have him call your mom." She kissed his forehead. "But I'm not goin' anywhere."
"You can go back to work. I'm okay."
"I'm not leaving you."
He smiled softly. "Thanks."
She kissed his cheek lightly before brushing her lips against his.
Maurice returned the soft kiss. "The necklace," he murmured.
"What about it?" she asked softly.
"I know I had it earlier. Cause I was...I was playin' with it when I was deciding if I wanted to take a hit," he told her, his voice barely audible. "But..." He lifted his hand to his neck. "It's gone."
Faith kissed his forehead again. "It's okay," she whispered.
His eyes drifted shut. "It worked."
"I want you to take the pain pills," she said quietly.
"I can't," he whispered.
"You're in pain."
"I can handle it."
She traced her fingers along his jawbone. "At least take some Tylenol or somethin'," she whispered.
He moved his legs, and bit down hard on his lip as pain radiated through him. "Yeah, okay. We just...need to monitor it."
"We will. Together. I promise." Faith touched his stomach lightly.
Nodding his head he looked at her, his eyes tired. "Sorry if I scared you," he whispered.
"Shh. Just get some rest, Maurice. It's all gonna be all right," she murmured.
He closed his eyes. "Love you."
She kissed his forehead. "I love you, too."
Maurice held her hand tightly as he drifted off to sleep.
Faith watched over him as he slept, watching the rise and fall of his chest. And thanking God that he was still alive.
* * *
Maurice leaned heavily on the crutches that he'd been given by the doctor to help keep some weight off his legs as the swelling and bruises went down. He looked over at Faith as she unlocked her apartment door then pushed it open for him to enter. He gave her a small nod before hobbling inside.
She followed him in, quickly closing the door and locking it behind them. She watched as he maneuvered over to the sofa and she moved forward to take the crutches from him once he'd sat down. "I'll get you some ice."
"Thanks," he whispered. He lifted his legs onto the sofa, and closed his eyes tight, taking deep breaths as he waited for the pain to subside.
Faith hurried into the kitchen and fixed a makeshift icepack by putting ice in a ziploc bag. Then she carried it out to him. "Here you go."
Taking it from her he rested the icepack across his knees. "Can you uh...get something to prop my feet up with," he asked her softly, slightly embarrassed.
"Yeah, of course." She carefully tucked a few pillows under his feet and sat down on the edge of the sofa. "Better?"
"Mmmhmm." He rested his now casted hand on the back of the sofa. "This is much better than the hospital. Cuter nurse, too."
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "Are you hungry? Can I get ya anything else?"
"Right now..." He rested his hand on her leg. "I just wanna stare at you."
Her eyes softened as she gazed at him. "I'm all right with that."
He rubbed her leg gently. "I was thinkin' that this must really mean I was meant to have a second chance," he whispered.
"I believe that too," she whispered back.
"I survived for a reason."
She nodded, then kissed him softly.
Maurice lifted his hand to her cheek as he slowly deepened the kiss.
"I love you," she murmured against his lips.
"Love you, too," he whispered. Breaking away he did his best to scoot forward on the sofa, making room for her to sit behind him. He patted the sofa cushion.
She shifted into the place where he'd motioned her and carefully pulled his head down to rest on her lap so she was gazing down at him. She slid her fingers lightly through his hair. "Maurice?"
"Hmm?"
Faith was silent for a moment, slowly moving her fingertips across his cheek. "Marry me."
He blinked rapidly a few times. "W-what?"
"Not right now or anything." Her voice was soft. "But when we're ready." She slid her fingers over his jawbone. "I wanna spend my life with you."
There was a shocked expression on his face, but it quickly turned into a smile.
She smiled back faintly.
"As soon as I'm back on my feet...I'll get a job, and I'll buy you a ring."
Kissing his cheek lightly, she rested a hand against his chest. "I love you more than anything."
He covered her hand with his. "I never expected to have something like this."
"Me either," she admitted softly.
"My life got a whole lot better," he whispered.
Faith slid her fingers through his hair. "I'm so glad I met you."
"Too bad Mikey kept you a secret for so long," he told her lightly.
She smiled. "No kidding."
"We could be married with a couple kids by now," he joked.
She chuckled. "Well...hopefully that'll happen at some point." She kissed him lightly.
"You want kids," he asked seriously.
"Yeah. Do you?"
He nodded. "But not until I've been clean for awhile. Ya know?"
"I know." She leaned her forehead against his.
"I'm gonna be sober," he whispered. "And we're gonna have a family."
"I know that too." She kissed him again.
He smiled against her lips as he returned the kiss. Reaching up he tangled his fingers in her hair.
Faith touched his cheek as he deepened the kiss.
After a moment the kiss ended, and he gazed up at her, his eyes warm. "Thanks for bringing me home," he whispered.
Swallowing hard, she held his gaze. "Thanks for comin' home."
* * *
Epilogue
Maurice followed Faith into his mother's kitchen after Mike had let them in. His eyes widened at the spread of finger foods that were on the table, surrounding a homemade chocolate cake. He smiled as he saw the words 'Congrats Maurice' scrolled out in blue icing, and a large candle of the number one sticking out of the cake. "Ma, what's all this? I thought we were just comin' over for coffee."
Rose Boscorelli grinned at him. "Today's a special day."
"Yeah, bro. One year. It's a milestone, and calls for celebration."
Faith kissed his cheek.
He turned to Faith. "Did you know about this?"
"Guilty." She smiled, her eyes sparkling.
"I shoulda known." He wrapped his arms around her.
She hugged him back. "I'm so proud of you," she whispered in his ear.
"Couldn'ta done it without you." He kissed her softly before pulling away just slightly. "I couldn't have done this without all of you."
Mike grinned, and looked at his mother.
Rose smiled back at her youngest son, then at Maurice. She moved over and slipped her arms around him. "I always knew you could do it."
"Thanks, ma." He hugged her tightly, and kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry I didn't do it sooner."
"Shh. All that matters is you did it." She kissed his cheek, as well. "I love you, Maurice."
"Love you, too. Thanks for all this."
"You deserve it."
Faith rested her chin on Maurice's shoulder as she stood behind him, her arms wrapped around his waist.
He rested his arms on top of hers, and looked over at his brother.
Mike gave him a smile, and nodded his head.
Maurice took a deep breath. "So...seein' as I've been clean for a year now, and I've held a decent job for about eight months. I'm thinkin' it's time to take another step forward."
"What do you mean?" Rose asked curiously.
"Well...Faith and I have been talkin' about gettin' married for quite a while."
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
Faith smiled and kissed his cheek.
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "We've just been waitin' for the right time, and..." He turned his head to look at Faith. "I'm ready."
"That's wonderful!" Rose beamed.
Maurice smiled at his mother's reaction. "So I thought tonight might be a good night to talk about this since we're all here."
Mike grinned. "It's about time if you ask me."
He chuckled softly then grew serious. "Mikey?"
"Yeah?"
"Seein' as you're my little brother, and Faith's best friend...I was hopin' you'd be my best man."
His eyes widened slightly, a stunned expression on his face. "Seriously?"
"Yeah, Michael. I can't think of anyone else I'd rather have in my wedding."
"Wow...that's...yeah, of course. I'd be honored to be your best man."
"Good." He nodded his head. "I really owe you a lot," he told him softly.
Mike shook his head. "You don't owe me anything. You're my brother." His voice was quiet, serious.
"Yeah, and I'm finally gonna start actin' like it again."
"You been actin' like it for a long time." He held his hand out and when Maurice clasped it, he shook it and gave him a hug.
He hugged his brother tight. "I love you, Mikey," he whispered very softly.
"I love you, too, Mo." Mike looked over Maurice's shoulder at Faith, who was smiling softly.
He pulled away from his brother, and moved back over to Faith sliding his arms around her.
She hugged him back tightly, kissing his shoulder.
"Thank you for helpin' me get my life together."
"Thank you for givin' me a happy life," she whispered in his ear.
He kissed her softly then rested his forehead against hers. "So...who wants cake?"
"It's chocolate. Everyone wants cake," Rose said lightly.
Maurice chuckled softly before placing another kiss on Faith's lips. "I'll get the plates."
"I'll grab the forks," Mike chimed in.
Faith smiled as she gazed at him. "Love you," she mouthed, her eyes soft.
He smiled at her in return, and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I love you," he mouthed back.
Rose watched the interaction between them and smiled softly as she went to cut the cake.
He moved over to the cabinet to retrieve the plates. "Hey Mike. You should call Nicole. Invite her over."
Mike grinned. "You think so?"
"Well, she's basically family, right? She should be here."
Faith smiled. "He's right. Call her."
Maurice pointed toward the phone hanging on the wall. "She doesn't live that far away. We'll even wait for her."
"Thanks, Mo." He smiled and picked up the phone, dialing a number.
Setting the plates on the table he placed a kiss on his mother's cheek then moved back over to Faith. Standing behind her he pulled her close as he put his arms around her. "Whadda ya think? Mikey and Nicole gonna tie the knot soon?"
"Maybe we could plan a double wedding," she said lightly.
He chuckled. "Only if Nicole's folks are payin' for it all."
"Works for me." She paused, then tilted her head to the side. "Actually...I want you all to myself on our wedding day. They can find another day to get hitched."
"Yes." He kissed her shoulder. "Yes, they can."
She slid her arms on top of his, leaning back against him.
He watched as his brother hung up the phone. "She comin'?"
"Yeah, she's on her way."
"Perfect. Now all we gotta do is find ma a date."
Rose raised her eyebrows. "I think I can find my own date."
"Okay, so next time we all get together I'm countin' on you to have a nice gentleman to decorate your arm," he informed her.
"Done." She smiled at him.
"Good. Then just give us some time, and we'll supply ya with grandkids to baby-sit. We'll be that perfect family we were always hopin' for."
Rose looked around. "I think we're already pretty damn close."
"Yeah." He leaned his head against Faith's. "I'm likin' how we turned out."
Faith kissed his cheek and smiled softly as she looked at Michael.
"I have to admit...you two look pretty good together," Mike told them. "Not as good as me and Nicole, but..."
She chuckled. "Not that you're biased."
"We'll just let him keep tellin' himself that. We know the truth," Maurice whispered.
She turned her head to look at him, a smile on her face. Her eyes twinkled. She had a feeling they were going to have a long, happy marriage.