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xtremeroswelliaTitle: Angels of Christmas Eve
Authors: NYPDBosco & Xtremeroswellian
Rating: Safe for all ages
NOTE: This story was written as if Emily Yokas died from her drug overdose.
Manny let out a breath as he closed the door to his apartment and tossed his keys on the counter. He walked into the living room, stopping at the crucifix that was hanging on the wall and making the sign of the cross before settling on the sofa. Glancing at his watch he noticed that it was nearly Christmas morning and he sighed. He'd had big plans for this Christmas, but they were dashed rather suddenly a few months back.
"I was wondering when you were comin' home."
He nearly fell off the sofa. The voice startling him. Turning to see her standing there he quickly stood up, alarmed.
"Relax, Manny." Maritza Cruz smiled faintly from where she stood by his window.
"But...you...how?"
"Just visiting. It's Christmas. Apparently there are rules."
"And you're following them," he chuckled.
"Well, things are a little different up there." She shrugged, smiling.
"Things are different down here too," he whispered.
"I know." She moved and sat down on the sofa.
He looked down at her then slowly sat beside her. "So you're like...really here?" Hesitating he reached out to touch her leg.
Cruz gazed at him, nodding a little. "Not for long, but I thought I'd drop in."
Manny nodded slightly. "So you get to visit on Christmas?"
"One person each year."
"Wow. So you picked me?" He smiled at her. "It's good to see you."
"Likewise." She paused. "Thanks for the flowers."
He blushed slightly. "You know about that?"
"Well I see you when you're sleeping, I know when you're awake..." She rolled her eyes. "Yeah that was bad."
A smile lit up his face and he chuckled.
Cruz smiled and then reached out and touched his cheek.
Swallowing hard he closed his eyes for a moment then slowly opened them. "I miss you."
"You gotta move on, Manny." Her voice was quiet.
"I just...I think about you all the time. You and me, we were gonna beat the leukemia. We were gonna be happy."
She looked into his eyes. "You can still be happy. You just gotta let go."
He sighed softly. "You aren't gonna be mad?"
A smile tugged at her lips. "I'll be mad if you don't."
"You're still bossin' me around, huh?"
"Hey, some things never change. You know you wouldn't have it any other way."
"You're right about that." He gazed at her for a moment. "How long can you stay?"
"Not long," she told him.
"Are you sure I'm not dreamin'?"
"You're not," Cruz said, brushing a kiss against his cheek.
"I was kinda hopin' I'd get a real kiss," he told her quietly.
Her gaze lowered to his lips and she nodded a little, before leaning forward and gently pressing her lips against his.
Returning the soft kiss he lifted a hand to her cheek, after letting his lips linger for a moment he rested his forehead against hers. "We woulda been good together."
She slowly stood up, holding his gaze. "Goodbye, Manny."
"I wish you didn't have to go."
"Trust me, it's better this way. You gotta move on."
Pressing his lips together he nodded. "I'll never forget you."
"You better not." Cruz winked. And then she was gone.
Manny stared after her for a moment, wondering if any of this had been real, but he could tell from the lingering tingle on his lips that Cruz had indeed been there. And that she'd always be in his heart.
* * *
Kim Doherty sat curled up in a recliner in the living room, cradling her infant son in her arms as the fire burned in the fireplace. She gazed at it, her eyes flickering briefly to the clock. Any minute now...
"He'll be here, right?" Jimmy asked from the doorway, hoping that Bobby showed up again this year as he'd hate to see Kim disappointed.
"He'll be here," she said without hesitation.
"Good," he replied with a smile as he moved into the living room and kissed both his wife and son.
"Where is he? Where's my namesake?" Bobby questioned as he appeared out of nowhere.
A smile spread across Kim's face and she stood up. "Right here."
"Look at that beautiful little boy," he whispered as he made his way over to Kim, immediately kissing her cheek in greeting.
She smiled, kissing his cheek in return and slowly handing him her son.
"Oh look at you," he murmured to the baby. "Kim he's...perfect."
"I know," she whispered, her eyes shining. She glanced over at Jimmy and held her hand out to him.
Jimmy immediately put his hand in hers and joined them. "I do good work, huh," he joked as he patted Bobby's shoulder.
"Okay, let's think immaculate conception here, okay?" Bobby teased.
Kim chuckled lightly as her son opened his eyes and looked up at Bobby.
"So this is what a little Bobby looks like, huh?" He kissed the baby's forehead.
Little Bobby cooed, a smile forming on his face. He waved a little hand in the air.
"He recognizes his guardian angel," Kim whispered.
Jimmy put his arm around Kim as they watched Bobby with their child. "You'da been a great father, Bobby."
"I like to think so." He sat down on the sofa with the baby, and cradled him against his chest. "So you guys have all been good, right? You seem happy from my viewpoint."
"We are," Kim told him softly, resting her head against Jimmy's shoulder.
"And Joey? He likes havin' a little brother?"
"He can't wait til Bobby gets older and he can boss him around," she said with a chuckle.
"That's my boy," Jimmy commented.
Bobby gazed at the two of them. "I'm happy for you."
"We miss you." Kim gazed at him.
"I miss you, too, but I think if I'd been around...none of this woulda happened."
Her eyes were sad and she sighed softly, knowing he was right.
"I know it was hard, but I think it was worth it," he told her softly.
She glanced at her husband, kissed his cheek, then looked back at Bobby. "Everything's okay with you?"
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "All is good up there."
"Of course it is." She couldn't help but smile.
He smiled at her as well then kissed the baby once more before handing him back to Kim. "It's almost time for me to head out."
She took her son in her arms, cradling him against her chest. "Same time, same place next year?"
"I wouldn't miss it." He nodded his head then leaned in to kiss Kim's cheek before shaking Jimmy's hand. "Take care of each other."
"We will," she whispered.
Gazing at them he smiled softly. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Bobby." She watched as he slowly disappeared.
Jimmy gently touched Little Bobby's head then kissed Kim softly. "Merry Christmas," he whispered.
She kissed him back. It was, indeed.
***
Emily had a grin plastered on her face as she appeared in her mother's living room. "Merry Christmas."
Faith didn't hesitate before hugging her daughter tightly. "Merry Christmas, baby."
She wrapped her arms around her mom, hugging her just as tight. "How are you?"
"I'm good. I miss you."
"I miss you, too, but it's good to see you happy."
"Thanks to you," Faith said softly, pulling away to look at her.
"Well I can't take all the credit," she chuckled.
She smiled. "No, but you gave me a push in the right direction."
Emily plopped down on the sofa. "Well I was worried you wouldn't take matters into your own hands."
Faith sat down beside her, keeping an arm around her. "You were probably right about that."
"So you two are really happy, huh?" She rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"Yeah. We love each other," she murmured.
Her eyes widened and she pulled back a little to look at her mother. "You mean, he's -said- it?"
"You didn't know?" There was surprise in her voice.
"Well I try not to listen to everything, ya know? You need some privacy."
She smiled a little and nodded. "Right. Yeah, he said it."
"When? Tell me everything."
Faith told her daughter about the night just a few weeks ago when Bosco had told her he loved her. About how it was the first snowfall of the season, of how they'd spent the night cuddled in front of the fireplace just talking.
"Aww. That's so sweet." Emily smiled at her mother, resting her head on her shoulder again. "I think you guys are closer now cause of you helpin' him through everything this year."
"It's been a long year," she admitted.
"Yeah, but look how well he's doing, and it's all gonna be worth it in the end. I know it."
"Yeah?" Faith glanced at her.
There was a sparkle in Emily's eyes and she nodded. "Yup."
She smiled and rested her head on her daughter's.
Emily reached for her mother's hand and laced their fingers together. "You're an amazing person, mom," she whispered.
"No, I'm not," she whispered back, shaking her head a little and squeezing her daughter's hand.
"Yes. You are. I know these things."
"You're biased." She smiled.
"So?"
"I love you, Emmy."
"Love you, too," she murmured. "Tell Bosco I said hello."
"It's that time already, huh?"
"Unfortunately." She sat up and kissed her mother's cheek. "You gonna go see him tonight?"
"Yeah." Faith hugged her tightly. "Next year?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she whispered.
"Me either." Faith kissed her cheek. "Merry Christmas, Em."
"Merry Christmas, mom," she whispered.
She swallowed hard, her eyes tearing up as Emily disappeared. But they were happy tears.
* * *
Mikey turned to face his mom and brother as he stood by his mother's Christmas tree. "Hey."
"Mikey." Bosco pushed himself out of the recliner and moved to his brother's side, wrapping his arms around him.
"Hey, Mo." He hugged his brother back just as tightly, closing his eyes.
"You look good, bro." He touched his brother's cheek for a moment.
Mikey couldn't help but grin. "Some things never change."
Bosco chuckled and turned to look at his mother who looked a little shell shocked. "Ma, it's okay," he told her softly.
Rose slowly approached, quickly wrapping her arms around her youngest son. "Michael," she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
"Hey, Ma." Mikey kissed her cheek.
It was a sad, yet happy moment for the three of them. Bosco had tried to explain the happenings of Christmas Eve to his mother. He'd told her about seeing Mikey, about angels returning to Earth to visit their loved ones once a year. At the time her immediate thought was that he'd taken a few too many pain killers, but as the months went on he continued to tell his mother about his little brother's visit. And when Faith got in on the conversation one day explaining about Emily he could tell Rose had started to believe. But tonight she was getting to see for herself.
She sniffled, pulling away to look at him. "Maurice has been telling me you'd come, but..."
"I know, Ma. It's a little hard to take in." He glanced at Bosco. "A lot of people we know are gettin' visits tonight."
Bosco nodded his head. "It sorta brings a little peace to everyone." He met his brother's gaze. "You doin' okay up there?"
He nodded quickly, smiling. "A lotta great people up there. Bobby Caffey's kinda like...everyone's caretaker."
"That doesn't surprise me. How's Em? You two still gettin' along?"
He nodded again. "Yeah. She's cool, you know?"
Rose gazed at him. "Is this really the only night you can visit?"
He looked at her, kissed her cheek. "Every Christmas Eve, Ma."
"You can talk to him whenever you want though," Bosco told her softly. "I bet he'd stop whatever he's doin' to listen."
"Of course. I always do."
Rose blinked back tears. "We miss you so much."
Bosco nodded his head. "I think about you all the time, Mikey."
He smiled at them. "Well I can always hear you. I'm happy for you and Faith, Mo."
"Thanks. I think that...me and Faith might have a future together."
Mikey nodded. "You definitely do."
"Maybe I can finally have some grandchildren," Rose said pointedly.
He chuckled softly. "I'll talk to Faith about that."
He grinned, then glanced at the clock. "I gotta get goin'. And...Mo? You need to get home."
His eyebrows furrowed. "I do?"
Mikey nodded. "You got another visitor on the way."
Smiling softly he nodded his head. "I'll see you next Christmas," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around his little brother.
Mikey hugged him back tightly. "Take it easy, Bro." He moved to hug his mom. "Bye, Ma. Next year."
Rose closed her eyes, hugging him back and not wanting to let go. "We love you, Mikey."
"I know. I've always known." Mikey pulled away slowly, gazing at both of them, and slowly fading away. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Bosco murmured as he wrapped an arm around his mother.
Rose sniffled a little as he disappeared. Then she leaned her head against her oldest son's.
"You gonna be okay?"
She smiled a little, wiping her eyes. "Of course. You should go home. You heard your brother."
"I'd ask you to come to my place, but...I got a feeling Faith might be spending the night," he told her softly.
"Get to working on those grandbabies and I won't mind." Her voice was light.
He chuckled softly. "Ma, you're terrible."
Rose smiled. "But you love me anyway."
"Yes. I do." He kissed his mother's forehead. "How 'bout I come pick you up around eleven tomorrow and you, me and Faith'll have lunch?"
"That sounds good. Merry Christmas, Maurice. Tell Faith I said hello."
"I will. Goodnight, ma."
* * *
Faith was leaning against the wall outside of Bosco's apartment when he came down the hall. Her eyes were soft and she offered him a smile. "Hey, Boz."
"Hey. I was hopin' to get here before you."
"I just got here," she assured him.
"Well that's good." He rested his hand on her hip and leaned in to kiss her softly.
She returned the soft kiss, then waited as he unlocked his apartment door. "How's Mikey?" she asked softly.
He smiled. "Doing really good. And Em?"
"She is too." She followed him inside, flipping on a light.
Bosco tossed his jacket and stocking cap on the recliner and once she did the same he reached for her hand.
She slid her fingers through his.
He pulled her close, kissing her once more before leading her over to sit on the sofa with him. "Ma handled seeing Mikey pretty well."
"That's good." She rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.
With his arm around her shoulders he rested his head against hers. "I'm really glad you came over tonight."
"It's a good Christmas this year," she murmured.
"Yeah." He nodded slightly. "Yeah it is and...I was hopin'..."
"What?"
"That you might wanna spend the night," he whispered.
A smile touched Faith's lips. "I'd like that."
"You and me...we're pretty solid, huh?" He lightly ran a finger along her thigh.
"Like concrete."
He grinned. "So we got a pretty strong future ahead of us."
She smiled, as well. "We've had a good past to build on."
Bosco shifted and reached into his pocket, pulling out a key which he held up for her to see.
She lifted her head off his shoulder and gazed at the key for a moment. "Really?"
"And it's not just for emergencies," he whispered.
Faith kissed him softly. "Merry Christmas."
"I love you," he whispered against her lips.
"I love you too," she whispered back.
"So my mother thinks grandkids would be good," he told her with a smile.
She chuckled faintly and rested her forehead against his.
When Faith took the key from him and slipped it into her pocket he let out a soft sigh of relief.
"I think it's just gonna get better from here," she whispered.
He kissed her softly as he wrapped both arms around her. He couldn't agree more.
Authors: NYPDBosco & Xtremeroswellian
Rating: Safe for all ages
NOTE: This story was written as if Emily Yokas died from her drug overdose.
Manny let out a breath as he closed the door to his apartment and tossed his keys on the counter. He walked into the living room, stopping at the crucifix that was hanging on the wall and making the sign of the cross before settling on the sofa. Glancing at his watch he noticed that it was nearly Christmas morning and he sighed. He'd had big plans for this Christmas, but they were dashed rather suddenly a few months back.
"I was wondering when you were comin' home."
He nearly fell off the sofa. The voice startling him. Turning to see her standing there he quickly stood up, alarmed.
"Relax, Manny." Maritza Cruz smiled faintly from where she stood by his window.
"But...you...how?"
"Just visiting. It's Christmas. Apparently there are rules."
"And you're following them," he chuckled.
"Well, things are a little different up there." She shrugged, smiling.
"Things are different down here too," he whispered.
"I know." She moved and sat down on the sofa.
He looked down at her then slowly sat beside her. "So you're like...really here?" Hesitating he reached out to touch her leg.
Cruz gazed at him, nodding a little. "Not for long, but I thought I'd drop in."
Manny nodded slightly. "So you get to visit on Christmas?"
"One person each year."
"Wow. So you picked me?" He smiled at her. "It's good to see you."
"Likewise." She paused. "Thanks for the flowers."
He blushed slightly. "You know about that?"
"Well I see you when you're sleeping, I know when you're awake..." She rolled her eyes. "Yeah that was bad."
A smile lit up his face and he chuckled.
Cruz smiled and then reached out and touched his cheek.
Swallowing hard he closed his eyes for a moment then slowly opened them. "I miss you."
"You gotta move on, Manny." Her voice was quiet.
"I just...I think about you all the time. You and me, we were gonna beat the leukemia. We were gonna be happy."
She looked into his eyes. "You can still be happy. You just gotta let go."
He sighed softly. "You aren't gonna be mad?"
A smile tugged at her lips. "I'll be mad if you don't."
"You're still bossin' me around, huh?"
"Hey, some things never change. You know you wouldn't have it any other way."
"You're right about that." He gazed at her for a moment. "How long can you stay?"
"Not long," she told him.
"Are you sure I'm not dreamin'?"
"You're not," Cruz said, brushing a kiss against his cheek.
"I was kinda hopin' I'd get a real kiss," he told her quietly.
Her gaze lowered to his lips and she nodded a little, before leaning forward and gently pressing her lips against his.
Returning the soft kiss he lifted a hand to her cheek, after letting his lips linger for a moment he rested his forehead against hers. "We woulda been good together."
She slowly stood up, holding his gaze. "Goodbye, Manny."
"I wish you didn't have to go."
"Trust me, it's better this way. You gotta move on."
Pressing his lips together he nodded. "I'll never forget you."
"You better not." Cruz winked. And then she was gone.
Manny stared after her for a moment, wondering if any of this had been real, but he could tell from the lingering tingle on his lips that Cruz had indeed been there. And that she'd always be in his heart.
* * *
Kim Doherty sat curled up in a recliner in the living room, cradling her infant son in her arms as the fire burned in the fireplace. She gazed at it, her eyes flickering briefly to the clock. Any minute now...
"He'll be here, right?" Jimmy asked from the doorway, hoping that Bobby showed up again this year as he'd hate to see Kim disappointed.
"He'll be here," she said without hesitation.
"Good," he replied with a smile as he moved into the living room and kissed both his wife and son.
"Where is he? Where's my namesake?" Bobby questioned as he appeared out of nowhere.
A smile spread across Kim's face and she stood up. "Right here."
"Look at that beautiful little boy," he whispered as he made his way over to Kim, immediately kissing her cheek in greeting.
She smiled, kissing his cheek in return and slowly handing him her son.
"Oh look at you," he murmured to the baby. "Kim he's...perfect."
"I know," she whispered, her eyes shining. She glanced over at Jimmy and held her hand out to him.
Jimmy immediately put his hand in hers and joined them. "I do good work, huh," he joked as he patted Bobby's shoulder.
"Okay, let's think immaculate conception here, okay?" Bobby teased.
Kim chuckled lightly as her son opened his eyes and looked up at Bobby.
"So this is what a little Bobby looks like, huh?" He kissed the baby's forehead.
Little Bobby cooed, a smile forming on his face. He waved a little hand in the air.
"He recognizes his guardian angel," Kim whispered.
Jimmy put his arm around Kim as they watched Bobby with their child. "You'da been a great father, Bobby."
"I like to think so." He sat down on the sofa with the baby, and cradled him against his chest. "So you guys have all been good, right? You seem happy from my viewpoint."
"We are," Kim told him softly, resting her head against Jimmy's shoulder.
"And Joey? He likes havin' a little brother?"
"He can't wait til Bobby gets older and he can boss him around," she said with a chuckle.
"That's my boy," Jimmy commented.
Bobby gazed at the two of them. "I'm happy for you."
"We miss you." Kim gazed at him.
"I miss you, too, but I think if I'd been around...none of this woulda happened."
Her eyes were sad and she sighed softly, knowing he was right.
"I know it was hard, but I think it was worth it," he told her softly.
She glanced at her husband, kissed his cheek, then looked back at Bobby. "Everything's okay with you?"
"Yeah." He nodded his head. "All is good up there."
"Of course it is." She couldn't help but smile.
He smiled at her as well then kissed the baby once more before handing him back to Kim. "It's almost time for me to head out."
She took her son in her arms, cradling him against her chest. "Same time, same place next year?"
"I wouldn't miss it." He nodded his head then leaned in to kiss Kim's cheek before shaking Jimmy's hand. "Take care of each other."
"We will," she whispered.
Gazing at them he smiled softly. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas, Bobby." She watched as he slowly disappeared.
Jimmy gently touched Little Bobby's head then kissed Kim softly. "Merry Christmas," he whispered.
She kissed him back. It was, indeed.
***
Emily had a grin plastered on her face as she appeared in her mother's living room. "Merry Christmas."
Faith didn't hesitate before hugging her daughter tightly. "Merry Christmas, baby."
She wrapped her arms around her mom, hugging her just as tight. "How are you?"
"I'm good. I miss you."
"I miss you, too, but it's good to see you happy."
"Thanks to you," Faith said softly, pulling away to look at her.
"Well I can't take all the credit," she chuckled.
She smiled. "No, but you gave me a push in the right direction."
Emily plopped down on the sofa. "Well I was worried you wouldn't take matters into your own hands."
Faith sat down beside her, keeping an arm around her. "You were probably right about that."
"So you two are really happy, huh?" She rested her head on her mother's shoulder.
"Yeah. We love each other," she murmured.
Her eyes widened and she pulled back a little to look at her mother. "You mean, he's -said- it?"
"You didn't know?" There was surprise in her voice.
"Well I try not to listen to everything, ya know? You need some privacy."
She smiled a little and nodded. "Right. Yeah, he said it."
"When? Tell me everything."
Faith told her daughter about the night just a few weeks ago when Bosco had told her he loved her. About how it was the first snowfall of the season, of how they'd spent the night cuddled in front of the fireplace just talking.
"Aww. That's so sweet." Emily smiled at her mother, resting her head on her shoulder again. "I think you guys are closer now cause of you helpin' him through everything this year."
"It's been a long year," she admitted.
"Yeah, but look how well he's doing, and it's all gonna be worth it in the end. I know it."
"Yeah?" Faith glanced at her.
There was a sparkle in Emily's eyes and she nodded. "Yup."
She smiled and rested her head on her daughter's.
Emily reached for her mother's hand and laced their fingers together. "You're an amazing person, mom," she whispered.
"No, I'm not," she whispered back, shaking her head a little and squeezing her daughter's hand.
"Yes. You are. I know these things."
"You're biased." She smiled.
"So?"
"I love you, Emmy."
"Love you, too," she murmured. "Tell Bosco I said hello."
"It's that time already, huh?"
"Unfortunately." She sat up and kissed her mother's cheek. "You gonna go see him tonight?"
"Yeah." Faith hugged her tightly. "Next year?"
"I wouldn't miss it for the world," she whispered.
"Me either." Faith kissed her cheek. "Merry Christmas, Em."
"Merry Christmas, mom," she whispered.
She swallowed hard, her eyes tearing up as Emily disappeared. But they were happy tears.
* * *
Mikey turned to face his mom and brother as he stood by his mother's Christmas tree. "Hey."
"Mikey." Bosco pushed himself out of the recliner and moved to his brother's side, wrapping his arms around him.
"Hey, Mo." He hugged his brother back just as tightly, closing his eyes.
"You look good, bro." He touched his brother's cheek for a moment.
Mikey couldn't help but grin. "Some things never change."
Bosco chuckled and turned to look at his mother who looked a little shell shocked. "Ma, it's okay," he told her softly.
Rose slowly approached, quickly wrapping her arms around her youngest son. "Michael," she whispered, her eyes filling with tears.
"Hey, Ma." Mikey kissed her cheek.
It was a sad, yet happy moment for the three of them. Bosco had tried to explain the happenings of Christmas Eve to his mother. He'd told her about seeing Mikey, about angels returning to Earth to visit their loved ones once a year. At the time her immediate thought was that he'd taken a few too many pain killers, but as the months went on he continued to tell his mother about his little brother's visit. And when Faith got in on the conversation one day explaining about Emily he could tell Rose had started to believe. But tonight she was getting to see for herself.
She sniffled, pulling away to look at him. "Maurice has been telling me you'd come, but..."
"I know, Ma. It's a little hard to take in." He glanced at Bosco. "A lot of people we know are gettin' visits tonight."
Bosco nodded his head. "It sorta brings a little peace to everyone." He met his brother's gaze. "You doin' okay up there?"
He nodded quickly, smiling. "A lotta great people up there. Bobby Caffey's kinda like...everyone's caretaker."
"That doesn't surprise me. How's Em? You two still gettin' along?"
He nodded again. "Yeah. She's cool, you know?"
Rose gazed at him. "Is this really the only night you can visit?"
He looked at her, kissed her cheek. "Every Christmas Eve, Ma."
"You can talk to him whenever you want though," Bosco told her softly. "I bet he'd stop whatever he's doin' to listen."
"Of course. I always do."
Rose blinked back tears. "We miss you so much."
Bosco nodded his head. "I think about you all the time, Mikey."
He smiled at them. "Well I can always hear you. I'm happy for you and Faith, Mo."
"Thanks. I think that...me and Faith might have a future together."
Mikey nodded. "You definitely do."
"Maybe I can finally have some grandchildren," Rose said pointedly.
He chuckled softly. "I'll talk to Faith about that."
He grinned, then glanced at the clock. "I gotta get goin'. And...Mo? You need to get home."
His eyebrows furrowed. "I do?"
Mikey nodded. "You got another visitor on the way."
Smiling softly he nodded his head. "I'll see you next Christmas," he whispered as he wrapped his arms around his little brother.
Mikey hugged him back tightly. "Take it easy, Bro." He moved to hug his mom. "Bye, Ma. Next year."
Rose closed her eyes, hugging him back and not wanting to let go. "We love you, Mikey."
"I know. I've always known." Mikey pulled away slowly, gazing at both of them, and slowly fading away. "Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas," Bosco murmured as he wrapped an arm around his mother.
Rose sniffled a little as he disappeared. Then she leaned her head against her oldest son's.
"You gonna be okay?"
She smiled a little, wiping her eyes. "Of course. You should go home. You heard your brother."
"I'd ask you to come to my place, but...I got a feeling Faith might be spending the night," he told her softly.
"Get to working on those grandbabies and I won't mind." Her voice was light.
He chuckled softly. "Ma, you're terrible."
Rose smiled. "But you love me anyway."
"Yes. I do." He kissed his mother's forehead. "How 'bout I come pick you up around eleven tomorrow and you, me and Faith'll have lunch?"
"That sounds good. Merry Christmas, Maurice. Tell Faith I said hello."
"I will. Goodnight, ma."
* * *
Faith was leaning against the wall outside of Bosco's apartment when he came down the hall. Her eyes were soft and she offered him a smile. "Hey, Boz."
"Hey. I was hopin' to get here before you."
"I just got here," she assured him.
"Well that's good." He rested his hand on her hip and leaned in to kiss her softly.
She returned the soft kiss, then waited as he unlocked his apartment door. "How's Mikey?" she asked softly.
He smiled. "Doing really good. And Em?"
"She is too." She followed him inside, flipping on a light.
Bosco tossed his jacket and stocking cap on the recliner and once she did the same he reached for her hand.
She slid her fingers through his.
He pulled her close, kissing her once more before leading her over to sit on the sofa with him. "Ma handled seeing Mikey pretty well."
"That's good." She rested her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes.
With his arm around her shoulders he rested his head against hers. "I'm really glad you came over tonight."
"It's a good Christmas this year," she murmured.
"Yeah." He nodded slightly. "Yeah it is and...I was hopin'..."
"What?"
"That you might wanna spend the night," he whispered.
A smile touched Faith's lips. "I'd like that."
"You and me...we're pretty solid, huh?" He lightly ran a finger along her thigh.
"Like concrete."
He grinned. "So we got a pretty strong future ahead of us."
She smiled, as well. "We've had a good past to build on."
Bosco shifted and reached into his pocket, pulling out a key which he held up for her to see.
She lifted her head off his shoulder and gazed at the key for a moment. "Really?"
"And it's not just for emergencies," he whispered.
Faith kissed him softly. "Merry Christmas."
"I love you," he whispered against her lips.
"I love you too," she whispered back.
"So my mother thinks grandkids would be good," he told her with a smile.
She chuckled faintly and rested her forehead against his.
When Faith took the key from him and slipped it into her pocket he let out a soft sigh of relief.
"I think it's just gonna get better from here," she whispered.
He kissed her softly as he wrapped both arms around her. He couldn't agree more.
