What if Tim and Lucy both had kids

Part 24

This turned out different than I expected it to be. Hope you still like it. Not sure when I'll be posting next.

The next few days passed as usual—work, school, the normal routine. Saturday came around and Tim found himself checking his phone more than usual, though. Josy had asked to go to the mall with some friends, and against his better judgment, he'd agreed. He trusted her, but still... letting her go off without him, just waiting for that text to pick her up, left him a little on edge.
Lucy, of course, knew.
Which was exactly why he was here now, sitting at Theo's tennis tournament instead of pacing around at home, checking his phone every five minutes.
Tim leaned back in the bleachers, arms crossed as he looked around at the parents—some watching intently, some chatting, some, like him, just there. Lucy, on the other hand, sat forward, watching the all of Theos match with a keen eye.
After a while, Tim turned to her, arching an eyebrow.
Tim- So, why exactly am I here again?
Lucy smirked, not taking her eyes off the match.
Lucy- Because if you were at home, you'd be spiraling, wondering if Josy had been kidnapped by a cult or decided to move to another country without telling you.
Tim huffed, shaking his head.
Tim- I wouldn't be that bad.
Lucy shot him a look.
Lucy- Right. And I'm sure you totally wouldn't be refreshing your messages every ten seconds hopping she texts you to come pick her up.
Tim had no rebuttal for that, so he just exhaled through his nose, looking back at the court.
Lucy- Besides, I want to support Theo. And you, my dear friend, have the privilege of enjoying my awesome company.
Tim let out a short laugh, shaking his head.
Tim- Yeah, yeah. Lucky me.
Time passed, and between breaks, Theo would come over, grabbing water and talking to his mom. Tim gave him a nod here and there, but otherwise, he mostly sat back and observed. He had to admit, though—these kids were good.
At some point, Tim found himself actually watching the games, paying attention to the way the players moved, how fast the rallies were, how much technique and precision went into each shot. He was starting to get into it.
Lucy turned to him, about to say something, but Tim lifted a hand absentmindedly, eyes still glued to the court.
Tim- Wait a sec...
Lucy blinked, amused as Tim leaned forward, clearly invested. The match was intense—long rallies, quick footwork, powerful serves. When the final point was played, Tim let out a low whistle, finally turning to Lucy.
Tim- Alright. What were you saying?
Lucy just grinned, shaking her head.
Lucy- Oh, nothing. Just enjoying the fact that you, Mr. I'd-Rather-Be-Anywhere-Else, are actually invested.
Tim scoffed, sitting back again.
Tim- Please. I'm just... appreciating the skill.
The tournament eventually came to an end. Unfortunately, Theo didn't take first place, but he secured a solid second, which was still a huge achievement. He had played well, fought hard, and the determination on his face as he shook hands with his opponent made it clear—he was proud of himself.
Lucy clapped as the players were called up for the awards ceremony, her face glowing with pride. Tim gave a few claps himself, nodding in approval.
Tim- Second place isn't bad at all. He did great.
Lucy turned to him, smiling.
Lucy- He really did. And you know what? He's already thinking about what he can improve for next time.
Tim smirked.
Tim- Competitive streak, huh?
Lucy chuckled.
Lucy- Oh, you have no idea.
Just as the trophy ceremony was over, Tim's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out and saw Josy's name on the screen.

Josy: You can come pick me up now.

Tim exhaled, almost laughing to himself. As if it was planned. Right as things were wrapping up here, she was ready to go.
He turned to Lucy.
Tim- That's my cue. Gotta go pick up Josy.
Lucy nodded knowingly.
Lucy- Well, at least now you don't have to pretend you're not relieved.
Tim rolled his eyes, but he didn't argue. Instead, he turned to Theo, who was sipping from his water bottle, holding the trophy in his free hand.
Tim- Hey, Theo—you played great. Seriously. That was impressive.
Theo looked up at him, a little surprised but pleased.
Theo- Thanks.
Tim gave him a nod before stepping back.
Tim- Alright, I have to go. See you.
With that, he headed toward the parking lot, unlocking his car as he went. The tension he'd been carrying all day finally eased. Josy was safe, the tournament had been a good distraction, and for once, everything felt like it was exactly as it should be.
The tournament wrapped up, and soon enough, Lucy and Theo were gathering their things to leave as well. Theo, still holding his trophy, looked tired but content.
Lucy- Ready to head home?
Theo- Yeah. Kinda hungry, though.
Lucy smiled, ruffling his hair.
Lucy- I figured. How about we order something? Your pick.
Theo perked up a little.
Theo- Sushi?
Lucy- Sushi it is. I'll order when we're home. Should arrive when you're done showering.
With that, they headed off, stopping to grab food before heading home. The evening was quiet, just the two of them eating on the couch, watching something lighthearted on TV. Theo scrolled through his phone between bites, and Lucy let him be, content to just relax after a long day.
As Lucy and Theo made their way home, the exhaustion from the long day started settling in. Theo leaned his head against the car window, his trophy resting on his lap.
Once they got inside, Lucy set her bag down and stretched.
Lucy- Go shower and get comfy. I'll order the sushi.
Theo- Okay.
He disappeared into the bathroom while Lucy pulled out her phone, placing the order. By the time Theo came back, his hair damp and dressed in comfortable clothes, the food had arrived.
They settled in, sitting on the couch with their sushi spread out on the coffee table. The TV played some lighthearted show in the background, but neither of them was paying much attention. It was just a quiet, relaxed evening—exactly what they needed after the long tournament.
Meanwhile, Tim had picked up Josy, and the two of them were on their way home. The car ride was peaceful, music playing softly in the background. Tim kept glancing at Josy, relieved to have her back, but not wanting to make a big deal out of it.
When they got home, they settled in for dinner. Tim sat across from her at the table, taking a sip of his drink before glancing at her.
Tim- So... how was it?
Josy looked up, chewing a bite of food.
Josy- Hm?
Tim- The mall. Your day. Just—how was it?
Josy shrugged lightly but smiled.
Josy- It was good. We walked around, checked out some stores, got food. Nothing crazy.
Tim nodded, letting that sink in.
Tim- Sounds nice.
Josy- It was.
Tim didn't push for more. He just nodded again and focused on eating. It was enough for him to know she had a good time. She was safe, she was here, and everything was fine.