Title: Between Brothers…

Chapter 10 – The Bond Between Brothers

Faith finally let herself fall asleep in the uncomfortable chair by Bosco when he finally fell asleep, breathing softly and no signs of anymore attacks, at least for now. Dr. Miles told her that once the worse was over the mild ones would be okay for him to handle without being tied down. While he was asleep Dr. Miles gently untied the ankle and wrist restraints and covered Bosco with a warm blanket. Faith watched as Bosco's body instinctively curled into a ball and Dr. Miles said he would know if it was hurting him. The IV drip and the catheter had come out a few hours earlier. Finally her eyes closed and she too was fast asleep as the sun started to slow tiny slivers of light.

Bosco's mind continued to show him haunting images of his childhood and his abduction with Clyde and Burt. He felt himself muttering angrily in his sleep but when he found he was no longer tied down but able to turn onto his side and curl himself up he slept much better. A few hours later he slowly opened his tired baggy eyes to see Faith asleep in the chair in front of his bed and his brother standing by the window looking out.

"Mikey?" Bosco called out in a low, hoarse whisper.

Faith however heard his voice and was quick to wake herself out of her sleepy stupor. "Bosco?" She said in a mild panic. She looked from Bosco to Mikey and back to Bosco and knew everything was okay. "Well…" she said pushing herself up and rubbing her tired eyes. "I think I'm going to go home and get some real sleep," she said with a firm smile. She leaned forwards and hugged her partner. "Bosco I'm so glad you're okay," she said warmly.

"Thanks Faith," he managed softly. "I mean it…thanks for not giving up on me after what I said," he whispered in her ear.

"Never a doubt Bosco," she told him. "I know you'd do the same for me. I'm going to go home and get some rest but I'll be back in a few hours. Dr. Miles said your withdrawals will lessen but you'll still have them today."

"I know," Bosco said weakly. "But at least I can breathe on me own."

"You shouldn't be talking so much either," Faith said with a frown.

"I'm going to go back to sleep when you leave," he said with a soft smile. "I promise."

Faith gently kissed the top of his forehead and then walked up to Mikey. "How are you feeling?" She asked.

"I guess it's a good thing I have a thick head," he smirked. "But I'm okay."

"He needs to rest. Please don't get into an argument," Faith said in a soft but firm voice.

"I promise I'll only stay for five minutes," Mikey said firmly. Faith hugged him and then looked once more at Bosco. "Be back in a few hours."

"Bye," Bosco said hoarsely. He watched her leave and then turned his narrowed gaze at his brother. But he didn't say a word, only looked at him in anger and frustration.

"I'm sorry," Mikey said looking down. "I guess I let you down again huh."

"I'm sorry too," Bosco said sadly. Mikey walked closer and looked down at his tired looking brother.

"You look tired," Mikey mumbled.

"I am," Bosco said back. "I'm sorry for what I said before…about you being a loser and selfish and…" Bosco said looking away as he felt himself starting to choke up. "When I saw him hitting you…and then you go still…I was scared…and I'm sorry for what I said…you helped me when I needed it and…"

"Bosco it's okay," Mikey said gently touching his heaving chest as Bosco tried to tell him he was sorry. "Just rest your voice okay. It sounds really bad."

"Hurts too," Bosco frowned as he wiped some water from his eyes. "I'm sorry."

"Me too," Mikey said firmly. "But I'm glad you're alive and you're going to be okay."

"Yeah," Bosco smiled.

"Why not sleep and I'm going to read," Mikey said sitting down beside him and grabbing a magazine. Bosco rolled onto his side and watched his brother until he was unable to keep his eyes open any longer. Mikey looked up at Bosco who had finally fallen back asleep and frowned heavily. I'm sorry I let you down Bosco, he said inside. You risked everything for me and I still managed to screw things up. I have to make it up to you somehow, he said firmly. I have to show you what you did for me was not in vain.

********
"So how is he?" Fred asked when Faith finally walked through their door at home.

Faith looked up at Fred with a weary expression and frowned. "He's alive."

Fred looked back at her and frowned also. The anger that had been holding in towards Bosco for keeping Faith occupied all night long had somehow dissipated when he saw the look on her face. "So um…"

"Look Fred I was helping him throw up all night," Faith mumbled as she walked to the hall closet and took her jacket off. "He's in a bad way and I wasn't going to leave him with some strange nurse to help him through his hardest times. I'm his partner and friend."

"Yeah I know," Fred said slowly.

"I'm going to sleep," Faith said softly. She looked at Fred for a few more seconds before turning and heading for the bedroom and lying down on the bed. She lay on her side and stared blankly at the wall. She closed her eyes for a few seconds and all she could see was Bosco bound to the bed in a half-dead state. She remembered her words as he fought for his life and then the pain he must have felt as the withdrawals started. I can't even imagine how scared he was when he was taken again, she said inside. Not to be able to defend himself…forced drugs again…thinking I was dead…and as she started to think on those things she finally felt herself break down and have a good cry.

Fred heard her softly crying and walked into the bedroom. He walked around to the other side of the bed and lay down beside her, taking her in his arms and holding her while she just cried.

"Oh god Fred I almost lost him," she said between sobs. "He…I thought he was dead…"

"Shhh Faith," Fred said softly. "He's alive now."

"I almost lost him," Faith said again.

Fred felt a twinge of envy and jealousy but knew that to argue with her right now or show his dislike for the attention Bosco kept getting would only make things worse. Instead he held her and let her cry over her partner.

Faith cried until she had no strength left to draw sobs and then finally fell asleep with Fred still holding her. It would be several hours later before she would wake up and see Bosco again.

Clyde heard a different officer's voice at the end of the hallway and pressed his head as close to the bars as he could to see who was there. He looked at Sully talking to the warden and narrowed his eyes in anger. Cory would pay for all he did. Clyde waited for what seemed like an eternity before Sully left and the guard started to slowly walk down the hall, doing his rounds. The guard slowed in front of his cell with a smug smile on his face.

"Morning Ryan," Clyde said quickly.

"Mornin' Clyde," Ryan smiled back.

"Can I call my mother right now?" Clyde asked, trying to calm his nerves.

Officer Ryan looked at him with an amused expression. "So you can arrange another hit on a police officer?" He asked in amusement. "No…sorry…I don't think you'll be making any more phone calls."

Clyde looked at him in anger and rage and once again spoke before thinking. "You can't do that! I have my rights."

"Not in here you don't," Ryan laughed. "And if I were you I'd get used to the words State Pen, because that's where you're headed. Have a nice day," he said with a half laugh before he turned and walked back down the hall.

"Come back here!" Clyde yelled angrily. He heard some low laughter coming from Burt's cell and cursed heavily at his former friend. "If you think I'm going down alone for this, think again!"

"Oh I know you'll rat me out," Burt said picking himself up off his bed and slowly walking over to the cell bars and looking at Clyde. "However just remember which friends I have in the State Pen," Burt said confidently. "Yup if I were I'd be really worried."

Clyde looked at the expression on his face and knew Burt was right. If he so much as crossed Burt in anyway during their jail term his life would be over in a slow and painful way. He marched back to his bed and slammed is body down in a huff and tried to drown out Burt's evil laughter. He slammed his fist against the picture of Bosco on the wall yelling out, "damn you" so everyone could hear.

Sully headed into the hospital and up to Bosco's room a few hours after Faith left. He walked softly into his room and saw him on his side with his back to the door. Sully figured he was sleeping and turned to leave.

"Mikey?" Bosco called out softly, his back still to the door.

"No it's Sully," Sully said walking around in front of him.

"Hey man," Bosco said with a weak smile.

"Hey," Sully said back. He looked at the dark circles under Bosco's eyes and the haggard look on his face and knew this had really taken its toll on him. "How are you feeling?"

"Um okay I guess. Voice still hurts though," Bosco said softly. Sully looked down at Bosco's hands and frowned when he saw them trembling. "Yeah I have the shakes right now," Bosco said with a frown. "It'll pass."

"I know," Sully said firmly. "Well I have some good news for you," Sully said sitting down in a chair in front of Bosco.

"Yeah? What good news?" Bosco asked quickly, his voice still very raspy.

"Your friend a Cory Simpson sang like a bird. Told us how Clyde paid him…"

"Paid him? In jail?"

"Telephone banking," Sully laughed. "Can you believe it?"

"No," Bosco frowned.

"Anyways he said Clyde paid him to kidnap you and force you drugs. He also told us other things on Clyde and Burt that would help give him a lesser sentence."

"So they are all going away?"

"For a very long time," Sully assured him.

"Man thank goodness," Bosco said turning back on his back. He felt his stomach start to tighten again and knew he was going to have another mild attack. He slowly sat up as he started to cough and his chest started to heave.

"Bosco?" Sully asked quickly.

"Bag…" Bosco wheezed. "On the counter," he said as he felt his stomach wanting to throw up the little bit of breakfast he actually dared to eat.

Sully rushed back with the bag as Bosco threw up the small bits of food and liquid. The throwing up wasn't as bad this time and the dry heaves didn't continue as long as before. Bosco felt his lungs constrict a bit and his eyes water. But it quickly passed and he handed the bag back to Sully with slightly trembling hands. "Sorry," he said looking down, unable to make eye contact for fear Sully would think less.

"Bosco we've all been down and out in one way or another," Sully said as he took the bag to the garbage and dumped it in and then washed his hands. "I'm not going to think less of you because you barfed in front of me."

"You're not?" Bosco asked in a small voice as he slowly lifted his head to look up at him.

"I'm not," Sully said firmly.

"Thanks," Bosco said with a faint smile as he rested his semi-burning body back down on the bed. "How's Faith?" He asked quickly.

"I believe she's at home resting. I called to tell her about Cory but Fred said she was still asleep. She was worried you know," Sully said firmly.

"Yeah I know," Bosco frowned. "I was too. He um…he told me she was dead."

"Yeah I don't doubt it," Sully said sitting back down. But just as he sat back down Mikey walked into the room and looked at them.

"I can g…"

"No I was just leaving," Sully said quickly. "I just came here to tell you the good news about Cory and the gang," Sully said with a firm smile. "I'll bring Davis by later."

"Bye," Bosco said softly. "And thanks," he said firmly. "That's the best news I've heard all day."

Sully said bye to Mikey as Mikey continued on and sat down in the same chair Sully was in. He looked at Bosco with a sheepish face, not wanting to say anything because he wasn't sure if it would start an argument or not.

"The found evidence on Clyde and Burt and Cory…" Bosco started as he looked up at the ceiling. "So I guess you'll have to find a new employer," he finished with a hint of disdain.

Mikey winced at the tone in his brother's voice but knew he more than deserved it since it was he who got Bosco into this mess in the first place.

"You know I never…"

"Did you even think how I might be affected by all this? I mean seeing you so high and drugged out in the beginning? Did you even stop to wonder how I might feel?" Bosco asked, still not making eye contact with the person beside him.

"No…I um…" Mikey said looking down. "No I guess not," he huffed.

"Why do you do it?" Bosco asked softly. "I mean you like feeling like this?" Bosco asked as he finally turned his head and looked at his brother with an angry stare.

"Bosco I…"

"You like being strapped down to a bed like a common criminal white you piss and crap all over yourself and while someone stranger has to help you vomit?" Bosco half yelled.

"Bosco…" Mikey tried again.

"You like having your brain feel like it's been kicked like a million times and your heart race so fast you have one heart attack after another?" Bosco shouted. "Tell me Mikey, because I'm having a hard time understanding why you like it!"

"I'm leaving," Mikey said standing up.

Bosco quickly sat, felt the room start to spin and cursed the fact he sat up too fast. "Yeah run…" Bosco said with a sarcastic laugh. "That's what you always do…what you're best at. Run from your problems."

Mikey turned back to him in anger.

"The only problem is, genius," Bosco mocked, "your problems come with you. You can't just get rid of them by drugging yourself out for a few hours!"

"You don't understand," Mikey moaned as he neared his brother's hospital bed. "I was sick and…"

"You made yourself sick," Bosco quickly countered. "You could have quit any time and you know it!"

"I needed help," Mikey said looking down.

"Don't do that," Bosco said shaking his head. "Don't stand there and try to make me feel guilty for something that is not my fault!"

"All you did was yell at me when I was high and call me a loser!" Mikey spat back.

"Michael you were high," Bosco said sarcastically. "What was I supposed to call you, an angel?"

"You could have helped me," Mikey insisted.

"That's just it Mikey you want to get help first," Bosco quickly countered.

"Yeah like you would have asked for help if Faith hadn't forced you to go to rehab," Mikey threw back at him.

Bosco searched his brain for a comeback but knew his brothers words to be true. He had hid the first two times from her and told himself he could handle it and didn't need help.

"See…" Mikey stated.

"I was forced them Mikey…big difference," Bosco tried.

"You were still high Bosco. Did you ask her for help…"

"Yes as a matter of fact I did," Bosco stated as he recalled last time Cory gave him drugs outside and he asked for help when Faith came back from the pharmacy. "So stop trying to put your problems on me, as if getting hooked on drugs is somehow my fault," Bosco said firmly. "I made something with my life. I didn't piss it away feeling sorry for myself. You had the same chances as I. We both came from the same family upbringing and circumstances. Only I chose not to wallow in self pity like you did."

"Mom favored you over me," Mikey tried.

"She might now because I don't beg or steal money from her to keep my addiction going," Bosco said angrily.

"I never stole…"

"Don't even try that with me Mikey," Bosco warned. "How else did you pay for all your hits?" Bosco asked meanly.

"Are we going to argue every single time we see each other?" Mikey asked softly.

"We will until you acknowledge the fact that you screwed up!" Bosco spat.

"You want me to hear what a loser I think I am? You want to hear how I can't even look ma in the eye because I feel to ashamed for what she sees? You want to hear me say how sick I am to hear how much she praises you and wishes I wasn't born? You want to hear me say I'm sorry? The fine I'm sorry…I'm a loser…and I wish I wasn't born!" Mikey yelled before he turned and stormed out of the room.

"Damn it!" Bosco cursed as he hit the bed angrily. He knew he had to go after his brother and quickly tried to get himself out of bed. However as he tried to get out his foot got caught in the bed sheet and he stumbled forwards and landed on his stomach and face. Bosco cursed again as he tried to push himself up.

"Bosco?" Faith asked quickly as she walked into the room.

"Faith," Bosco said weakly as she helped him stand up.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

"Yeah," he huffed. "Mikey and I had a spat," he sighed as he just stood and stared past her to the empty door. "I should go after him."

"Why not let the two of you cool down for a bit," she said firmly. "If you go after him like this, the argument will be worse than the last time."

"You heard us arguing?" Bosco asked in surprise.

"The whole world heard you arguing," she said with a soft smile. She gently touched his forehead and frowned. "You're warm again."

"Yeah I threw up when Sully was here," he said wearily as he turned and headed back for his bed. But instead of getting on the bed, he walked past and stood by the window and stared out.

"What did Sully say?" Faith asked quickly.

"He said that Cory ratted out Clyde and Burt and all three are going away for a long time," Bosco said with a tired voice. "He…" he said with a cough that made him wince.

"Bosco you're using your voice too much," Faith said walking up to him. "You still sound pretty bad."

"I sound like the godfather," Bosco laughed.

"Yeah except he was getting paid to sound like that," Faith lightly teased.

"Ah it was that stupid argument," Bosco huffed as he tried to talk softer than he was. "We're both just too damn stubborn."
Faith looked at her partner and smiled. At least he finally admitted it, she said inside.

"I know what you're thinking," Bosco said softly with a smile, not looking at her, but keeping his gaze fixed outside.

"No you don't," Faith countered.

"You're thinking it's a good thing I admitted I'm stubborn," he smiled as he turned and looked at her.

"Are you psychic?" Faith smiled.

"Yup," Bosco boasted making her roll her eyes.

"How are you feeling today?" She asked in concern.

"Very tired," he sighed as he turned and headed back to bed. "Dr. Miles told me earlier that I would have the shakes today and a few more withdrawals. The vomiting will lessen as my stomach starts to heal again and my larynx will take some more time. But the shakes and sweats," he said looking down at his trembling hands. "Faith my hands…they um…"

"It's okay Bosco," Faith said walking up to him and gently touching his shaking hands. "It's part of the process."

"My hands have never shaken like this before," he said not looking up.

"Bosco you will get through this," Faith said firmly. "If anyone has the strength to do this, you do."

Bosco looked up at her and smiled faintly. "Thanks for helping me," he said with a slight huff. "I um…" he said as he started to cough a bit more.

"Bosco just go back to bed and rest okay?"

Bosco wheezed and gently nodded his head as he slowly walked back to the bed and lay down, still coughing and shaking, his brow lightly sweating. He lay on his back and covered himself with his blanket. "Do you think I have neglected my family?" He asked with a frown.

Faith looked up from her magazine in surprise. "What?"

"I mean you think the reason Mikey is a drug addict because I failed somewhere?" He asked softly, not realizing that Mikey was standing outside the door. Mikey had felt guilt set upon him and knew he had to make things right by going back and talking them over with Bosco. But as he neared the door and heard Bosco ask the question he knew he had to just wait.

"Bosco no one can make anyone else a drug addict," Faith stated.

"But that guy…I mean he forced me and…"

"Did you want them even after he gave them to you?" Faith asked softly.

"No," Bosco told her.

"Bosco no one forced your brother, he got himself addicted, willingly. It's sad but it's true. You're not to blame in anyway, just like you're not to blame for how your father treated you or your mother turning to the bottle for consolation," Faith said in a soft tone. "Bosco the only one you can control is yourself, that's it. Your brother is his own keeper. What's really bothering you?"

"Mikey said I don't care about him and that it's my fault he's addicted to drugs."

"Bosco…"

"Faith what if he's right? What if I did neglect him and…" Bosco said in a panic, working himself up into a heated sweat.

"Bosco please calm down," Faith said in a hushing tone. "You need to rest your throat."

"I know," he said sadly as he coughed some more. "I just feel bad."

"I know you do," she said with a soft smile, so do I. But there is nothing we can do except offer help. If he doesn't want it…"

"Why didn't I offer sooner?" Bosco moaned.

"Bosco I can't answer that for you," Faith said slowly. "Only you can. But whatever the case if your brother didn't want help no matter what you could have offered wouldn't have made a difference."

"I never really tried," Bosco said firmly. "I even had him arrested and…"

"Bosco you took him to re-hab. That's a start. He might not appreciate it right now but he might later."

"I just…" Bosco started only to quickly stop as he got into another coughing fit.

"Bosco please try to calm down," Faith said quickly.

Bosco just nodded his head as his eyes slightly watered and took some more water to sooth his dry and aching lungs. The water felt good and he flipped off the bedside light and looked at Faith with a sad face.

"Just rest," Faith said with a smile. "I'll be here when you wake up."

"Promise?" Bosco asked.

"Promise," she smiled.

Bosco turned onto his side and pulled the blanket tighter around him and closed his eyes. He still saw haunting images but they were starting to be less and less. He still had some pain and discomfort in his stomach and chest from the coughing and dry heaves but knew that was all part of the process. His hands still lightly trembled under the blanket and he wondered if he'd ever be able to do his job again.

Faith watched him fall asleep and sighed heavily. She knew he had so much on his mind and it was going to take it's toll on him if he didn't try to convince himself he wasn't to blame for everything that was wrong with his family and once again concentrate on all the things that gave him strength in his life. His job was the main thing but she also hoped their friendship played a key part in his being able to stay strong and true to his convictions.

Mikey leaned against the wall outside Bosco's room as he felt his eyes water and his heart sink. Bosco still blamed himself for all their families problems and he knew that wasn't right. He let his body sag to the floor as he felt himself starting to cry.

Faith looked up from her reading as she heard the soft sobs and quietly got up and walked to the doorway. She looked down at Mikey in sorrow and bent down beside him.

"He hates me doesn't he?" Mikey asked as Faith wrapped her arm around him.

Bosco, who hadn't fallen into a deep sleep heard Mikey's question and quickly opened his eyes.

"No Mikey he doesn't hate you," Faith told him. "He's upset and frustrated because he wants so much for everything to be right and normal for him and it's not."

"And I'm to blame," Mikey moaned.

"A lot of things are to blame Mikey, not just one," Faith explained in a soft voice. "Bosco cares for you and worries about you but because you won't seek help at times he's frustrated when things blow up and he's forced to finally see it."

"But it's because of me right?" Mikey insisted.

"Mikey you have to admit you didn't want help," Faith said.

"I was scared," Mikey said sadly. "Scared that Bosco would hate me, scared that ma would think I'm a failure, scared that I might not wake up…just scared."

"With good reason," Faith told him. "But Mikey now it's time to stop running away from your problems and turn and face them."

"I can't," Mikey admitted.

"Why not?" Faith asked with a frown.

"Because I just can't."

"That's the attitude that frustrates Bosco," Faith said firmly.

"He didn't ask for help," Mikey moaned.

"Bosco was forced drugs," Faith told him.

"But he didn't ask before…" Mikey said letting his voice run off. "If he…" he said in a sad sob. "If he had died…I mean Faith when the lights went out and it was so dark…I know he hates the dark, I know it…"

Bosco heard the torment in his brother's words and immediately felt his eyes start to water. And the more he listened the more tears started to flow and run down his face.

"It was so dark…I had my flashlight and I was okay…but Bosco…I know there is no light in that room…I had to get to him Faith…that was the only thing I knew at the time…getting to him to tell him it was okay…he hates the dark…"

"I know he does," Faith said softly.

"I had to get to him…and then the sound…the breaking glass…the guy…I heard his words…then I heard Bosco's mumbling…I knew he gagged him because he wasn't saying anything…I thought about him I the dark, being strapped to that chair…I was scared Faith…I was scared for him…" Mikey said weakly.

Oh man, Bosco said as he wiped some tears from his eyes.

"I had to help him…I…I didn't care what happened to me…I knew…I knew if he had more drugs he'd um…he'd have a heart…heart-attack and I couldn't let that happen…I had to get to him Faith…I had to."

"You helped him Mikey," Faith said giving him a gentle squeeze.

"No I didn't…that guy…he still took him…gave him more drugs…then he…I know he blames me…I know it…it is my fault…I um…I got started in the first place. You see what Bosco didn't believe in the beginning is that I took the job for Clyde to do some errands. And…"

"Errands!" Faith exclaimed as she looked at Mikey in surprise. "How did I forget? You delivered the C4 at Clyde's request."

"Yeah? So?" Mikey asked in confusion.

"So that will help him get a harsher sentence," Bosco's soft, hoarse voice said to them at he stood beside them and looked down with red watery eyes. "And you're right about the beginning Mikey. I didn't listen to your reasons. I didn't give you a chance to really tell me. All I saw was the drugs and…I know it's a weakness…a sickness…I know that now," Bosco said with a strained voice. "I know it."

Faith slowly stood up taking Mikey with her. "Let's go inside," she said softly. Faith looked at the expression on Bosco's face and knew both he and Mikey needed to work things out before either of them could find any peace. Bosco slowly walked back and stood by the edge of his bed and Mikey stood end of it, Faith in the middle.

"I'm going to call the Lieu," she said softly. "I'll be right back."

Bosco watched her leaving; knowing she knew they both needed some time to work things out between them as brothers. Bosco turned back to Mikey with a heavy frown upon his face. "So…" he started in a soft croak, his voice still raw and throbbing from his last coughing fit.

"So…" Mikey started back, both feeling the tension and strain between them.

Bosco looked down at his bandaged wrists and started to play with the edge of the gauze still wrapped around them. "I don't hate you," Bosco said softly, not lifting his eyes to meet his brother's.

"I know," Mikey said glumly. "Just seems that way."

"I'm upset because you've pissed your life away when you could have done so much more with it," Bosco said finally looking up with an angry stare. "That's what makes me upset Mikey. I had the same misfortunes as you but I chose to work past them. Why didn't you?"

Mikey looked at him with a blank stare and shrugged. "I um honestly don't know," Mikey said softly. "I try to think back to when my life went down the toilet but can't…"

"Didn't it bother you that a lot of your friends were actually going things with their lives and you were getting hooked on drugs?" Bosco asked firmly, his voice sore.

"Gee you sure know how to be sensitive don't you?" Mikey snapped.

"Mikey you know I don't know how to be all touchy-feely, I was never taught. I just tell things like I see them. You are…well as least until a few days ago…were always addicted to whatever you could get your hands on. You have to acknowledge that before you can start to move on."

"I will on one condition," Mikey told him firmly.

"You're giving me an ultimatum?" Bosco asked sharply.

"I think you were forced drugs more than just that one night and I think you didn't ask for help because no matter what you say you are just as stubborn as me!" Mikey stated firmly.

Bosco looked at him as a sad realization started to cross him and he finally nodded his head yes. "You're right," Bosco said weakly, a lump forming in his throat. "I was um attacked twice before and forced drugs…it was hell…I threw up on a prisoner…I passed out at work…but I still went home and made excuses for it," Bosco said looking away as his eyes started to water once again. "Faith asked and I lied to her…at first," he said turning back. "But I did tell her Mikey. That's the difference, I admitted I needed help. Hell I find you passed out on the park in front of everyone and you deny it. That's what I'm talking about. Even when the evidence is right in your face you still act like nothing's wrong, like nothing is your fault and I'm or anyone else is to blame but you!"

Mikey looked at him in misery. Bosco was right, like he always had been. No matter what, Mikey knew that he always denied he had a problem and always kept himself high so he wouldn't have to deal with the consequences of being high. "You're right," Mikey finally admitted. "I just…" he started and then stopped as he turned away from the direct stare of his older brother. "I just thought I could handle things on my own."

"Yeah well I thought that too," Bosco said firmly. "But we can't Mikey. Not when it comes to something that serious. We need help and there are good programs designed to help us when we do fall."

"I just don't want to hurt ma," Mikey said miserably.

"She's already hurt," Bosco said firmly. "By dad, by the past, by you. Hell you think she likes me being a cop when every time I see her she gives me the same old, 'Maurice you should have been a doctor speech?'" Bosco asked with a soft smile. "Ma is more hurt when she has to visit you in places like the because you're strung out and nearly got killed or nearly killed someone else."

"But I don't know what else to do," Mikey moaned.

"Ever thought of looking for a job for once?" Bosco asked in soft sarcasm. "That way you could actually get money, legally."

"Work? I have no skills," Mikey said looking back at him.

"Actually I think you do," Bosco said firmly. "I'll make you a deal. You promise to go straight and I'll get you a job."

Mikey looked at him with some scepticism. "What's the catch?"

"Catch is you stay of drugs and the rest of us live happily ever after," Bosco chimed before he broke in another tough coughing fit. He quickly grabbed a glass of water as he felt his eyes water and his lungs start to burn. He knew if he kept it up he'd be back on that medicated drip Dr. Miles had him on before. "What do you say?" Bosco managed weakly.

Mikey looked at him and knew he wasn't joking. He wasn't trying to set him up to fail but genuinely wanted to help. To refuse would be to turn his back on the only person who really wanted to help him. And he knew after everything they'd been through he just couldn't do that.

"I'll try it," Mikey said slowly.

"All or nothin' bro," Bosco said crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Okay fine I promise I'll go straight," Mikey huffed.

"Thank you," Bosco said with a wry smile.

"So what's the job?"

"I'll tell you when you start," Bosco said as he turned around and got back into bed, his body started to feel weary fatigue from all the talking and arguing he had been doing.

"What?" Mikey tried to protest. "But…"

"AH…" Bosco said quickly. "Stop whining because I'm not going to tell you."

Mikey looked at the determined look on his face and knew what he was telling him was the truth. "Okay fine," he huffed

"Good," Bosco said softly. "Trust me Mikey to make money and do things honestly starts to feel pretty good after awhile. And trust me without having your brain fried by drugs is the best feeling in the world."

"Thanks," Mikey said softly as Faith walked back into the room.

"Good timing," Bosco said with a wink.

"Naturally," she teased. "Everything okay?" She asked, not wanting to tell them she heard everything from outside.

"Everything is just fine," Bosco smiled past her and then his brother as Dr. Miles walked into the room. "Hey Doc," Bosco chimed before he started to cough again.

"I see someone has been doing more talking than they should," he said with a frown.

"Yeah it hurts Doc," Bosco wheezed.

"I'll put you back on the medicated drip for a few hours to sooth it. But during that time I want you to sleep…and only sleep!"

"Yes sir," Bosco teased as Dr. Miles quickly left the room and then returned a few minutes later with the apparatus Bosco really didn't like.

"If you have anything that really needs to be said, say it now," Dr. Miles told him firmly as he set the medication bag on its stand.

"Yeah," he said looking directly at Faith. "Thanks Faith," he said warmly. "I mean it. Thanks for everything."

"You would have done the same for me Bosco," she said softly. "And you're welcome."

"Okay now open wide," Dr. Miles said as he slowly inserted the tubing into Bosco's mouth and fixed the clamp to his cheek.

"I under if er oing to e…" Bosco tried to talk with the tube in his mouth making Faith, Mikey and even Dr. Miles start to lightly laugh.

"Oh Bosco," Dr. Miles sighed. "Why do I bother?"

Bosco lightly chuckled to himself as he started to feel the cooling liquid starting to slowly seep down his sore throat. In about 10 minutes the cooling sensations started to take the raw burning edge away and he could feel the discomfort actually leaving. A few minutes past that his eyes closed and he finally fell asleep, his body finally giving in to the fatigue fighting against him. Faith went back to reading her magazine and Mikey his book he had brought from upstairs. About an hour later Angela showed up and all three of them lightly talked while Bosco continued to stay fast asleep. When Angela and Mikey had gone to get something to eat Faith sat and watched her partner's body as he slept.

His forehead would deeply frown at times and he would move his head slightly from side to side. His chest would heave a bit more rapidly and then stop and his fists would ball up tightly and then release. She knew the nightmares he was having now would continue for some time and wished more than anything for them to be gone now, gone for good.

Mikey had told her about the deal he made with Bosco and she prayed very hard that it would work. Bosco wanted more than anything for his brother to be off drugs but she knew he was frustrated and didn't know where to start. She had no idea what job he was talking about but would leave it in his hands for him to take care of. She knew he owed that to his brother and knew he'd make good on it. Bosco would never make a deal for nothing.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up and saw Sully and Davis walking into the room. Sully looked at Bosco with the tubing in his mouth and frowned. Faith gestured for them to follow her out of the room so that Bosco could sleep, he really needed his rest.

"That's to help his lungs heal," she told them.

"How is he?" Davis asked in concern.

"He's getting better as each hour passes," she said firmly.

"That's good news," Sully said firmly.

"You know I forgot about that C4 that Mikey was delivering for Clyde," Faith said in a panic.

"Not to worry," Sully said firmly. "We have evidence first hand of the bombs Mikey was forced to deliver and who made them."

"So when does sentencing happen?" Faith asked quickly.

"The DA is pressing for a quick trial so we'll see," Sully sighed. "But not to worry, they are all going away for a long time."

"That is good news indeed," Faith smiled.

"How are you feeling? You look tired," Sully said in concern.

"I will be fine when all this is cleared up and my partner and I are back on duty like it should be," she said with a firm nod of her head.

"Hear hear," Davis smiled.

Faith looked back in Bosco's room when she heard him stirring but thankfully he didn't wake up. "He really needs to sleep. I talk to the Lieu today and he said that Bosco will get a few days off and then he'll be back. He's also made an arrangement with Mikey and I know he'll want to clear things up before he goes back. But for now…" she said looking back at them. "For now he just needs to sleep."

"Well we better get back to the beat," Sully said with a smile. "Take care of him."

"Always do," Faith said warmly. "See you soon."

"You got it," Sully said firmly.

Faith watched them leave and then turned back and headed into Bosco's room to see him still sleeping. She smiled at him and then settled back in her chair to wait for him to wake up. About an hour later Mikey and Angela walked back into the room to find Bosco still sleeping on his back with the tubing in his mouth.

"How is he?" Angela asked in concern.

"He had about two small coughing fits, but no vomiting this time," Faith smiled. "I think the worst is over. He still has the shakes and sweats but Dr. Miles said he would for a few more days until his system was completely back to normal."

"How's he feeling?" Angela asked quickly.

"Very tired and a little hungry," Faith smiled.

"A wot…" Bosco started as he slowly opened his eyes. He pulled the tubing from his mouth only to have a few of the medicated drops drip down his face. Faith quickly jumped up and turned off the IV drip and took it from his hands.

"A lot better," Bosco said with a faint smile. "Hey ma."

"Maurice," Angela said walking up to him and hugging him as he sat up to greet her. "How are you baby?" She asked pushing some hair out of his face.

"Better now," he said firmly. "Nothing to worry about."

"Don't tell me nothing to worry about Maurice Boscorelli," his mother scolded. "If you had been a doctor…"

"For once let's not go there okay?" Bosco snapped.

"Fine," she said with a firm smile. "I just worry."

"I know ma, but I'm fine. Really," Bosco insisted softly.

"How's your throat?" Angela asked in concern.

"Still sore but the burning pains have gone and Dr. Miles said I should be able to yell again in about a week's time," he smiled.

"That's good," she said sarcastically.

"And what about the creeps that did this to you?" She asked with a frown.

"With all the evidence against them they'll be going away for a long time," Faith said with a smile.

"Well that is good news," Angela said with a frown. "Now who's hungry?"

"Man I'm starved," Bosco moaned.

"What are you allowed to eat?" Faith asked quickly.

"Allowed?" Bosco snorted. "I'm allowed t…" he started at Faith just looked at him like, 'yeah tell me more.'

"Um soup?" Bosco said sheepishly.

"Right," Faith smiled. "I'll get something for all of us and I'll be right back."

"Wait," Angela said giving Faith some money. "Here."

"Thanks," Faith said taking the money and leaving the room.

Angela turned and headed back to the bed where Bosco was now sitting up. She looked from her older son to her younger one with a frown and a heavy sigh. "This has been quite the adventure huh," she said directly.

"One I do not want to repeat ever again," Bosco said firmly as he turned and rested his eyes on Mikey.

"What?" Mikey asked quickly. "Why are you both looking at me like it's my fault?" He asked in defense.

"I wonder," Bosco said sarcastically.

"Maurice," Angela sighed.

"Sorry ma," Bosco said softly.

"I just hope you both learned a valuable lesson from all of this. That we need to stick together and help one another. Maurice it does no good to badger your brother because of the choices he's made. And Michael not accepting the fact that you need help is very dangerous."

"Yeah we know," Bosco huffed. "We already came to an…arrangement," Bosco told her.

"Well whatever it is I just hope you both stick to it," she said firmly.

"We intend do. Right Michael?" Bosco teased.

"Yeah right," Mikey said back.

By the time Faith got back the three of them were sitting around his bed talking and laughing together. Faith stood in the doorway and smiled. She knew it wouldn't last but for now it was exactly what her partner needed. Bosco looked up and made eye contact with her and smiled. Faith helped him once again, she didn't let him down. He had yelled at her and probably hurt her with his words but when Dr. Miles explained he was high and that she wasn't offended he felt a small measure of comfort settle upon him. She had been there to help him through the worst and he knew if she had given up his life would have ended. He gestured for her to come and join them and soon all four of them were lighting talking, laughing and eating.

The next few days for Bosco were spent taking some blood tests and doing exercise to help sweat the remaining toxins out of his system. By the time he was ready to go home, the shakes had stopped and his voice was ready for normal talking. He still couldn't yell or get real angry but as long as he was off the medication he was happy. Mikey, during that time had attended is rehab classes and although Faith wasn't sure if he'd continue with them for the moment it was working.

Bosco had gone back with Mikey to Philips and together they attended a session on the affects of drugs on the family arrangement. Mikey said he was surprised by how many younger kids than he was that were there. Bosco had asked Dr. Miles the first time he was in if Mikey could help in some way. Dr. Miles made an arrangement for Mikey to work part time in the physical education program for young kids coming off drug withdrawals. Bosco knew Mikey would be in a good position to help since he had first hand experience. Plus he figured it would be a good reminder to Mikey to stay dry. Would it work? Well only time would tell that. But as he and Faith drove away from Philips and watched his brother in the field with a small group of kids, he had a smile on his face and for the first time in his adult life actually felt a small amount of pride towards his brother.

"So are you nervous about your first day back?" Faith asked as they left roll-call and headed for their car.

"A little," Bosco sighed. "But still eager to get back to work. I was going nuts just sitting around doing nothing for the past week."

"Well you don't sound like you're trying out for the godfather any more," Faith teased.

"Too bad," Bosco laughed. "Cuz that voice I think turned the nurses on."

"Shesh," Faith said rolling her eyes. "Want me to drive?"

"Sure," Bosco said getting into the car. "That way I can use the horn to yell at all the losers."

Faith laughed at his facial expression and started the car. "So how's it going with Mikey?"

"Well we're actually having our first family dinner at the bar tonight," Bosco said with a frown. "It's going to be very strange."

"Yeah I guess," Faith said softly. "I'm very happy for you Bosco."

"Yeah it's kinda nice," he said looking at her with a smile. "Never thought it possible but it's nice."

"Sometimes people can surprise you," she said softly. "You just have to trust them."

"I know," he said as the radio cracked to life giving them their first call for the day. Bosco acknowledged the call and Faith flipped on the lights and started to speed away.

"There he is," Bosco said angrily as he grabbed the radio and started to yell at the perp on foot, frantically running away from them.

Faith looked at her partner and sighed. And sometimes people stay the same, she said inside. But despite everything she knew Bosco and Mikey would be okay. The bond between brothers, although at times was weak, could never be broken and they both knew it.

"This is where I get off!" Bosco said she slowed the car and he got out and started to chase him. Faith turned the corner and followed after her partner, radioing for backup. Things were definitely back to normal.

THE END!

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