NYPD Blue Fanfiction

Vicki's Fanfic

MY BEAUTIFUL REWARD

Here is my version on an extended ending to Who’s Your Daddy. Enjoy.

After Theo was asleep, Andy began to pace the apartment. Jr. was very heavy on his mind. He had to do something. Even if it was to make sure he made it home safely. Andy dialed up Jr.’s cell, but got no response. He couldn’t wait any longer. Andy places a call.

John: Hello?

Andy: John?

John: Yes detective?

Andy: John…I’m not disturbing anything am I?

John: No, as a matter of fact Ray is out of town for the rest of the week. He’s visiting with his uncle in Ohio. I was just writing to my sister. Is everything ok?

Andy: John…I could use some help.

John: Sure…

Andy: I need to go out and find Jr. Do you think you could give me a few hours?

John: Absolutely.

Andy: Theo’s already down for the night and Michele is at Andrea’s.

John: Let me finish this email and I’ll be right there…give me fifteen minutes.

Andy: Thanks John.

Andy tries phoning Jr. a few more times while he waits for John. Still with no luck. This only added to his worry. John arrives fully prepared to spend the night.

John: I know these things can sometimes take a wile. I’ll bunk on the couch tonight…so don’t feel you need to rush back. On the odd chance Theo should wake up…should I tell him you were called away on a case?

Andy: Yeah…I don’t know how to thank you John…this is goin’ above and beyond the call.

John: It’s me who should be thanking you…I really do hate being by myself.

Andy: (As he’s walking out the door) If for some reason Connie should call…give her the same story. She don’t need to be worrin’ ‘bout this right now. If Jr. calls…just tell him to call my cell.

John: Right.

Andy has no idea as to where to begin to look for Jr. He had promised to call Andy, but he couldn’t sit and wait. Andy had to see him to know he would be alright. Driving around would give Andy time to think. A strange feeling of déjà vu had fallen over him as he started driving. Andy had learned his lesson with Danny. He would not have it revisited on Jr.

Andy: (To himself) I can’t let that happen again…I won’t. This poor kid can’t get a break. All he needs is to catch his breath for a minute…a soft place to land…to know he’s not alone.

Getting the feeling he’s been driving in circles, Andy decides to go to Jr.’s apartment and wait there for a while. He stops along the way to pick up a soda and some crackers. He parks at Jr.’s and begins his vigil.

Andy: (To himself) He’s gotta know…this isn’t his fault. And his father wasn’t his fault…well I guess he doesn’t Sipowicz…if he did he wouldn’t be bagnin’ his head against a wall. And you tellin’ him this isn’t his fault isn’t gonna make it better…I have no idea what I’m gonna say to him. What can you say? Nothing I guess…let him do the talkin’ for a change…you keep your big mouth shut for once and listen…don’t be barkin’ orders at him…just listen.

So lost in his thoughts Andy was, he hadn’t seen or heard Jr. sneak up beside him. The knock on the window startled Andy.

Jr.: (As Andy rolls down his window) How’d you ever make First Grade?

Andy: My good looks and personality. Where ya been?

Jr.: Walkin’

Andy: You ready to stop for a while?

Jr.: Yeah…I guess.

Andy: Wanna take a ride?

Jr.: Where to?

Andy: A ride…c’mon.

When Jr. gets into the car, he sees Andy’s little snack pile.

Jr.: (Pointing to the snacks) What’s up with that? Were you planing on an all nighter?

Andy: Somethin’ like that.

Jr.: Andy…you should be home with your family…not out chasin’ me down.

Andy: You are my family. Wasn’t that long ago…you were doin’ the same for me.

Jr.: That’s different…that’s

Andy: Bullshit…ain’t no different…you were lookin’ to protect me from myself. And I’m doin’ the same for you…as a partner…but mostly as family. A burden shared gets lighter. Don’t feel you have to carry this load by yourself. Talk to me if you want…talk to Connie…you’re too young to be this old John. I’ve seen it before…and I’m not gonna let it happen again. What your dad did…what the doc did…

Jr.: What? What? Go ‘head… wasn’t my fault? (Looking out his window) That’s big fuckin’ load off my mind.

Andy: Was wrong. Wrong of them not to fight…to not try. But most of all wrong to leave you here in the midst of all their pain. They left it here for you to deal with…they left you a bag of crap they didn’t want. They left you their pain…a pain I wouldn’t wish on anyone. They took the easy way out…how fuckin’ arrogant is that? Leavin’ all this shit behind for you to deal with. No matter how much you see it comin’…no matter how hard you try to stop it…sooner or later…they were gonna do it.

Jr.: (Still looking out his window) Andy? You know what? Just…jus…drop it. You have no idea…

Andy: You’re right…and I never will unless you tell me. (Stopping the car in the middle of the street) Nothin’ worse in this world than feelin’ helpless…not bein’ able to protect the ones you love. Sucks…doesn’t it? Look at me. (When Jr. does not respond) LOOK. AT. ME.

Jr. takes his time in turning to look at Andy. Looking at him with the glow of the streetlight casing a strange shadow on Andy’s face, it is clear to Jr. Andy knows exactly what he is talking about. As clear as any fresh, open wound, the pain of every past hurt is written on his face. He tries to hold back the pain and the tears, but instead breaks down, falling apart in Andy’s arms. Falling to him for only the security his arms can provide. The bond they share is so solid.

Andy: (Whispering to Jr.) You did your best…and sometimes…even that’s not good enough. You have to believe…you have to remember…its gonna get better. Until then…lean on me.

Jr.: (Through his tears) I…can’t…

Andy: You can…

Jr.: (Sobbing) Yeah…just what…you…need right…now…somethin’ else…to…to…worry ‘bout. I wanna be…strong…for them…for…for…me…for…you.

Andy: (Holding Jr.’s face, forcing him to look at him) You have to take care of you right now. Strength comes in time. Lean on me till then…(hugging him)

Andy holds him and lets him cry. Letting out the pain, fear and anger in the comfort of his strong arms. A silent prayer is said on Jr.’s behalf, to all of those Andy has loved and who have passed, that they will keep watch and keep him safe. As he sits and holds Jr. a patrol car pulls up behind Andy’s car. Jr. breaks their embrace, wiping his face with the back of his hand. An officer approaches the car and taps on the window.

Officer: (After Andy rolls down the window) You got car problems?

Andy: (Flashing his shield) Somethin’ like that…

Officer: Sorry…

Andy: We’ll be goin’ in a minute.

Officer: Right…take your time.

Andy takes a quick look over at Jr.

Andy: Better?

Jr.: Getting there. Whoa…where we goin’?

Andy: (Driving) We’ll see.

A short time later, they pull up at the hospital Connie is staying at. Andy “tin’s” his way in and they head to Connie’s room. She is sitting up, holding baby Matthew in her arms when she looks up and sees her two “big boy’s” standing in the doorway. Not having to ask what is wrong, because she can see it, but most of all she can feel it, she places Matthew beside her and opens her arms to them. Andy places his hand on Jr.’s back, nodding for him to go to Connie. He walks slowly to her bedside and gently sits beside her. Andy follows behind Jr. quietly picking up his new son. Connie cups the side of Jr.’s face, gently pulling him to her. She kisses his forehead and lets him rest his head on her shoulder. She sits petting his head and his tears begin all over again. This time they are tears of thanks for having her and Andy in his life. For knowing they will always be there for him, but mostly for the knowledge that he will always be apart of their lives. He is home.

Andy stands back, holding Matthew in his arms, taking in all that is going on around him. Proud as any man has ever been. Honored to call this woman his wife. Pleased he could offer some comfort to a friend. Elated to be holding a miracle in his arms. Quietly, Andy takes a seat beside her bed as a silent tear falls down his cheek.

Andy: (To himself looking down at Matthew) It’s the end of a very long day little one and your daddy is tired. Seein’ you mom…holdin’ you…gives me strength. Knowin’…at the end of a day…there’s this to come home to…is a beautiful thing.

(Andy offers his finger to Matthew, who latches on tightly. Andy looks up at Connie and Jr. then back to Matthew.) My beautiful reward.