Unexpected 2: Junior S.W.A.T.

Chapter 12: End the cycle

The threat was taken care of, and the kids had just finished loading everything in the van. After meeting with Hicks, and talking with the press, the kids and 20 squad were ready to go home. Miss Rita congratulated Hondo and his team, and thanked Nichelle for the 100th time, just before getting in the driver's side and taking off. 20 David was officially off duty!

"Guys"- Hondo said to his group, standing outside the center as the van rolled out and disappeared in the distance -"great job today."

"Yeah, guys. Thanks for having our back. We owe you one!" Street continued

"Oh, don't worry about it. We already made a list of demands!" Tan said, which was followed by Street's giggle and then frowned when he realized everyone was serious.

"Aw, c'mon guys! Take it easy now!" he pleaded, while the others just dispersed

9 pm, Luna's Cafe & Lounge

"So...I really think what Miss Rita is doing is pretty great, don't you?" Chris said grinning.

"Oh, yeah." Street carefully lifted the mug and sipped some coffee,"you know, I was just thinking about how much fun it was for the kids today."

"Not just the kids! I saw you writing and reciting poetry in the morning. Who would've thought!?"

"Hey! I'm a natural" they both giggled, "But really"-he paused to think- "I think this type of program would've been awesome when I was a kid. I sure would've taken advantage of it...probably even saved me from a bunch of trouble."

"Yeah, it would've been awesome."-she sipped slowly-"I know for me, it would've given me an outlet."

"Yeah, just like for these kids. They feel safe...you know? They can be themselves."

She swallowed and looked afar, as he sipped slowly. "Especially the girls. Leyla is sooo smart, like- she kinda reminds me of myself when I was in school. You know? If I had been motivated, there's no doubt I could've done much better at school. For sure. That's why, I told her, you need to keep at it, find your drive. She's a natural, Street. She's destined for great things, for sure."

"Yeah, it shows. She's really a great leader. Smart too."- he sipped-"I spent a lot of time with Rubio and I'll tell you, that kid is amazing. So much potential! He's just...so lost right now. Being homeless and all...he hates the group home he's at and feels like nothing makes sense. You know?" - he stopped to reminisce- "I felt the same way a lot... as a teen. It's so bad...I was constantly getting in trouble coz nothing really mattered."

Silence. Both enjoyed their coffee and snack.

"You know, I've always wandered how it would be like to have a kid. Have someone look up to you...sorta like with Rubio today."

Chris rolled her eyes, and smiled. "Just what the world needs: another Jim Street!"

"Hey!" - he complained- "I turned out pretty great, if I do say so myself!"

She grinned and nodded her head.

"I don't know, like...I feel like I could be a great dad, certainly better than mine. Coz you know he sucked."

"Don't you worry that your parents might have an impact on how you are as a dad yourself?" she sounded quizzical

"Nah!" -he confidently answered, "Just coz my parents were a mess, doesn't mean that I'm gonna follow that pattern. I gotta break the cycle! I couldn't put someone through what I lived".- he looked at her- "You know what is really scary, though?"

"What's that?"

"I feel like" - he said slowly- "I would be a great dad, but what is terrifying is choosing the correct person to make me a dad. You know?" -he turned to his mug- "Let's take Deac for example. He's a great dad, but it helps a ton that he doesn't have to worry about who is taking care of his kids coz Annie's a great mom. He doesn't have to worry of whether they ate or not, if they went to school, if they did their prayers, ate their vegetables..." - she grinned- "you know, I just feel like being a dad is great but only if you are with a responsible and reliable partner."

"That makes sense"

"Does it? Or am I being paranoid?"

She shrugged.

"What about you? Have you ever wanted or thought of being a mom?"

Chris placed the mug down on the counter and thought for a second. Then she turned to him "Are you insane? I hardly have enough time as it is! Having a kid requires time, money and honestly...good genes."

"Hey, c'mon now...you can certainly make the time, and just because your parents were messed up doesn't mean you'll be the same. It's up to you to end the cycle." -he said as she shook her head - "C'mon, Chris, I'm sure you'll be a great mom someday."

"Maybe." she answered skeptical

"Look, all you have to do is make sure it's with the a good guy. Someone that you're confident will be a great parent, that will back you up even if you're not together. I don't know, consider your future, I guess."

"Well, now that you mention it" -she paused to readjust in her chair- "I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do. I even asked Hicks for an appointment on Monday when we return to work."

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, today got me thinking about what my next step is gonna be and stuff." -she paused to think -"You know after TLI, I have been thinking about the next step in my career, and working with the kids today, kinda reassured me that I am ready. What if...I go for sergeant?" she paused as she noticed him grin "You know? I heard Deacon say that sergeant's exam this year will be in two months, which would give me time to study and get ready. Plus, you heard Luca yesterday talking about a couple of high level officers finally retiring from the force. This could mean opportunities for several openings. I could get my own team!"

"That's definitely a possibility. It will be a huge step for you... and no doubt you'll be ready for it."

"Well...if that happens, and I do get the gig, you know what else is a possibility?" she paused to see if he was paying attention. She was not disappointed, since he was looking straight at her. "Us!"

Street couldn't hide his emotions as a huge smile spread across his face, with tons of red coloring in his cheeks. "Oh my God! You serious?"

"Yeah, maybe this time. I mean, before the test we can talk it out, start slow, and then figure it out from there. If I get my own team or even if I land an administrative position, it would take us out of our predicament...and unless I turn out to be your boss, we would be cleared. No rules against dating!"

Street was so stunned, he was left without words. He just sipped his coffee and ate his pastry for a couple of minutes, just a deep, awkward silence.

"You okay?" Chris had a feeling he wasn't liking her idea at all "I know you said that 'whatever this thing', this 'half-relationship',  was that 'you couldn't keep it up', and I know that I have been stubborn...changed the topic when you've wanted to talk...but it's all in the past. If I go through with this, it'll be as easy as you've wanted it to be for a long time-"

"It's not!" interrupted Street " It's not, Chris. I said what I said out of anger, I don't blame you. After the stuff that you have been through and me with the team , my mom and all that mess, nothing has been easy. Adding to it romance, although it something that I dreamt of, would've made it 10 times worse. Consoling ourselves while living in the shadows was gonna hurt us more."

"So...what do you think?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's time for you to chase. After all" - he paused as he got up from the table. -"I have been chasing you all these years. Maybe now I am the one that needs convincing. Huh?" he ended with a playful grin.

Chris got up from the chair, and just said "See ya!" as she closed the door behind her. Street just grinned and waited for her..and waited..and waited. He heard the sound of her engine, and the watched her sped off the lot. Um...yea, she was serious!

*******

Thank you for reading! Votes and comments are always welcomed :D

Remember to look for the other stories within the Unexpected series: Trojan Horse, JR Swat, Alonso Gone, Digital Purge, The Perfect Daughter, Street's #1 Fan and Franken Doc. Also available: SWAT Bits, filled with shorter compositions for your enjoyment and STRIS Bits for the loyal fans of Chris and Street's romance. From funny, to action, to craziness...there's something for everyone!

Next up...Stand Proud and Crime Set (preview available in SWAT Bits!)