What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 5

The next morning dawned with Theo and Lucy falling into their usual morning routine. Lucy rose early, the aroma of coffee filling the kitchen as she prepared breakfast for Theo. She moved around the kitchen with practiced efficiency. Theo emerged from his room, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he greeted his mom with a tired smile.
Lucy- Morning, sweetheart. How did you sleep?
Theo- Morning, Mom. I slept okay. Thanks.
Lucy placed a plate of pancakes in front of him, watching as he started to eat.
Theo- I kind of feel bad for not going to school. Josy will be alone. I mean she has other friends than me, but I'm her best friend. I don't want to her to be on her own.
Lucy smiled warmly, touched by her son's consideration.
Lucy- You have such a big heart. But you don't need to worry. Tim texted me last night. Josy isn't going to school either. He's taking her to the station with him.
Theo's face brightened at the news.
Theo- Really? That's great! I'm glad she won't be alone.
Lucy- So, knowing that, do you still want to stay home or would you like to come to the station with me and hang out with Josy?
Theo- I think I'll come with you. Josy would probably be bored alone, and I wouldn't want her to be complaining about it all day on Monday.
Lucy chuckled softly, catching on to Theo's playful tone.
Lucy- Alright, finish your breakfast and get ready. We'll head out soon.
Lucy smiled at her son's eagerness, though her own thoughts were elsewhere. As they chatted, she couldn't shake the unease she felt about the conversation she'd had with Tim a few days ago.
The memory of the comment she made about Tim ensuring his daughter didn't get pregnant lingered in her mind, casting a shadow over their interaction. She had brushed it off at the time, but now that she knows that guy she talked about was her son it weighed heavily on her conscience.
As they finished breakfast and prepared to leave for the day, Lucy couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation about seeing Tim again.
With a sigh, she pushed aside her concerns.
Lucy arrived at the station. She parked the car and they made their way inside, telling Theo to wait at the front desk, she headed straight for the women's locker room.
She couldn't shake the feeling of unease that had settled in the pit of her stomach, knowing that she would have to face Tim eventually.
As she emerged from the locker room, Lucy glanced around, half-hoping to avoid Tim altogether. However, she knew that wasn't realistic, especially considering they were partners on the job.
With a resigned sigh, Lucy made her way back to the front desk, where Theo was waiting and she met Tim and Josy.
Lucy- Morning, Tim, Hey Josy
She greeted, her tone polite but distant.
Tim returned her greeting with a smile
Tim- Morning, Lucy. 
Josy- Morning Lucy
They replied.
Tim- How about you two wait in the break room while we finish roll call? After that, we can show you around.
Lucy nodded quietly, her unease still palpable despite Tim's friendly demeanor. She glanced briefly at Josy and Theo, managing a small smile for them.
Lucy- Yeah, that sounds good.
Josy and Theo exchanged looks and headed towards the break room together. Tim gestured for Lucy to follow him towards the roll call took. As they walked, Lucy couldn't help but feel the weight of their previous conversation hanging between them.
Lucky for her roll call just started and she sat down. Afterwards, when they walked out of the roll cal room Tim glanced over at her.
Tim- Is everything okay, Lucy? You seem a bit off.
Tim asked, his tone gentle with concern. Lucy hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to address her concerns.
Lucy- Yeah, just... thinking. 
Lucy replied vaguely, hoping to deflect the conversation.
Tim- You know,... I didn't realize Theo was your son.
Tim nodded and they walked trough the halls where interrogation rooms are. No one there who could possibly hear them but that wasn't enough for her she pulled him into a room and closed the door.
Lucy- I... I didn't know Josy was your daughter either.
Lucy admitted, her voice quiet as she turned to look out the window, unable to meet Tim's gaze.
Lucy- Tim, I'm sorry about my comment the other day.
Tim- What are you talking about?
Lucy- About the "making sure she doesn't get pregnant" thing.
Tim- It's okay.
Lucy- I know, but still... It wasn't... you know. And now, knowing you were talking about my son, it just makes it worse.
Tim- I get it, Lucy. I know you didn't mean anything by it. I was just caught off guard. But rest assured, I know Josy is young, and I trust her judgment.
Lucy nodded, feeling reassured by Tim's words. She took a deep breath before continuing.
Lucy- Theo wouldn't... he wouldn't even think about it. They... they're just friends.
Tim- That's good to know.
As Lucy and Tim left the room, a sense of understanding passed between them, easing the tension that had lingered since their conversation began.
Tim- Lucy, I just want to say, you've raised him right. He's a good kid.
Lucy's eyes softened with gratitude at Tim's words.
Lucy- Thank you.
Tim- And I want you to know that I appreciate what Theo did for Josy. He protected her when she needed it most.
Lucy nodded, a flicker of pride crossing his features.
Tim- Josy... she definitely wouldn't have been able to defend herself. That guy was like three years older than her. Even though she knows how to fight back, she wouldn't have had a chance. A 15-year old boy has a physical advantage compared to my 12-year old daughter.
Lucy- I know, Tim. I'm just so glad Theo was there and nothing happened. But hearing this makes me even prouder of him.
Tim- You should be. He stepped up when it mattered the most. I can't thank him enough for that. I— I owe him big time. Honestly, it's a relief knowing someone like him is around Josy.
As Lucy observed Tim's expression, she could sense the underlying worry and concern for Josy. Wanting to ease the weight on his shoulders, she decided to lighten the mood.
Lucy- You know, he was basically pushed into this world by a woman, so he better knows how to respect them, protect them and treat them right.
Tim's lips twitched with a hint of amusement at Lucy's remark, grateful for her attempt to diffuse the tension with a touch of humor.
Tim- I guess so.
Tim and Lucy led the kids through the station, showing them various areas and introducing them to some of their colleagues along the way.
Eventually, they made their way to Tim's office, where Josy wasted no time in exploring every nook and cranny. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she began opening drawers, searching for hidden treasures.
Tim watched with amusement as Josy rummaged through his desk, raising an eyebrow as he noticed her determined search.
Tim- What are you doing?
Josy's face lit up as she triumphantly pulled open a drawer, revealing a stash of snacks nestled inside.
Josy- Snack time!
Tim- You just had breakfast... why are you acting like I don't feed you?
Tim chuckled at her enthusiasm, shaking his head in amusement as he watched her select her treat of choice.
Josy eagerly reached into the drawer, but her excitement quickly turned to disappointment as she inspected the contents.
Josy- Ugh, there is nothing.
She exclaimed, wrinkling her nose in disgust as she examined the unappetizing snacks.
Lucy, curious about Josy's reaction, approached to see what she had found.
Lucy- What do you mean?
Josy- These snacks! They're gross! Nobody likes them.
She declared, pushing the drawer closed with a dissatisfied huff.
Josy turned to Lucy, her expression hopeful.
Josy- Do you have any other snacks?
Lucy couldn't help but laugh at Josy's candid assessment of Tim's snack drawer.
Lucy- I'm sure we can find you something.
After Josy's disappointment with Tim's snack drawer, the group made their way back to the break room in search of better options. Lucy rummaged through the cupboards, pulling out an array of snacks for Josy and Theo to choose from.
Once their hunger, mostly Josy's was satisfied, Tim suggested to show them the gym, where he and Lucy often worked out during their breaks.
Inside the gym, Tim demonstrated a few moves on the punching bag, his muscles flexing as he delivered precise blows. Josy, inspired by her dad's display, slipped on a pair of boxing gloves and playfully jabbed at him.
Meanwhile, Theo observed Tim's technique, studying his movements with keen interest. Tim noticed Theo's curiosity and offered him a pair of gloves, encouraging him to spar with him.
Theo hesitated for a moment, unsure, but eventually accepted the challenge. As they circled each other, Tim threw a few light punches, testing Theo's reflexes. Theo, surprisingly nimble, dodged and weaved, avoiding Tim's strikes with ease.
Then, in a split second, Theo prepared to counterattack, his fist poised to strike.
As Theo's fist halted just inches away from Tim's jaw, Tim instinctively raised his arms to shield himself, bracing for impact. However, to his surprise, Theo stopped his punch before making contact, displaying remarkable control and restraint.
Tim lowered his arms, a mixture of relief and admiration crossing his features as he regarded Theo. He could sense the intensity in Theo's eyes, coupled with a deep sense of respect.
Tim- Thanks for not punching me.
Theo- Are you okay?
Tim- Yeah, I'm fine.
Tim's voice was genuine, conveying his gratitude for Theo's restraint. He knew that Theo could have easily landed a blow if he had wanted to.
Lucy watched the exchange between Tim and Theo with a mixture of amusement and pride. As Tim expressed his gratitude, Lucy couldn't help but burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the gym.
Lucy- Oh, Tim! Did you just lose cover?! He should have hit you.
She exclaimed between giggles, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she pointed towards Theo and Tim.
Tim chuckled along with her, shaking his head in disbelief at the situation. He couldn't deny that Theo's display of restraint had impressed him, even if it had momentarily caught him off guard.
Tim- He's got some moves, Lucy. And some serious self-control too.
Lucy nodded, her laughter subsiding as she regarded Theo with pride.
Lucy- He's definitely got a good head on his shoulders. Just like his mom.
She added with a playful wink, nudging Tim lightly with her elbow.
As Lucy laughed, Tim playfully nudged her back, a grin spreading across his face. However, his playful shove was a bit stronger than intended, causing Lucy to take an involuntary step back to steady herself.
Lucy stumbled slightly, catching herself before she fell. Theo, sensing his mother's slight imbalance, instinctively stepped forward, a protective glint in his eyes.
Theo- Don't push my mom around like that!
His voice was firm, laced with a hint of concern as he addressed Tim.
Lucy quickly intervened, placing a reassuring hand on Theo's arm.
Lucy- It's okay, sweetheart. I'm fine. He didn't mean to push me that hard.
She offered her son a reassuring smile, silently appreciating his protective instinct.
Tim, realizing his mistake, quickly stepped forward, his expression apologetic.
Tim- Sorry about that, Lucy. I didn't mean to be so rough.
His tone was sincere as he offered an apologetic smile to Lucy.
Lucy nodded, brushing off the incident with a wave of her hand.
Lucy- Don't worry about it. I'm fine, really.
Tim, wanting to shift the focus away from the momentary mishap, turned to Theo with genuine curiosity.
Tim- Where did you learn to box like that?
Theo glanced at Tim, a hint of surprise in his expression.
Theo- I've never learned it. This was my first time trying it.
Tim raised a skeptical eyebrow, surprised by Theo's natural talent. He turned to Lucy, expecting confirmation or perhaps an explanation.
Tim- Really? He's never learned?
Tim's tone held a note of disbelief, his curiosity piqued. He waited for Lucy to provide more insight into Theo's surprising ability.
Lucy, meeting Tim's gaze with a smile, nodded in confirmation of Theo's statement.
Lucy- It's true.He's never had any formal training in boxing. He's been focused on tennis since he was about four years old, and he's stuck with it ever since.
Tim's skepticism softened as he absorbed Lucy's explanation. He turned back to Theo, a newfound admiration in his eyes.
Tim- Tennis, huh? That's impressive. Maybe we should hit the court together sometime.
Tim's suggestion was met with a bright smile from Theo, who nodded enthusiastically in agreement.
Theo- Yeah, that would be fun.
Tim, feeling energized by the prospect of a friendly match, glanced at Lucy, his eyes alight with excitement.
Tim- How about tomorrow, then? Saturday's my day off.
Before Lucy could respond, Josy interjected with a reminder.
Josy- But Dad, I have a game tomorrow!
Tim chuckled at Josy's reminder, his playful demeanor shining through.
Tim- Your game's at 8:30 AM. I don't think Theo will be up that early just to get his butt kicked.
Theo smirked at Tim's remark, a competitive glint in his eye.
Theo- We'll see who gets their ass kicked.
Tim- How about 5.30 PM?
Theo- 5:30 sounds good. And you're on for dinner. But remember, loser buys!
Tim grinned, his competitive spirit evident as he eagerly accepted the challenge.
Theo- Deal!
Lucy, amused by the exchange between Tim and Theo, couldn't resist injecting a bit of humor into the conversation.
Lucy- Well, I'll make sure to bring the popcorn. It's going to be quite the show!
Josy- Make sure it's sweet popcorn! It's way better than salty.
Lucy raised an eyebrow at Josy's suggestion, feigning offense.
Lucy- Sweet popcorn? Salty popcorn is the classic choice! It's the best for a reason.
She then turned to Theo with a mischievous grin.
Lucy- Besides, sweet or salty, I'll bring both. Can't wait to enjoy the show.
Theo rolled his eyes at his mom's playful antics, shaking his head in mock exasperation.
Theo- Alright, Mom. Just don't get too distracted by the snacks. You don't want to miss watching me kick his ass.
Josy, with a smirk on her face, turned to her dad.
Josy- Yeah, Dad. Make sure you stretch properly. You don't want to pull a muscle or something like that.
Tim chuckled at Josy's remark, his competitive spirit rising to the surface.
Tim- Oh, don't worry about me. I'll be ready.
Lucy- Well, it seems like we're all set for tomorrow's showdown then!
She exclaimed with a smile.
Theo- Definitely looking forward to it.
Tim- You better bring your A-game, kid. I won't go easy on you.
Lucy chuckled, shaking her head at Tim's competitive spirit.
As the evening drew to a close, Tim and Lucy clocked out, bidding farewell to their colleagues before heading home with their respective children.
Tim pulled Josy into a side hug  as they made their way to the car, a sense of excitement lingering in the air.
Tim- Ready for tomorrow, kiddo?
Josy nodded eagerly, her determination shining through.
Josy- You bet, Dad. I'm going to kick some ass.
Tim grinned proudly at Josy's confident declaration, patting her on the back.
Tim- That's my girl. Just remember, give it your all out there, and no matter what happens, I'll be proud of you.
Josy smiled up at her dad, feeling a surge of reassurance from his words.
Josy- Thanks, Dad. I'll do my best.
Tim opened the car door for Josy, and they both got in, ready to head home for the evening.
Meanwhile, Lucy and Theo walked together.
Lucy smiled at her son, a warmth filling her heart at the bond they shared.
As they sat in the car, Lucy sensed a shift in Theo's demeanor, a hint of hesitation lingering in his expression.
Lucy- Is everything okay?
Theo hesitated for a moment, his mind racing with thoughts of the girl he wanted to ask out. Finally, he took a deep breath, gathering his courage to confide in his mom.
Theo- Yeah, Mom, everything's fine... It's just... there's this girl... and I've been thinking, if I should ask her out.
Lucy nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips as she noticed Theo's nervousness.
Lucy- Who is it?
It was quiet for a while, Lucy nodded understandingly, giving him the space to open up at his own pace.
Lucy- You don't have to rush. Take your time. When you're ready, you can tell me more about her.
Theo nodded, grateful for his mom's understanding.
Theo- What do you think I should do?
Lucy- Well, I think any girl would be lucky to have you ask her out. And I'd say go for it. You're a wonderful person.
Lucy's encouraging words brought a hint of relief to Theo's tense shoulders.
Theo- Thanks, Mom.
Lucy smiled warmly at her son, her heart swelling with pride at his vulnerability and determination.
Lucy- Just be yourself. That's all anyone could ask for.
Lucy smiled fondly at Theo, a mixture of maternal pride and affection evident in her gaze.
Lucy- And, I guess I have to start sharing my sweet baby boy.
Theo blushed at his mom's comment.
Theo- Mom... stop it!
Lucy chuckled softly.
Lucy- Just kidding. But seriously, you're growing so fast, stop it.
Theo couldn't help but laugh at his mom's playful response, feeling grateful for her lightheartedness in such a moment.
Theo- Thanks, Mom. And I'll try my best, not to grow up too fast.
Lucy smiled, her eyes reflecting her love for her son.
Lucy- You're always going to be my sweet baby boy, no matter how big you get.
Theo nodded, a sense of resolve settling within him.
As they drove home, Lucy couldn't shake the curiosity about Theo's crush. But she respected his privacy, knowing he would share when he was ready.
When they approached home, Lucy busied herself in the kitchen, preparing dinner for them, while Theo set the table.
As they gathered around the table for dinner, the atmosphere was cozy and relaxed.
Throughout the meal, Lucy couldn't help but steal curious glances at Theo, wondering if he would share more about the girl he mentioned earlier. Yet, she remained patient, trusting that Theo would confide in her when he was ready.
After dinner, Theo retreated to his room to tackle some school work, he missed caused by his absence, while Lucy took charge of cleaning up the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Theo immersed himself in his studies, the rhythmic scratch of his pencil against paper filling the quiet of his room.
Once Theo finished his homework, he joined his mom in the living room, where they settled in to watch a movie together. Lucy had already prepared some snacks, and they cozied up on the couch, enjoying the comfort of each other's company.
While they where watching the movie, Lucy's curiosity got trough her and she couldn't help but ask.
Lucy- Is it Josy?
Theo- What?
Lucy- Your crush, maybe soon to be girlfriend?
Theo- What? No, why would you think that?
Lucy smiled gently at her son's reaction, sensing his genuine surprise.
Lucy- Well, I just thought it might be Josy because you two have been spending a lot of time together lately. You look out for her so much, and today you were so concerned about her being alone at school. Plus, I've seen the way you two laugh together, and how comfortable you are around each other. It seemed like a natural guess.
Theo shook his head, a faint blush creeping up his cheeks.
Theo- No, Mom, it's not Josy. I mean— I care about her a lot, but not in that way.
Lucy nodded, understanding the distinction he made.
Lucy- I get it, sweetheart. I just thought maybe there was something more there. But if it's not her, that's fine too. Whoever it is, I'm sure she's wonderful, just like you.
Theo smiled, relieved that his mom was supportive without pushing too hard.
Theo- Thanks, Mom. I appreciate that. It's just... I'm still figuring things out.
Lucy- Take your time. There's no rush. Just remember, I'm always here if you need to talk or need advice.
Theo nodded, feeling a sense of comfort from his mom's words.
Theo- I know, Mom. Thanks. It means a lot.
Lucy settled back on the couch, the conversation lingering. As they continued to watch the movie, she couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for her son. He was growing up, facing new challenges, and handling them with maturity and thoughtfulness.
As the credits rolled, Lucy turned to Theo with a playful grin.
Lucy- So, are you going to keep me in suspense forever, or will you eventually tell me who this lucky girl is?
Theo laughed, shaking his head.
Theo- Maybe someday.