NYPD Blue Fanfiction

BACKGROUND: Andy and Jr. have been working the past week on surveillance of a grocery distribution warehouse where large scale theft has been running rampant. Neither is adjusting well to the nighttime hours. Connie has been doing her best to keep their family unit going - getting Theo to school, Michelle to the sitters, Theo's art project, not to mention homework, laundry, cooking, etc. She's not complaining.....but, she's wearing down after a week of it combined with work and only passing Andy in the doorway as her day starts and his is coming to an end.

SCENE 1: Morning. Connie and Andy's apartment. Connie is preparing to take Theo to school, Michelle to the sitter and then head to the precinct. She's running late.

CONNIE: (hurriedly putting dirty breakfast dishes in the sink) Theo, you ready?

THEO: (from his room) No.

CONNIE: It's time to go. Let's pick up the pace here. OK? (she goes to get Michelle, the baby carrier and diaper bag).

THEO: (coming out of his room) Can you help me carry it?

CONNIE: Honey, I'd love to but I'm a bit weighted down here. (looking at Theo's art project - a scale model of a Revolutionary War fort made from construction paper and popsicle sticks on a large board) How about if you give me your backpack. (Connie puts Michelle down and puts the backpack on her back and picks Michelle up again.) You think you can carry the fort now?

THEO: (shrugging his shoulders and rolling his eyes) I guess. Where's Daddy?

CONNIE: He's working nights, remember. (waiting a beat) You ready? Let's go.

Connie, Michelle and Theo head for the door. Michelle awakes and starts to cry just as they reach the door. Connie hears something...a key in the door. The door opens and Andy walks in.

ANDY: Hey. You guys on your way out?

CONNIE: (Preoccupied and still struggling with all the items she is carrying. She gives Andy a little kiss on the cheek) We're running a little late. (waiting a beat) You think you could take Michelle to the sitters? Theo's school is on the way to the house....I can drop him off.

ANDY: (taking off his jacket) Don't think so...I gotta meet a CI in about an hour about this case. I need to take a shower first - to wake up. (He glances over at the kitchen, notices the dirty dishes.)

CONNIE: (a little pissed) OK. We gotta get moving then. Come on Theo. (she starts to head out the door and stops and turns to Andy...) Can you pick up some groceries today? I made a list, it's on the counter. I just didn't have time to go. (she turns to leave but remembers ...) And I didn't have time to pick up the dry cleaning, if you could get it... (looking at Andy) I'm sorry. It's been a little hectic around here the last couple days.

ANDY: (rolling his eyes - just like Theo had done moments earlier) Yeah, right. (turning away...and under his breath) And I've been on a picnic the last couple nights.

Connie turns to finally gets under way not hearing his comment. The door closes. Andy sits on the sofa and takes a deep breath, looks at his watch and gets up to head to the shower.

FADE into opening credits....

SCENE 2: Squad Room, late-afternoon. Rita and Connie enter with a perp.

RITA: (holding the perp's arm) Come on, we'll "chat" in here. (Walking towards the interrogation room.)

CONNIE: (to Rita, glancing at her watch) I'll be right there. (She walks towards her desk.)

PAA JOHN: (to Connie) Detective, your sitter called. She wants you to call her as soon as you can.

CONNIE: (somewhat alarmed) Did she say why? (picking up the phone, dialing...)

PAA JOHN: She didn't say if there was a problem....

CONNIE: (on the phone) Melissa, hi, it's me. Is Michelle ok? (waits a beat...) I understand. (waits another beat...) I'll try to get there as soon as I can. It might be an hour or so. Is that ok? Ok, thanks.

Connie looks a little stressed. PAA John notices.

PAA JOHN: Is everything alright with the baby?

CONNIE: Michelle is fine. The sitter's daughter isn't feeling well - she's afraid she's got that flu going around. She wants me to come and pick up Michelle. She's concerned about spreading the germs. (she rubs her temple with her hand) She's trying to be cautious. (looking around the room, her mind is racing...) Can you page Andy for me? Maybe he could pick her up 'til I get home.

PAA JOHN: Detective, I'd be happy to help if you needed me.

CONNIE: (getting up from her desk..) Let me see how this interview goes...If he goes quick, maybe I can get out of here a little early.

PAA JOHN: I am available if you need me.

CONNIE: Thanks, you are a lifesaver.

Connie heads towards the Interrogation room to join Rita.

SCENE 3:

It's late and PAA John is ready to leave for the day. As he goes toward the interrogation room the door opens and Rita and Connie exit along with the perp. Connie glances at her watch.

CONNIE: (stressed) Oh God, look at the time. Rita, do you think you can get this guy to booking?

RITA: Sure, no problem. You've got your hands full.

PAA JOHN: Detective McDowell, Theo's school called. They needed to know if you or Detective Sipowicz would be attending the Parent - Teacher Conference. They said they can reschedule you for later tonight if needed. (waiting a beat) Do you want me to pick up Michelle and bring her to the apartment?

CONNIE: If you could, I would really appreciate it. Everything is just....(she trails off...) I thought the conference was next week. (she has that look of exhaustion coming over her...she needs some help.) I'll call the sitter and let her know. John, thank you. I really owe you one for this.

PAA JOHN: Don't mention it.

Connie meets Rita in the hallway.

CONNIE: Have a nice evening. (she starts to walk away but turns back) Has John said anything to you about how much longer night surveillance will go on?

RITA: John hasn't said, why?

CONNIE: No reason...See you later.

SCENE 4:

Connie and Theo are making their way home after parking the car. It's getting late. The parent-teacher conference took much longer than Connie had thought. At least the teacher had given Theo a glowing report and said he was settling in to his new school - Andy would be happy to hear this. She was really glad John Irvin had picked up Michelle. It was so late, Michelle would probably be already asleep. Just outside their apartment building they run into Dan Rivera, a cop Connie worked with shortly after she got out of the academy. Rivera is a charming and handsome man - well dressed and with nice eyes and a dazzling smile.

RIVERA: Connie, Connie McDowell? How the heck are you?

CONNIE: Pretty good...how are you, Dan? It's been a while.

RIVERA: Not bad. You live around here?

CONNIE: (pointing to the building) Right here. You?

RIVERA: I'm visiting my sister, she lives up the block. (noticing Connie's balancing act with Theo's heavy book bag, a pizza box, a shopping bag with a couple 2 liters of soda) You need some help getting this inside? (pointing to the "load" she is juggling)

CONNIE: That would be a big help. (looking at Theo) Dan, this is Theo.

RIVERA: (Offering his hand to Theo.) Theo, it's nice to meet you.

THEO: (shaking Dan's hand.) Hi. Are you going to have pizza with us?

RIVERA: No, not this time...

Rivera, Connie and Theo make it into the apartment. PAA John is there. Michelle is sleeping. Connie puts the pizza down. Rivera puts the book bag and grocery bag down.

CONNIE: Dan, this is John Irvin....a huge help to me today. (Dan and John shake hands.) John, I can't thank you enough for picking up Michelle. I owe you...big.

PAA JOHN: No problem. I gave her a bottle. She's been asleep for about 15 minutes. (He's looking over the handsome Rivera...not as much for himself as he is curious about his relationship with McDowell.) Well, I guess if you don't need anything else, I'll be on my way.

CONNIE: Thank you again. You really are a lifesaver.

PAA JOHN: (giving Rivera the once over - again) I'll see you then. Good Night Theo.

THEO: (eating a slice of pizza) Bye John.

CONNIE: Good night.

Connie turns back and faces Rivera. He certainly was handsome...maybe even more so than when they first met years ago. Connie had always enjoyed spending time with Dan....but they'd lost touch when she became a detective and changed precincts.

CONNIE: (with a smile/laugh) So, I guess you are wondering where I got all the kids from? Huh?

RIVERA: Well, I always knew you loved kids....

CONNIE: I live here with Andy...(not certain as to what to call Andy...) my partner, uhmm, my boyfriend. Theo is his son. Michelle, the baby,(motioning towards the bedroom) is my sister's child. My sister passed away shortly after giving birth....and, well, I'm in the process of adopting her now.

RIVERA: (shaking his head...) You've got your hands full. Where is this Andy? I'd like to meet him....the lucky guy.

CONNIE: He's on the job...doing surveillance, nights this week.

RIVERA: All this must be working for you. You seem happy.

CONNIE: (laughing...) Tired but happy. (waiting a beat - smiling) I am.....happy that is. Andy is a good man.

RIVERA: I'm really glad I ran into you. I wasn't sure exactly where you were these days.

CONNIE: The 15th. I really like it. How about you?

RIVERA: 27th.

Michelle starts to cry from Andy and Connie's bedroom.

CONNIE: Excuse me...I'll be right back. (she makes her way to Michelle)

The phone rings.

RIVERA: You want me to get that?

CONNIE: Thanks...I'll be right there.

RIVERA: Hello.

Andy is on the other end of the phone. At first he thinks he must have dialed the wrong number.

ANDY: Who's this?

RIVERA: Who are you calling for?

ANDY: NO, who are YOU?

Connie comes back in, holding a semi-cranky Michelle. Rivera hands Connie the phone.

CONNIE: Hello.

ANDY: Connie? Who was that? Who answered the phone?

CONNIE: That's Dan Rivera, an old friend I just ran into.

ANDY: (a tinge of jealousy) An old friend? I never heard you mention him before.

CONNIE: (Looking around the apartment.) Did you have a chance to pick up the groceries today?

ANDY: (sort of pouting ...who was this with Connie?) No, I didn't. And I didn't get the dry cleaning either. (waits a beat) Clark and I gotta head down to Atlantic City. The guy we were watching for got picked up down there today. We're bringing him back.

CONNIE: You'll be back in the morning?

ANDY: Yeah.... Well, I don't want to interrupt your little re-union. Is Theo nearby?

CONNIE: (walking into the kitchen so Rivera doesn't hear her...) Andy, are you ok? What's wrong?

ANDY: I'm fine.

CONNIE: (the baby starts to cry a little into the phone) I'll see you tomorrow then....(quietly) I miss you...

ANDY: Yeah, is Theo around? I want to tell him good night.

Connie hands Theo the phone and Theo and Andy chat for a moment. Rivera is adoring Michelle - who suddenly is laughing instead of crying as Rivera makes faces and funny noises at her. Andy can hear the laughter on the other end of the phone. He doesn't like it but there is nothing he can do about it....he's on his way to Atlantic City. He tells Theo good night and hangs up.

CONNIE: (a little bothered by Andy's mood) Dan, I'd love to catch up with you. Maybe we can get together some time for coffee or something.

RIVERA: That'd be great. (looking around) Well, I better get going. My sister is going to wonder what happened to me!

CONNIE: (walking him to the door) Thanks for giving us a hand. Don't be a stranger, ok?

RIVERA: (gives Connie a hug) I won't. (looking at Theo) See you later Theo.

THEO: (still eating pizza) Bye.

Connie returns to the living room and joins Theo on the sofa - chowing down on pizza. Michelle falls back to sleep on Connie's shoulder. Connie takes a deep breath and sinks into the sofa. She's tired. It's been a long day.

SCENE 5

Andy and Jr. are in a car driving to Atlantic City. Andy has just hung up with Connie. Jr. can tell something is bothering Andy....but maybe he should let Andy bring it up.

JR: Connie ok?

ANDY: (nervous laugh) Sounds like she's fine. She has a friend over....Dan Rivera, whoever that is. Theo says they are having pizza.

JR: Pizza sounds good. We should stop for dinner soon.

ANDY: He answered our phone.

JR: What are you up for? Pizza? A burger?

ANDY: (shaking his head) And I'm on my way to Atlantic City...

JR: Andy, what are you worried about?

ANDY: (quiets down a little...lowers his eyes) Maybe, I don't know, I'm not what Connie is wanting in her life....maybe she wants to be with someone who...(his voice trails off, not knowing exactly how to finish his thought...or maybe he can't quite verbalize it...His insecurities are getting the better of him tonight.)

JR: You're kidding me, right? Connie's not like that. You two got a good thing going. You make her happy. And I know she makes you happy...(Jr. smiles) Andy, you're much more bearable to be around these days -since you and Connie moved in together...

ANDY: She's a blessing in my life and Theo's life. I didn't think I'd ever find someone again like that. I don't know what I'd do without her..(quietly).I really love her. (He realizes he's baring his soul...something he's not comfortable with.) Sometimes I just close off my feelings. I say or do things I shouldn't. She's patient but, you know...women like to hear things...it just doesn't come natural for me..and we both got so much going on with work, the kids, ...She deserves so much more....I don't know... (shaking his head)

JR: (realizing the depth of Andy's nervousness...) I'm not hearing her complain. You're overreacting. (decides to change the subject...he sees it's bothering Andy) We need to get off this night thing. It's messing with your mind! Let's get something to eat.

ANDY: Yeah, ok. (His mind is still running a little too out of control...he's not really in the car with Jr., it's back with Connie at their place.)

Jr. pulls off the highway to a diner. The night's going to be a long one.

SCENE 6

15th Precinct Squad Room late in the afternoon. Rita, Connie, Baldwin and Greg are wrapping up their paperwork and about to call it a day.

CONNIE: (to Rita) You heard from John? They should have been home by now from Atlantic City.

RITA: Haven't heard a word.

CONNIE: (getting up from her desk) I'm outta here. I'll see you on Monday. Have a good weekend.

RITA: Yeah, you too.

Connie exits the squad room. Greg and Baldwin are discussing the finer points of working out. Greg is thinking about joining Baldwin for a run. Greg suddenly realizes a "prior commitment." Rita, Baldwin and PAA John share a smile. In walks Jr. Time passes.

JR: (to Rita) hi

RITA: Glad to see you're back. We've been wondering what happened to you guys.

JR: (sitting at his desk) You wouldn't believe the hoops the Jersey boys made us jump through. Unbelievable paperwork.

RITA: (looking around) Where's Andy?

JR: Getting some things wrapped up at the warehouse. He should be here soon. (waiting a beat...) If you ever hear me complain about day shift again...slap me. I'm exhausted. (looking at Rita) I'm going to kick back all weekend...maybe rent some videos. Want to join me?

RITA: Sounds like a plan. (putting on her coat to leave) I'll be over later.

JR: (smiling) Not too late...

RITA: (with a grin) No, not too late.

Andy comes walking in. He too shows the toll of working the last few nights...he's tired, and his body shows it. He goes over to get some coffee immediately.

RITA: Welcome back.

ANDY: Yeah. It's good to be back. Those knuckleheads in Jersey really yanked us around. (looking around the squad) Connie still here?

RITA: She just left. (looking at Andy) I know she'll be glad your home.

ANDY: Yeah, right. (remembering Dan Rivera from the previous evening) She sounded a little busy when I talked to her last night.

RITA: Well, I am out of here. Have a nice weekend. Get some rest.

ANDY: (walking over to his desk) Thanks. (He starts to type the paperwork up on the case but keeps glancing at the phone.)

JR: (walking back into the squad room) What are you doing here? Get out, go home.

ANDY: Paperwork, it's what keeps the department running.

JR: Don't worry about it. I've got it covered.

ANDY: You sure?

JR: How many times have you stayed and done the paperwork when I left early? (says gangster style) get outta here!

ANDY: (to Jr. looking over his glasses..) You were in Jersey a little too long. (he reaches over and picks up the phone and dials) Hey, Connie, it's me. I'm back.... I'll be home in a while. I gotta tie up some loose ends first. (trying to make amends...) You want me to pick up anything on the way home...

CONNIE: (She's had just walked in the door and is taking her jacket off.) No, we're ok.

ANDY: (hopeful) We're ok?

CONNIE: (still thinking he's talking about groceries) Yeah, I picked up a few things last night. We're good. (waiting a beat) I'm glad you're home...

ANDY: Me too. (looking over to see if Jr. is listening in..) Leave the light on for me...ok?

CONNIE: I'll see you soon.

ANDY: Yeah, soon.

SCENE 7

Andy is fidgeting for his key to get into the apartment. He's made a couple stops on his way home and is carrying a grocery bag and a bouquet of roses. Before he opens the door he takes a deep breath. Andy is ready to lay his soul bare to Connie. Andy steps inside the apartment and is taken back by what he sees. The lights are off and candles are lit throughout the living room. Soft music is playing. Andy is pleasantly surprised and stands by the door taking it all in. Connie comes out from the bedroom wearing her bathrobe.

ANDY: (Looking at all the candles) You left the lights on....

CONNIE: (softly with a smile, placing her hands to her heart - walking over to meet Andy) It's never been off...

ANDY: (motioning to the bag he's placed on the floor) I picked up some staples at the grocery. (handing the roses to Connie) And these are for you....for putting up with me. (He looks around nervously.)

CONNIE: You don't need to give me roses... (smiling) I like putting up with you.(giving Andy a kiss on the cheek......looking around the living room) I thought we needed a special night...just us. (She takes Andy's hand and they walk to the sofa.)

ANDY: Where are the kids?

CONNIE: Theo is spending the night at a friend's. Michelle is in the bedroom - she's asleep. It's just us. (She leans over and kisses Andy softly on the lips. Andy returns the kiss. They sit down on the sofa - close together. Andy sheds his jacket. Connie loosens his tie and unbuttons the top few buttons of his shirt.) I'm glad you're home.

ANDY: I'm sorry - I know I've been difficult the last few days. I know you got everything dumped on you here....the kids, the laundry, the cooking and all...(Connie raises her hand to Andy's lips...and quiets him mid-sentence.)

CONNIE: We're partners. We're in this together and I know you'd be there for me if the case was reversed. (She gives him another gentle kiss.)

ANDY: Yeah, but I should have been more help when I was here during...(again Connie places her hand to Andy's lips...)

CONNIE: sssssshhhh (They share another kiss.)

ANDY: (relaxing a bit) This is nice.

CONNIE: (snuggling close to Andy) We need more time like this...just us.

ANDY: (a little nervous) Connie, you know I have trouble expressing my feelings. I have insecurities (with a nervous smile) It's a Sipowicz family trait. So, if forget to tell you sometimes, I'm sorry.

CONNIE: (smiling - sort of having fun with Andy) Tell me what...?

ANDY: You know, that I care for you. That I love you.

CONNIE: (giving him a kiss) I know how you feel. (smiling) Andy, we "formed" this ready made family pretty quickly. We've had our ups and downs - but we're going to be just fine. We just need to remember to take care of us. (she is gently stroking his face) To have time just for ourselves.

ANDY: We do.....

CONNIE: (cuddling up a little closer to him) And, don't ever start to doubt my feelings. I'm here because I want to be. Because I - love - you.

Andy stands up from the sofa and takes Connie's hand. She stands and they share a long passionate kiss. Andy takes Connie's hand and together they walk to their bedroom. Connie glances over to see Michelle peacefully sleeping in her crib. The bedroom was dark except for two small candles sending a warm glow over the room. Connie slowly began to unbutton Andy's shirt. As Andy's shirt fell to the floor, Connie caressed his strong arms and shoulders - the arms and shoulders that made her feel so protected and safe when she was with him. Connie's robe had fallen open. They shared a tight, longing embrace - allowing their bodies to touch and explore one another. Andy gently stroked Connie's neck and shoulders - feeling her body weaken with each touch. Connie's robe dropped to the floor and Andy welcomed her into his arms. Together they fell into bed and began to express their feelings for one another silently and passionately.

SCENE 8

Middle of the night in Andy and Connie's apartment. Connie awakens and notices Andy is not next to her in bed. Climbing out of bed, Connie grabs her robe and walks to the living room. There she finds Andy quietly sitting with Michelle. The sight touches her heart - Andy looks so at peace and content, Michelle is just beginning to nod off.

ANDY: She started to stir. I didn't want to wake you.

CONNIE: (curling up next to Andy) I've never felt closer to you. (she gives Andy a light kiss on the brow and turns her eyes to Michelle) She's a good baby, isn't she.

ANDY: You know, she's not dating until she's 30.

CONNIE: (shaking her head) You're kidding..I was thinking 35.

ANDY: (a little nervousness creeps into his voice) I, uhm, I wanted to ask you...who's this Dan Rivera guy?

CONNIE: (sly smile) Are you jealous? (She takes a second look at Andy.) You are...you're jealous.

ANDY: Well, I mean this strange voice answers our phone...(his voice trails off, he realizes he sounds immature and petty now) Forget it.

CONNIE: I think you're cute when you're jealous. (She has a slight laugh in her voice. Connie caresses his face with her hand.) Dan and I were in the same precinct when I got out of the academy. I learned alot from him. He's a good cop, a nice guy.

ANDY: You learned alot from him?

CONNIE: He sort of showed me the ropes, you know. (She looks at Andy and sees the slightest tinge of jealousy.)

ANDY: He must have been a good teacher...you're a good cop.

CONNIE: (quietly, shaking her head while smiling) Andy, we were never involved. He's gay.

ANDY: (with some relief) Oh, really.

CONNIE: Really. Andy, I'm not looking anywhere else...for anything. Everything I want is right here. Got it?

ANDY: Yeah, got it.

CONNIE: Let's see if we can get her moved back to the crib. (Connie stands from the sofa and waits for Andy to get up with Michelle - who is sleeping soundly.) We need to get some sleep.

ANDY: Yeah, I'm worn out.

CONNIE: (taking Andy's arm - she heads to the bedroom) Come on, I've got something for that...

Off to the bedroom they head, arm in arm with Michelle. Andy's insecurities were put away, settled for now. They knew where they stood...and is was a nice, warm place.