NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Rita's Fanfic

 

 

Dad’s right hand

 

 

 

Friday night, Mac’s Bar…

 

 

The entire squad is gathered for a farewell drink in Connie’s honor. Her maternity leave has officially begun and this was her last day of work. After a long week everyone is looking forward to the weekend and this was a good way to start it off. Even Lt. Rodriguez showed up for a drink. He and Rita had dinner plans and he was happy to meet up with the gang.

 

TONY: (As he insisted everyone call him now) This is nice, thanks for including me. I’ve missed seeing you all.

 

GREG: So Lew, uhh Tony, how’s civilian life?

 

TONY: Not bad Greg, I’ve had to make a lot of adjustments but all in all, not bad.

 

JR.: Well you look like you’re fitting in pretty well.

 

TONY: Yep, slowly but surely. So Connie, how much longer before you give birth?

 

CONNIE: Just over 4 weeks. I can’t believe how fast the time has flown.

 

TONY: (Smiling) I can’t believe how big you’ve gotten since the last time I saw you. That’s one big boy you’ve got there.

 

CONNIE: (Laughing) Big and very active.

 

RITA: (Rubbing her belly) It’ll all be worth it. It’s going to be funny not seeing you everyday partner, you’re actually abandoning me.

 

CONNIE: I told you before not to let them bully you. (Seeing Tony stroking Rita’s thigh) Besides, I think you’ve got all the company you need.

 

RITA: (Blushing when she realizes what Connie has noticed) Yeah. (Leaning in towards Connie as Tony is distracted) I’ve wanted to talk to you about this but things have been pretty crazy.

 

CONNIE: I’m not upset Rita I’m happy for you, so how’s it going?

RITA: (Smiling) Good, real good Connie. Sometimes it scares me. You know what I mean?

 

CONNIE: (Quickly looking at Andy then back at Rita) I know exactly what you mean. One day at a time Rita, one day at a time. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be worth it, trust me it’ll all be worth it.

 

RITA: I want what you and Andy have Connie, that special connection. I know this sounds weird especially since we’ve only been dating for a couple of months but he makes me feel… I don’t know… alive. (Embarrassed) You probably think I’m crazy. I mean last year I couldn’t get over John and now here I am head over heels for Tony. Go ahead, tell me I’m nuts. 

 

CONNIE: (Grabbing Rita’s hand) Rita who am I to tell you you’re crazy? When I first started falling for Andy all the reasons why I shouldn’t were staring me right in the face. Thankfully, I ignored them all and here I am today, happier than I’ve ever been in my life and enjoying every minute of it. If it feels right to you then go for it, or don’t and live the rest of your life wondering what could have been.

 

RITA: (Leaning over to hug Connie) Thanks. You’re absolutely right and seeing how happy you are tells me that you know what you’re doing. I’m not going to mess this up by thinking too much. I’ll just let things happen. Right?

 

CONNIE: Yep.

 

RITA: So you sure you guys don’t need any help moving this weekend? We don’t have any plans and we’d love to help.

 

CONNIE: We’ve got it all taken care of. Andy and Theo have been moving all the smaller stuff up since we signed the lease last week and the movers are taking all the big stuff up tomorrow. Thanks for the offer though, once we get all settled in you two have to come over for dinner. Promise?

 

RITA: Of course, we’ll be hurt if we don’t get an invitation.

 

GREG: (Coming over to wish Connie well and say goodnight) Connie, I’m heading out now I’ve got a date and I don’t want to be late. You take care and don’t worry about Andy at work we’ll keep him in line.

 

CONNIE: Thanks Greg, have fun on your date. Is it anyone we know?

 

GREG: Actually it’s Karen. She was able to get a sitter for the kids so we’re going on our first solo date. Things have been going good, anyways I gotta get going or I’ll be late and Karen will have my ass on a platter. See you Connie, Rita, good night.

 

RITA: Night Greg, see you Monday!

 

CONNIE: Good night Greg!

 

RITA: Its nice seeing Greg socializing and happy.

 

CONNIE: It sure is, and Karen is one very special lady. They both deserve to be happy.

 

 

Several hours later back at the Sipowicz home…

 

Andy pays the sitter and after securing the apartment for the night they go in to check on the kids. Michelle is fast asleep and tucked in nice and tight while Theo is sitting up in bed reading his Harry Potter book. He looks up as they walk in and smiles.

 

THEO: (In a loud whisper) Hi Mom and Dad. Be quiet ‘cuz Chelle just fell asleep. How come you guys got home so late?

 

CONNIE: We went out with some of the gang after work and we just lost track of time, sorry about that Sweetie. (Kissing his forehead as she sits by his side) Chelle huh? When did that start?

 

THEO: (Smiling) I don’t know it’s just easier to say sometimes.

 

ANDY: Did you guys have fun with Amy? She said you were both very well behaved and she liked you a lot.

 

THEO: She made us special Pita sandwiches with meatballs for dinner and then we played games. Me and Michelle liked her. Can she sit for us again sometime?

 

ANDY: Sure. Now you better get to bed, tomorrow is going to be pretty busy so we all need our rest. (Leaning down to kiss Theo) Good night Buddy.

 

THEO: Good night Dad, night Mom.

 

CONNIE: Good night Sweetheart. I love you.

 

They sit with him until he falls asleep then they tuck both kids in one more time and head to their room.

 

CONNIE: It’s barely 9 and I’m beat.

 

ANDY: Well you are carrying a full load there. (Pointing to her belly) I’m surprised you kept working this long.

 

CONNIE: It hasn’t been so bad, except for my back aching and me tiring out so quickly it’s been kinda fun.

 

ANDY: (Hugging her) I’m glad. Now I wasn’t kidding when I told Theo we needed to get some rest, tomorrow is going to be a full day. (Kissing her forehead) Did you call Andrea about watching Michelle tomorrow? I asked Amy if she’d be available just in case.

 

CONNIE: Andrea will pick her up at 8 and keep her as long as we need her to so we won’t have her underfoot during the big move.

 

ANDY: Good. (Undressing) I’m pretty sure we should be all moved by the late afternoon and having our first dinner in our new home.

 

CONNIE: (Heading to the bathroom) Sounds good to me.

 

Andy climbs into bed and thumbs through a magazine as he waits for Connie to join him. About 5 minutes later Connie emerges from the bathroom. He watches her go through her nightly rituals and smiles when she catches him staring.

 

CONNIE: What’s up?

 

ANDY: Nothing, I just love watching you is all.

 

CONNIE: (Smiling) Okay. (She climbs in under the covers and cuddles into his side) You can watch me all you want.

 

ANDY: Good to know. (Reaching over to shut off the light before settling back with her in his arms) Comfortable?

 

CONNIE: Very.

 

 

The next morning, after Andrea leaves with Michelle, the work begins. Andy guides the moving crew while Theo and Connie set up in the new apartment to unpack boxes and put things away. By mid-afternoon they are able to take a light lunch break of soup and sandwiches. The bedrooms were pretty much complete and the crew informed Andy that if he allowed them to keep working, they should be fully moved by early evening. Andrea calls to check on their progress and offers to keep Michelle overnight so they could finish in peace. At 7:30 the last hinge had been replaced on the front door and the Sipowicz family was officially ‘moved.’

 

ANDY: (Inspecting the door hinges before closing it, he turns and looks at Connie and Theo) Okay we are moved. Enjoy this place gang because this is it, I’m not moving anymore.

 

CONNIE: (Hugging Theo and smiling) Works for me. I can’t believe it Andy we are actually here. Look at all this extra room we have now.

 

THEO: It’s great! Michelle will love it!

 

ANDY: Yep, it’s more room for her to chase you around in. How do you like your new room Sport?

 

THEO: It’s all right but why did you put Michelle’s bed in the other room? Aren’t we going to share anymore?

 

CONNIE: No Sweetheart. You each get your own room ‘til the baby gets bigger then we’ll move the crib into Michelle’s room.

 

THEO: (Looking worried) I don’t mind sharing Mom, besides Michelle might get scared, she’s not used to having a room all by herself and she’s still little. We should move her bed to my room until she’s a little bigger or until the baby’s bigger and can move in with her. Okay?

 

CONNIE: (Looking at Andy with tears in her eyes) Okay Sweetie, that sounds okay to us as long as you’re sure it’s all right with you.

 

THEO: I’m sure. (Walking towards Michelle’s room) Come on Dad you need to help me.

 

ANDY: (Walking up to Connie and kissing her cheek) Coming Buddy. (To Connie) Well I guess that’s that huh?

 

CONNIE: Andy he’s so sweet, watching out for his little sister. That son of ours never ceases to amaze me.

 

THEO: (Yelling) Dad are you coming?

 

ANDY: Be right there! (Pulling Connie with him) Let’s go Mom.

 

Connie watches as Theo and Andy move Michelle’s new childbed into Theo’s room. The crib had been set up in Andy and Connie’s bedroom all ready for the new baby so the three decide to make the baby’s room a temporary ‘family’ room. The computer is moved in along with a TV, a recliner and Theo’s video game set-up.

 

CONNIE: I like this guys I really like this.

 

ANDY: Not too bad. (Patting Theo’s back) Good idea Buddy.

 

THEO: Thanks, can we go get Michelle now Dad?

 

CONNIE: Sweetheart she’s going to spend the night at Andrea’s and we’ll pick her up in the morning.

 

THEO: But it’s our first night here. We can’t have our first night here without Michelle, it’s not right. Please Mom… Dad please go get her.

 

ANDY: (Seeing how upset Theo is) Okay Sport, okay, I’ll go get her. Just relax. (To Connie) Give Andrea a call and let her know I’m on my way. Theo you stay and keep Mom company.

 

THEO: Yes sir. Thanks Dad.

 

After Andy leaves Connie grabs Theo in for a tight hug and gives him a kiss.

 

THEO: (Looking at her curiously) You all right Mom?

 

CONNIE: You are a very good big brother Theo Sipowicz and I am very proud to be your mother. Michelle and Dumbledore are two very lucky kids to have you watching out for them.

 

THEO: (Embarrassed) Geez Mom I just wanted us all together, that’s all. It’s no big deal.

 

CONNIE: (Sitting in the recliner and pulling Theo onto her lap) It is a very big deal young man. You are looking out for your sister and making sure she’s not left out of things, especially family things. That shows me how much you care for her, and it makes me and Dad feel very proud.

 

THEO: It’s my job Mom. Dad told me that he needs me to make sure I always watch out for Michelle and you when he’s not around, and when the baby comes I’ll have to help with him too.

 

CONNIE: That’s good to know. But always remember that your Dad and I love you very much Theo and besides being a big brother you’re also a growing boy, so if you need some time for yourself you just say so and we’ll understand.

 

THEO: I know Mom, Dad told me all this stuff already. He wanted me to understand what my responsibility’s are. I’m Dad’s right hand Mom and I don’t want to let him or you down. Joey gets jealous ‘cuz he really wants brothers and sisters but his mom and dad won’t make him any. Joey said his mom wears a band-aid that makes her not have babies. How does a band-aid make her not have a baby Mom?

 

CONNIE: (Uncomfortably) I’m not sure Sweetie, having babies is a big responsibility and some parents only choose to have one, like Joey’s parents.

 

THEO: Joey says they can’t afford it. I guess you and Dad can huh Mom?

 

CONNIE: Well, we didn’t actually plan on having three kids but no matter what we’ll manage because we want and love all three of you very much.

 

THEO: Did you forget your band-aid Mom? Is that how you got the baby?

 

CONNIE: (Smiling) Not exactly… hey you know what, we better figure out what we’re going to have for dinner. I’m starving, how about you?

 

THEO: Yeah! Can we get Chinese? Michelle and me love the noodles. (Looking at Connie thoughtfully) Mom can Joey maybe be a big brother too for Michelle and the baby? He could help me take care of them that way he won’t be so sad about not having his own sister and brother.

 

CONNIE: (Hugging him) I think that would be a great idea! Michelle and the baby would be very lucky to have two big brothers. Come on let’s go order dinner before Dad and Michelle get home.

 

45 minutes later the Sipowicz family is complete in their new home. Michelle loves all the extra room she has to run around in and celebrates by chasing Theo through the apartment. Connie and Andy watch from the couch as the two play together, giving them a few more minutes of playtime before rounding them up for bed. Sitting side by side on the couch, Connie stretches out and lies with her head in Andy’s lap as he strokes her belly.

 

ANDY: (Playing with her hair) You must be exhausted after all the stuff we did today. Why don’t you go on in and get ready for bed while I see to these two.

 

CONNIE: (Entwining her fingers with his and smiling up at him) Yeah I am beat but I want to help tuck them into their new room. Andy I was so touched by Theo’s concern for Michelle tonight. That kid never ceases to amaze me. (Kissing the back of his hand) Just like his dad. You Sipowicz guys are always full of surprises.

 

ANDY: Just trying to keep you guessing is all. (More thoughtful) You know Connie, a big part of how good a kid he is, is because of you. You loving him the way you do and being the great mom you are for him and Michelle is why they are both as good as they are. You are a terrific mom and I’m so happy I didn’t mess this up and let you get away, which is what I probably would have done if you weren’t such a pushy broad. (Smiling but with tears in his voice) I don’t know what my life… and Theo’s would have been like if you had never come into it. You are the core of this family. Michelle and the baby… they are just more blessings to be thankful for.

 

CONNIE: (Reaching up to stroke Andy’s cheek as she clutches his hand to her heart) We are the core of this family Andy, you and me. Our kids are great because they have two parents who love them as much as they love each other. Always remember that Andy. Our kids are the way they are because of both of us. (Teasing) And if I was pushy it was only because I knew what a great life we could have together and I was having a hard time figuring out how to make you believe it too.

 

ANDY: Well all that pounding sure paid off for me.

 

Looking at his watch Andy decides the kids had gone way beyond their bedtime. Getting up while Connie relaxes he heads in to get the kids cleaned up. Connie comes in as they are tucked up snug in bed and says goodnight before heading in for the night. Within minutes they are out and Andy secures the apartment for the night.

 

Connie is lying in bed barely awake as he heads into the bathroom to change. Once he has changed, shaved and brushed his teeth he returns to their room. As he is about to climb into bed he hears crying from the kids room. Connie awakens as she hears the crying too and together they go to see what’s up. As they approach the kid’s room they hear Theo talking with Michelle. Quietly they watch from the doorway.

 

THEO: (Standing by Michelle’s new childbed) This is your new ‘big girl’ bed Chelle.

 

MICHELLE: (Pointing to Andy and Connie’s bedroom) Bed ‘eo.

 

THEO: No this is your bed, that’s the baby’s bed now. (Lifting her blanket and comforter for her to see) See? Here’s your blankie?

 

MICHELLE: (Still unhappy and teary eyed) No like ‘eo!

 

THEO: (Hugging her for comfort) Don’t cry Chelle, it’ll be okay, you’ll see. (Looking around he notices his sleeping bag by his closet. He goes to get it and unrolls it on the floor by Michelle’s bed) Okay you lay down now. (Tucking her in and taking advantage of her quiet curiosity) Now I’ll sleep here and hold your hand so you won’t be scared. (Settling into his bag with his pillow he grabs her hand and quietly talks to her) It’s going to be okay Michelle. I promise. I’ll take care of you ‘cuz I love you and that’s my job, you’ll be okay now. (Smiling as Theo sees Michelle’s eyes slowly closing… moments later he’s sound asleep too.)

 

CONNIE: (With tears in her eyes she looks up at Andy) I… I can’t get over how good he is with her Andy. (Wrapping her arms around him)

 

ANDY: (Pretty moved himself) Yeah.

 

Watching for a while Andy slowly walks in kissing each child gently and tucking them in again. Walking back to Connie he smiles.

 

CONNIE: Shouldn’t we wake Theo and have him get back into his bed?

 

ANDY: Nope. He takes his big brother role very seriously Connie, besides I think Michelle won’t have a hard time getting used to her new bed as long as he’s right by her side.

 

ANDY: (Wrapping his arm around her side he gently guides her to bed) I think we all need to get to bed it’s been a long day. Come on.

 

CONNIE: (Getting into bed she climbs onto Andy’s chest and places soft kisses on his lips) Theo is going to be a good man just like his dad.

 

ANDY: (Stroking Connie’s cheek) I hope he’s a better man than me Connie.

 

CONNIE: You are a good man Andy, why is that so hard for you to believe?

 

ANDY: (Rubbing her back and burying his face in her neck) Aww Connie… I don’t know… all’s I know for sure is that I’m doing good now and that’s because of you and the kids. You all make me want to be a better man. (Kissing her lips)

 

CONNIE: (Holding his head) You are a wonderful husband and father Andy, be sure of that. (Kissing him deeply before burying her head in his neck)

 

ANDY: Yes ma’am. (Sighing contentedly as he settles her more comfortably in his arms)

 

CONNIE: (Nibbling on his neck) I can’t imagine where I would be today if we’d never met… what I’d be doing… who I’d be with…

 

ANDY: (Teasing) Who knows Connie? If anything had happened differently you could be with that lawyer you dated once… remember him?

 

CONNIE: (Pinching his side) Not funny Andy. If you remember me telling you, I didn’t even stay long enough to eat dinner. And that was all your fault by the way.

 

ANDY: (Laughing) Yeah me and my irresistible charm. I’m surprised that my bad attitude didn’t drive you right into his arms.

 

CONNIE: Nope it was just your luck that I looked past your charm and hung on anyway. (Kissing him deeply, running her tongue through his lips)

 

ANDY: (Groaning as he ends the kiss) Connie, you need to get some sleep now. Besides, we shouldn’t be doing this so close to your due date. I don’t want to hurt you or the baby.

 

CONNIE: (Kissing his ear and licking down his neck) It’s all right Andy. I asked Dr. Hammond about making love and he said we could continue as long as it was comfortable. He said we could make love all the way up to my due date.

 

ANDY: (Looking at her with a frown) You actually asked him about us having relations?

 

CONNIE: Of course. What’s wrong with that?

 

ANDY: Geez Connie, he probably thinks I’m some sex-crazed psycho who can’t keep himself off his poor pregnant wife.

 

CONNIE: (Laughing) What? Andy you are unbelievable! He does not think that at all. (Teasing) Tell you what, Monday morning I’ll call him and tell him that I’m the sex-crazed psycho who can’t keep her hands off her poor unsuspecting husband. How’s that?

 

ANDY: Yeah, you would think this is funny. (Acting upset) Like he’s gonna believe you can’t keep your hands off me… he’s more likely to wonder what a beauty like you is doing with a beast like me.

 

CONNIE: Don’t matter what he thinks Andy. When the days over it’s your arms I fall asleep in, no one else’s. Right?

 

ANDY: Well, when you put it that way. (Licking at her lips teasing them open) I guess it’s all right then. (Sucking her upper lip between his he caresses her backside pulling her in as close as he can) I love you Connie.

 

CONNIE: I love you too. (Moaning as he deepens the kiss)

 

ANDY: (Smiling as she grumbles at him ending their kiss) How about this? Tonight we get some rest and tomorrow night, after a nice relaxing day, I’ll show you my sex-crazed side. Deal?

 

CONNIE: (Frustrated but seeing the determination in his eyes) Okay but we better get lots of rest because I’m expecting great things tomorrow night Sipowicz… great things.

 

Smiling Andy re-positions them until they are spooning. Stroking her belly and inhaling the scent of her hair he falls asleep to the sounds of her light snoring and the healthy movements of their little ‘miracle’ under his hand. His last thought before sleep overtakes him is… I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.