What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 18

Tim watched Lucy quietly, knowing the weight of the moment still hung between them. He had said what he needed to, and he could see it had landed, but now it was time to let her take the lead on what came next. He broke the silence gently.
Tim- You want to stay in for the rest of the day? We can take it slow... No one would blame you.
Lucy shook her head, wiping away the last of her unshed tears. Her voice was steady, though a little softer than usual.
Lucy- No, I need to get back out there. I'll feel better once I'm moving, once we're back on patrol.
Tim gave her a small nod. He understood that need to keep going, to move forward even when the weight of everything threatened to pull you down. Still, he wasn't about to let her dive back in without a breather.
Tim- Alright. But let's grab some lunch first.
Lucy offered a faint smile, appreciating the gesture. The idea of a break, somewhere calm, felt like exactly what she needed.
The rest of their shift felt different, but better. They handled minor calls, nothing too intense, and spent most of their time talking. Tim made sure the cameras were off this time. He didn't press Lucy to talk about what was still heavy on her mind, but their conversations were lighter, filled with the quiet understanding that they didn't need to rush anything. They had time.
As their shift neared its end, Tim checked the clock.
Tim- Time to pick up the kids?
Lucy smiled, more relaxed now. This part of the day had become a comfortable routine.
They informed dispatch they'd be unavailable for a while and headed to pick up Josy and Theo. Like usual, they dropped them off at Lucy's place, where the kids would hang out together until their parents' shift was over. It had become a habit, one Lucy and Tim both appreciated. Lucy was relieved Theo wasn't at home alone for too long, and Tim felt better knowing Josy had company, especially someone like Theo, who had already proven he'd protect her no matter what. Tim trusted him
After their shift, they headed back to change and go their separate ways for the evening. But when Tim arrived at Lucy's house to pick up Josy, Lucy met him at the door, explaining that Theo was helping Josy with math and it might take a while.
Lucy- Come in. You might as well stay for dinner.
Tim hesitated for a second, but then nodded with a smile. It hadn't been planned, but it felt... right. Familiar.
Tim found himself standing in the kitchen with Lucy, attempting to help with dinner, but mostly getting in the way. Lucy rolled her eyes, playfully shoving him toward the cutting board.
Lucy- Just cut the veggies, Bradford.
He chuckled, grabbing a knife. As he chopped, he occasionally glanced over at the kids at the dining table. Josy wasn't having the math session, clearly frustrated, and Theo looked like he was about to burst from the pressure. Tim watched, amused, as Theo took a deep breath and went to grab drinks for both of them, giving himself a quiet pep talk under his breath.
Theo- Come on, you've done this before. You can do it again.
Tim didn't say anything, just observed with a small smile, appreciating the determination Theo had. The kid was a fighter, he tried doing it himself and he never did it again.
A little later, as Lucy was finishing up with the cooking, Tim perched on a barstool, talking with her about the little things—work, the kids, life. Then they heard a sudden scream from the dining room. It wasn't a scream of pain, more like a victorious yell.
Theo- I did it! I finally did it!
Josy immediately responded with a groan.
Josy- Oh my god, shut up, Theo!
The two of them bickered like siblings, and Tim couldn't help but laugh, especially after seeing how frustrated Theo had been earlier.
Tim- You've got to admit, that's impressive, he said with a chuckle, shaking his head.
Lucy just shook her head and tried to calm them down, her voice firm but amused.
Lucy- Theo, keep it down!
Theo- I just managed to do something no one else was able to! I managed to put my knowledge into her brain.
Lucy turned, her voice firm but not harsh.
Lucy- Theo... that's enough.
Theo stopped mid-celebration, eyes narrowing slightly as Josy smirked at him.
Josy- You heard her, listen to your mom.
Without missing a beat, Josy grabbed a small piece of paper from the table and threw it at Theo. The paper hit his shoulder, and he slowly turned to face her, his expression shifting into one of playful menace. Josy knew immediately that she'd crossed a line.
Theo- Oh, you're in trouble now.
Josy's eyes widened as she quickly scrambled up from her chair and dashed toward Tim, hiding behind him like he was her shield.
Josy- Dad, help me!
Tim, still sitting on the barstool, gave her an amused but unimpressed look.
Tim- Don't "Dad, help me" me, Josy. You knew what you were getting into.
Josy peered out from behind him, her eyes wide with exaggerated innocence, but Tim shook his head, giving her a mock scolding.
Tim- You throw something, you deal with the consequences. And no hiding behind me.
Josy pouted but didn't move. Theo stood by the table, grinning like a predator who knew his prey was cornered. Lucy, watching the entire scene unfold, couldn't help but smile a little.
Lucy- Alright, enough, you two. Theo, put everything away. Dinner's ready.
Theo finally let out a breath, shaking his head but began to clear the books from the table. Josy hesitated for a second but then moved from behind her dad, sticking her tongue out at Theo as she grabbed some napkins to set the table.
Theo's narrowed eyes followed Josy as she moved to get the plates, his voice low but playful.
Theo- This isn't over yet.
Josy paused, glancing over at her dad with wide eyes, clearly hoping for some sort of rescue. But Tim wasn't having it. He just crossed his arms, giving her a calm but firm look.
Tim- You got yourself into this, Josy. You've got to deal with it.
Josy's face dropped a little as she realized there wasn't going to be any help coming her way. She let out a small sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly.
Tim- Maybe apologizing would be a good start.
He added, a hint of amusement still in his voice.
Josy glanced over at Theo, who was still watching her like a cat ready to pounce. She hesitated, clearly weighing her options. Finally, she let out a small, reluctant sigh.
Josy- Alright, alright... I'm sorry, okay?
Theo raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he waited for more.
Josy- I'm sorry I threw something at you.
Theo seemed to consider this for a moment, then gave a slow nod, though his grin stayed firmly in place.
Theo- Is there anything else? Maybe something you want to thank me for?
Josy shot Theo a narrowed look, clearly not in the mood to indulge his smugness any further.
Josy- Don't push your luck.
Theo smirked, clearly satisfied with getting at least a partial victory. He grabbed the last of the books from the table and began stacking them neatly, though his grin didn't waver.
Theo- I'll take that as a thank you for my superior math skills.
Josy rolled her eyes dramatically, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm.
Josy- Yeah, thanks for showing me how not to solve equations for the past hour.
Tim, watching the exchange, shook his head with a faint smile. He leaned over, placing a gentle hand on Josy's shoulder, his tone a bit more sincere this time.
Tim- I think he deserves a real thanks. He worked pretty hard to help you out.
Josy sighed, this time a little less playfully, and glanced back at Theo, softening just a bit.
Josy- Okay, fine. Thanks for helping me... even if it almost killed us both.
Theo grinned wider, clearly pleased with himself.
Theo- You're welcome.
Lucy, who had been watching from the kitchen with an amused smile, finally stepped in, holding up her hands to stop the banter before it could escalate again.
Lucy- Alright, alright, let's all just sit down and eat before dinner gets cold.
Everyone began to gather around the table, the earlier tension completely dissolved into comfortable, familiar banter.
Lucy smiled across the table, feeling a quiet sense of gratitude. Things weren't perfect, and they probably never would be, but for the first time in a long time, things felt like they were getting easier. And for that, she was thankful.
Dinner wasn't anything fancy, but it was filled with warmth, laughter, and the sense that, no matter what, they'd keep moving forward.
As dinner settled into an easy rhythm, Tim and Lucy exchanged glances, both noticing how much the kids mirrored their dynamic. Josy and Theo were best friends at heart, but their bickering and teasing had all the hallmarks of siblings. The way they challenged each other, always pushing just a bit, reminded Tim of how he and Lucy interacted—not just on the job but off it too. That unspoken bond, built on trust, respect, and sometimes annoyance, was reflected in their kids as well.
Lucy watched as Theo nudged Josy's arm, trying to swipe the bread basket just before she could grab a piece. Josy smacked his hand away, a mock glare on her face, but there was no real heat behind it. It was the same playful energy Lucy had seen countless times between herself and Tim, back when things were simpler, before life had thrown them curveballs they weren't expecting. She smiled softly to herself, realizing just how much those little moments mattered.
Tim, meanwhile, was observing Josy's quick comebacks and Theo's patience, impressed by how they balanced each other out. Just like him and Lucy, the kids might get under each other's skin, but they had an unbreakable loyalty that only deepened with time.
Theo- You know, Josy.
Theo started, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
Theo- You're a lot more tolerable when you're not complaining about math.
Josy- And you're a lot more tolerable when you're not acting like you know everything.
She shot back, rolling her eyes but clearly not serious. Tim couldn't resist adding his two cents.
Tim- Now where have I heard that before?
He raised an eyebrow at Lucy, who immediately caught the reference.
Lucy- I don't know what you're talking about. Doesn't sound familiar to me.
She quipped, giving Tim a knowing smile. Their light banter, quick and easy, felt as natural as ever.
The kids, picking up on the mood, grinned at their parents. Josy, always one to poke fun at the smallest opening, pointed between Tim and Lucy.
Josy- You guys bicker even more than us! It's kinda freaky.
Theo nodded in agreement, a teasing glint in his eyes as he looked between the two adults.
Theo- Yeah, it's like watching an old married couple.
Both Tim and Lucy froze for a second, glancing at each other in surprise before bursting into laughter.
Tim- Old married couple?
He scoffed, shaking his head in mock disbelief.
Tim- I think you're a little, very, off there.
Lucy- Yeah, Tim's like... the annoying older brother I never wanted.
Tim- Older brother? I'm not that old.
Lucy- Yes, older brother because you are in fact old. I've got at least another decade or two before I hit 'old'.
Tim – Decade or two?
Tim scoffed, folding his arms across his chest.
Tim- Come on, Lucy, I'm not that much older than you.
Lucy- You are.
Tim- You're exaggerating, as usual.
Tim leaned back, a teasing smile on his face.
Tim- I mean, we're practically the same age!
Lucy- Practically? Is that what we're going with?
She raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes.
Lucy- Wanna do the math on that one?
Tim- Sure, I'm all ears.
He crossed his arms, leaning forward as if he was ready for a math debate.
Tim- How many years are we apart? Five? Six?
Lucy- Try twelve, Mister 'I Know Everything'.
She leaned back in her chair, folding her arms with a satisfied smile.
Lucy- Twelve whole years. That's a solid dozen!
Tim raised an eyebrow, feigning incredulity.
Tim- Twelve years? How is that even possible? You've got a 14-year-old! You have to be at least a little older!
Lucy laughed, shaking her head.
Lucy- That's not how age works, Tim. Just because I'm a mom doesn't mean I age faster!
Tim- Seriously though.
Tim continued, leaning forward.
Tim- Theo's 14. You're telling me you had him when you were, what, 22?
Lucy- Exactly.
Lucy shot back, her eyes twinkling.
Lucy- I was a responsible adult, thank you very much.
Tim- Responsible adult? We'll have to revisit that when we talk about your questionable taste in music.
Tim teased, but he was genuinely surprised. He knew Lucy was 36, but twelve years was a gap he hadn't truly considered. He isn't that old, is he?
Lucy- And what about you, Mr. 48?
Lucy replied, mockingly raising her eyebrow.
Lucy- I think you're just jealous I'm closer to the prime of my life than you are.
Tim laughed, throwing his hands up in defeat.
Tim- Okay, fine, maybe I'm just in denial. But come on! I'm not that old. I can't be that old he thinks.
Lucy shrugged, her smile playful.
Lucy- It's simple, really. I'm just more youthful than you, that's all. You should take notes!
Theo piped up from the side, leaning on the table with an exaggerated sigh.
Theo- Wow, you guys are ancient. This is what happens when you get old— you get boring.
Josy leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms with a smirk.
Josy- Theo's right, you know. You guys are officially boring.
As the laughter died down, Lucy shifted the conversation to more familiar ground.
Lucy- So, how was school? Anything exciting happen?
Theo shrugged, rolling his eyes.
Theo- School's the same as always. Boring.
Lucy smiled at Josy.
Lucy- What about you, Josy? Anything exciting coming up?
Josy- Actually, yes!
She exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.
Josy- Dad and I are having a father-daughter weekend! It was supposed to be just a day, but we ended up planning a whole weekend.
Lucy- Oh really?
Lucy said, leaning in with interest.
Lucy- What do you have planned?
Josy- Well.
Josy began, her enthusiasm infectious.
Josy- We're going to the art studio on Saturday! Then, I'm getting my nails done afterward.
Lucy- That sounds amazing! Are you getting anything special?
Lucy asked, genuinely excited.
Josy- I don't know yet. And I'm going to try to convince Dad to get a manicure too!
Josy giggled, clearly amused by the thought.
Lucy glanced at Tim, a knowing smile on her face. She had heard whispers about this surprise weekend, even the parts that Josy didn't yet know.
Lucy- Well, I want to hear all about it, especially about Tim getting a manicure.
She teased.
Lucy- And you have to send me pictures! It's not every day I get to see Tim get pampered!
Tim rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress the grin that tugged at the corners of his mouth.
As they settled back into their dinner, the conversation meandered into everyday topics, filling the room with a comfortable hum. Theo talked a bit more about tennis , sharing how his practices had been ramping up ahead of his tournament. Josy jumped in, teasing him about how he always claimed he wasn't interested in school but got animated when talking about tennis.
Theo- And then Mrs. Ramos assigned this huge history project.
Theo grumbled between bites.
Theo- It's not even due until next month, but she's acting like it's the end of the world.
Lucy- You'll survive.
Lucy said with a knowing smile.
Lucy- Just don't wait until the last minute, okay?
Theo rolled his eyes but grinned.
Theo- Yeah, yeah. I know.
Josy chimed in, talking more about her plans with Tim for the weekend.
After they finished eating, Tim, ever the helpful guest, stood up and gathered some of the plates.
Tim- Let me give you a hand with the dishes.
He offered, making his way toward the kitchen.
But Lucy quickly waved him off, laughing as she intercepted him.
Lucy- Nope. You know the rule. My kitchen, my mess.
Tim held up his hands in surrender, but the smirk on his face showed he wasn't entirely opposed to getting out of dish duty.
Tim- Alright, if you insist. But don't to be complaining about it tomorrow.
Lucy smiled as she started to clear the table herself, glancing over at Josy and Theo who had begun talking about some funny videos they'd seen that week. The relaxed atmosphere made it easy for her and Tim to fall back into conversation while she worked.
Tim- So. 
Tim leaned against the counter, watching Lucy rinse the last of the dishes.
Tim- How much longer do you think I've got until Josy thinks it's 'uncool' to spend time with me?
Lucy smiled, putting the plate in the dishwasher.
Lucy- Maybe a couple more months if you're lucky. High school's going to change things, though.
Tim chuckled, glancing toward the dining table where Theo and Josy were still chatting, as if in their own world.
Tim- I can already feel it happening. But hey, I'll take what I can get while she still wants to be around me.
Lucy turned, leaning against the counter beside him, her voice softening.
Lucy- At least you still get that. Theo's... well, let's just say he's got his moments. Most of the time, he's great, but there are days when it feels like everything I say just makes him roll his eyes.
Tim grinned knowingly.
Tim- Yeah, but he's a good kid, Lucy. Like, really good. You hit the jackpot with that one.
Lucy laughed lightly, nodding in agreement.
Lucy- I did, didn't I? He's so good most of the time that when he does give me attitude, it just catches me off guard. Like the other day, over math homework—he was convinced I didn't know what I was talking about.
Tim raised an eyebrow, smiling.
Tim- You? The math genius?
Lucy- I know, right? It's like I'm suddenly clueless. But then, just when I'm about to lose it, he'll do something sweet, like help do things around the house or make me coffee in the morning and I can't be mad anymore. He's good—really good. Just... a teenager.
Tim nodded, the familiar territory of raising a teenager making him smile.
Tim- They've got to keep us on our toes. It's in the job description.
Lucy- Apparently.
She turned to glance at the kids, her expression softening.
Lucy- But yeah, he's a great kid. Even when he's difficult, I can't complain. He's kind, smart, and he cares so much.
As Lucy looked over at the kids, Tim followed her gaze, his expression thoughtful. He watched as Theo nudged Josy with his elbow, clearly teasing her about something, and Josy responded with a playful shove. It was a familiar sight now—one that always seemed to ease some of the tension in Tim's shoulders.
Tim- You know... I kind of like how much Theo cares about Josy.
Lucy raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued.
Lucy- Oh yeah?
Tim nodded, leaning back against the counter, his arms folded casually across his chest.
Tim- Yeah. I mean, I see how protective he is, how much he looks out for her. And... honestly, it takes a lot off my plate.
Lucy's expression softened as she listened, her eyes flicking between Tim and the kids.
Tim- Knowing that when I'm not around, Theo's there... it gives me a sense of relief. It's like... I can breathe a little easier.
Lucy's gaze lingered on Theo, her heart swelling with pride. She knew Tim wasn't the type to just hand out compliments, especially not when it came to something so personal.
Lucy- He really does, doesn't he?
Tim nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Tim- Yeah. I mean, don't get me wrong, sometimes they drive each other—and us—crazy. But at the end of the day, Theo's got her back. And as her dad, that's all I can really ask for.
Lucy smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest at Tim's admission. She knew how fiercely protective Tim was of Josy, and for him to trust Theo in that way meant a lot more than he was saying.
Lucy- That's sweet, Tim. And it means a lot... knowing that you trust him like that.
Tim shrugged, but there was a softness in his eyes as he looked at her.
Tim- He's a good kid. You've raised him right. And... it makes my job as a dad a little easier, knowing she's got someone like him in her corner.
Lucy- Well, I'm glad. It's nice to hear you say that, you know?
Tim- I owe him big time for what he did. I don't even know how I could possibly pay him back.
Lucy turned to him, raising an eyebrow.
Lucy- You're talking about that fight at school, aren't you?
Tim nodded, his expression serious.
Tim- Yeah. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. That boy was teasing Josy—pushing boundaries—and Theo stepped in, even though he didn't have to. He put himself on the line. Took a beating for her, and the whole time, he made sure she didn't get hurt.
Lucy sighed, her expression softening. She knew about the fight—she'd was there with Tim—but hearing Tim talk about it now made her realize she hadn't fully grasped how much it must have affected him.
Lucy- I remember. He didn't make a big deal out of it. I just didn't realize... I didn't think about how it must have felt for you.
Tim ran a hand through his hair, his eyes distant as he replayed the memory in his mind.
Tim- It shook me up, Lucy. You know how protective I am of Josy. I'm supposed to be the one looking out for her, making sure nothing happens to her. And here's Theo, putting himself in harm's way to make sure she was safe.
Lucy's heart squeezed, realizing the weight Tim had been carrying. She'd thought of the fight as just an incident, but to Tim, it had been so much more.
Lucy- I didn't see it that way... not until now. I knew Theo was protective of her, but I guess I never thought about how much that would mean to you. He really did take care of her.
Tim- He did.
Tim's voice hung in the air for a moment before he let out a small laugh, shaking his head in disbelief.
Tim- You know, what's still crazy to me is that we knew our kids were friends all along—but didn't even realize they were our kids.
Lucy grinned, her eyes lighting up with amusement.
Lucy- I know, right? I still can't believe it. All those projects, hangouts, all those stories about their "best friend," and we never made the connection.
Tim- Exactly! It wasn't until that call from school, when you were checking on him.
Lucy laughed, recalling the confusion and surprise of that moment.
Lucy- I remember being there and thinking the same thing. I had no idea you were "Josy's dad" that Theo kept talking about. I guess it didn't even occur to me that our kids could be the same "best friends" we were hearing about from them all the time.
Tim- And of course, it had to be a fight that made us finally figure it out.
Lucy- Of course. Nothing like a fight to bring two old friends back together.
Tim shook his head, still chuckling.
Tim- I should've realized sooner. I mean, Josy kept mentioning Theo and how they did everything together. And knowing you had a son named Theo? It should've clicked.
Lucy- Same here! Theo would talk about Josy all the time—how smart she was, how funny she was. I just thought it was cute. It never crossed my mind that she was your kid. We were so wrapped up in our own lives.
Tim- And, honestly, I probably wouldn't have figured it out if it wasn't for that call. I was sitting there, hearing the principal talk about how Theo stepped in to defend Josy, and I was like, "Wait a second... how could this happen? How didn't I realize he's her so?"
Lucy shook her head, still amused at how oblivious they'd been.
Lucy- It's almost embarrassing how long it took us to realize. I mean, we've known each other for a while, and yet, somehow, we didn't put two and two together until our kids got into trouble.
Tim- Guess that's just life, huh? Full of surprises.
Lucy- Yeah. But I'm kind of glad it happened the way it did. I mean, look at them—they're just as close as we are. It's sweet, really.
Tim smiled, glancing over at the kids, who were still deep in conversation at the table.
Tim- Yeah, it is. And I guess, in a weird way, it's kind of perfect. They've got this bond that neither of us even saw coming.
Lucy- Yeah, it's crazy. They're like miniature versions of us. Sometimes I watch them and wonder if this is how we looked to people.
Tim- Probably. Though, they seem to have more energy than we ever did. I don't remember us ever fighting like siblings.
Lucy- Nah, we were more of a "calm banter" duo.
Lucy chuckled, wiping her hands on a dish towel.
Tim- I'll take that over the full-on sibling brawls these two get into. Though, I can't complain. For all their bickering, they care for each other.
Lucy- Yeah, it's like they've become family in their own. Just like us.
Tim chuckled softly at the thought, leaning back against the counter, his eyes lingering on the kids.
Tim- Like us.
The words hung in the air, rich with the weight of shared history. Lucy smiled, a gentle, knowing expression on her face. She glanced over at Theo and Josy, who were now laughing about something at the table, completely at ease with each other. It was heartwarming to see how natural their friendship had become, just like hers and Tim's.
Lucy- It really is funny how things work out. Life throws so many curveballs, but somehow, it finds a way to make everything fall into place.
Tim- Yeah. And it's nice to know they've got each other. They've got that same thing we had—have, I guess.
Lucy- Exactly. They're lucky. It's rare to find a friendship like that.
Tim glanced back at Lucy, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Tim- They really are. And we've done alright, huh?
Lucy- I'd say so. They might drive us crazy sometimes, but they're good kids.
Tim- Good kids with good hearts. We've both done something right.
Lucy smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting the same pride Tim felt. It was moments like this that made all the chaos of raising teenagers worth it—the knowledge that, despite everything, they were raising kind, caring humans who looked out for each other.
After a comfortable silence, Tim glanced at his watch and sighed softly.
Tim- Well, we should probably get going. It's getting late, and they have school tomorrow.
Lucy nodded, though there was a slight reluctance in her smile.
Lucy- Yeah.
Tim pushed himself off the counter, looking toward the table where Josy and Theo were still engrossed in their conversation.
Tim- Josy, we've gotta go, kiddo.
Josy looked up, surprised, as if she'd forgotten the time.
Josy- Already?
Tim- Afraid so. You've got school tomorrow.
Josy groaned, clearly not ready for the night to end.
Josy- Ugh, fine. Theo, I'll send you that link to the video I was talking about.
Theo- Cool. See you tomorrow?
Josy nodded, gathering her things as she stood up. She and Theo exchanged a playful bye before she followed Tim toward the door. Lucy trailed behind, still smiling.
Lucy- It was nice having you over. We'll have to do this again soon.
Tim- Definitely. Thanks for dinner, Lucy.
Lucy- Anytime. You know you guys are always welcome here.
Tim- Well, I'll hold you to that.
As Josy and Tim stepped outside, Lucy waved them off, feeling the calm settle back over the house. She turned to find Theo already heading toward his room, his usual post-dinner retreat. Before he disappeared, though, he glanced back at her.
Theo- Good night, Mom.
Lucy- Night, sweetheart.
As she watched Theo disappear down the hallway, Lucy couldn't help but smile to herself. Life was unpredictable, always throwing surprises their way, but in moments like this, with old friendships rekindled and new ones blossoming, she felt a deep sense of peace. Everything had a way of coming full circle.