At the airport

As John pulled into the parking lot, Wesley and John were in John's truck.

John said, "Alright, I'm just parking now. I'll meet you at baggage claim. No, don't worry about it. Get ready for a big, embarrassing hug from me and Uncle Wes. See you soon."

Wesley shook his head with a smirk. "I'm not hugging that kid."

As John stepped out, he accidentally dropped his phone. Wesley noticed that John had left the keys in the truck, so he watched as John closed the door and said, "Yes!" when he saw the phone hadn't broken.

John realized he had locked himself out, looked at Wesley, and said, "Can you grab my keys, Wes?"

Wesley chuckled, retrieved the keys and John's wallet from the truck, and handed them to him as he got out and closed the door.

John sighed in relief. "Thanks, man. I owe you one."

Wesley grinned. "Let's just go meet the kid, alright?"

John and Wesley arrived at the baggage claim area, weaving through the crowd of travelers. John's excitement was palpable as he scanned the crowd of people. His gaze landed on a tall, young man standing by the carousel, checking his phone.

"Henry!" John called out, waving with enthusiasm.

Henry looked up, his face breaking into a grin as he spotted his father. He walked over, and John pulled him into a bear hug. "Look at you! It's so good to see you!"

Henry laughed, clapping his father on the back. "Good to see you too, Dad."

Wesley stood back, letting John and Henry have their moment. After a moment, Henry turned to Wesley, giving him a nod. "Hey, you must be Uncle Wes. Nice to meet you."

Wesley extended his hand. "That's me. Nice to meet you, Henry. I've heard a lot about you."

Henry shook Wesley's hand, his grip firm. "I've heard a bit about you too. Dad says you're quite the character."

Wesley grinned. "All good things, I hope."

Henry chuckled. "Definitely. So, you two ready for the drive?"

John grabbed Henry's bag from the carousel and threw an arm around his shoulders. "Yeah, we're all set. Let's get out of here. I'm sure you've got stories to tell, and Wesley's some of his own."

As they walked toward the exit, Henry and Wesley struck up a conversation. Henry shared stories from college and his recent experiences, while Wesley talked about some of his more memorable moments on the job. John, content to be a spectator, listened with a smile.

They reached the car, and Wesley opened the trunk to stow the bag. "You've got to tell me more about what you're studying. Anything particularly interesting?"

Henry laughed. "Yeah, actually, I'm diving into some pretty cool stuff in my engineering program. Lots of practical applications."

John, holding the keys, looked at both of them with a grin. "Looks like we've got a lot to talk about. Let's get going and catch up properly."

As they drove off, the car was filled with laughter and lively conversation, a promising start to their time together.

At the station

Henry, John, and Wesley walked into the station, with Henry glancing around in curiosity. "So this is where you guys work?"

Wesley grinned and said, "Yeah, pretty cool, huh?"

Henry nodded, but his excitement was clear. "It's all right. I'm more interested in hearing about your time as an assassin, though."

Wesley chuckled nervously and said, "Ah, buddy, maybe another time. I'm not really up for talking about that."

Henry looked puzzled. "Why not? Dad always says you've got some amazing stories."

John glanced at Wesley, then turned to his son. "Henry, your Uncle Wes doesn't like talking about his time as an assassin because... it's been tough for him. He might share those stories with you one day when he's ready. For now, you just have to be patient."

Henry nodded, understanding but still curious. "Got it. I'll wait."

John asked, "So, you sure you're okay with Ubering home from here?"

Henry nodded. "Yeah, of course. You can't be late for your shift. But I'm not leaving until I see you two in uniform."

Wesley chuckled. "Yeah, this isn't exactly a job where we get to hang out a lot."

Henry smiled. "Oh, I know, Uncle Wes. If you'd rather I leave, just say so."

John quickly reassured him, "Not at all. I'm just a bit under the microscope. They evaluate me at the end of every shift."

Henry raised an eyebrow. "Are you worried I'll make you two look bad?"

John shook his head. "No, no. Let's start fresh. We're thrilled to have you here."

Henry grinned. "Got it."

John added, "Just maybe don't share any embarrassing stories about me."

Henry smirked. "Oh, that's going to be hard. There are so many."

John protested, "Really, there aren't that many."

Henry laughed. "Oh, sure. My sixth birthday. Easter 2009. The turducken."

John groaned, "Do not tell that story."

Henry chuckled. "Oh, I'll think about it."

Just then, a voice came from behind them. "What story?"

Wesley turned and smiled. "Well, if it isn't my lovely girlfriend."

Lucy grinned. "Ooh, 'lovely.' Are you trying to butter me up?"

Wesley raised his hand with a smirk. "Maybe just a little bit."

Jackson chuckled and John said, "Hey! Jackson and Lucy, this is—"

Jackson interrupted with a grin, "Henry. What's up, bro?"

Lucy added, "Hey! Nice to see you."

Wesley looked confused. "I thought you two hadn't met Henry yet?"

Jackson said, "Yeah, we've connected on social media."

Henry nodded. "Yeah, I followed them after you guys started hanging out at the Academy. They followed me back. Uncle Wes, do you not know what social media is?"

Wesley chuckled and said, "Henry, my nephew, let me explain this once, okay?"

Henry looked at him, curious.

Wesley continued, "I used to be an assassin. We didn't exactly carry phones or browse social media. Old habits die hard."

Lucy interjected, "Hey, give him a break."

Wesley turned to Lucy with a smirk. "Lucy, you might want to stop. I'll have to put you in handcuffs for the entire roll call if you keep it up."

Jackson laughed and said, "Wes, you need to lighten up."

Lucy gave Wesley a playful nudge. "Come on, Wes, you know I'm just messing with you."

Henry grinned and said, "It's cool. I get it. Uncle Wes is always serious."

John shook his head, smiling. "All right, everyone. Let's not turn this into a comedy show. Henry, you're welcome to hang out and meet everyone here. Just remember, this isn't exactly a party scene."

Henry looked around, taking in the bustling station. "Got it. I'm good with just hanging out and meeting people."

Wesley clapped Henry on the shoulder. "Great. We'll make sure you get a good tour before we dive into the shift."

Lucy gave Wesley a wink. "And maybe you can tell me some of those stories about the turducken later."

John laughed, "Oh, please don't."

Henry chuckled. "I might just have to."

Wesley said, "And you thought they didn't hear that?" He glanced at John with a smirk.

John replied, "Well, Lucy did ask what story, so I figured they might."

Lucy turned to Henry and said, "By the way, that photo you posted from the plane? Horrifying."

Jackson added, "Yeah, I nearly lost my lunch."

Henry shrugged with a grin. "Thanks for that. The guy in the next aisle over-cleaned his dentures on the tray table."

Lucy grimaced. "That's seriously gross."

Henry nodded. "Yeah, definitely not the highlight of the trip."

Wesley shook his head and said, "You know, the way you three are talking, it's like you're speaking a whole different language."

Jackson chuckled and said, "You should've seen it, Wes. It was like a scene out of a horror movie."

Wesley raised an eyebrow. "I can't believe I missed that. But let's shift gears before I lose my appetite."

John, trying to defuse the situation, said, "How about we focus on something a bit more uplifting? Henry, tell us about your plans while you're in town."

Henry brightened up. "Well, I'm hoping to catch up with a few friends and see some of the local sights. I've heard there's a great museum downtown. Any recommendations?"

Lucy, excited to share, said, "You should check out the art museum. It's got some amazing exhibits right now. And if you're into history, the local history museum is pretty cool too."

Jackson added, "And don't miss the food scene. There's a new taco place that's gotten rave reviews."

Henry grinned. "Sounds like a plan. Thanks for the tips."

John glanced at Wesley and said, "Looks like Henry's got a full itinerary. Just don't let him get into too much trouble while he's here."

Wesley nodded, "I'll keep an eye out. And Henry, if you need anything or get bored, just let me know."

Henry smiled. "Will do, Uncle Wes. Thanks."

As they chatted, Wesley couldn't help but feel a sense of relief and camaraderie. Despite the earlier chaos and the ongoing tension at work, moments like these reminded him of the value of family and the importance of enjoying the little things in life.

John raised an eyebrow and asked, "Why didn't you mention you were friends with my son on, uh, Insta-thingy?"

Jackson shrugged. "We didn't think it was a big deal."

Lucy nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's not like it's something to hide."

Henry added with a grin, "It's 2019, Dad. Social media's kind of the norm."

Jackson chuckled and said, "Yeah, Dad." He and Lucy shared a laugh.

Wesley smirked and said, "And don't worry about Lucy, John. She's about to experience roll call in handcuffs."

Lucy's eyes widened. "Wait, you're serious?"

Wesley nodded with a grin. "Oh, I was serious from the start."

Lucy shot Wesley a playful glare. "You know, I'm starting to think Wesley just enjoys seeing me in handcuffs."

Wesley chuckled. "It's more about tradition."

Jackson raised an eyebrow and asked, "Tradition?"

Wesley nodded. "Every recruit or visitor gets a little initiation. Keeps everyone on their toes."

John said, "Oh, come on, Wesley. You're going to put Lucy in handcuffs for roll call?"

Lucy raised an eyebrow and said, "If I'm in handcuffs, who's going to keep this place running smoothly?"

Wesley grinned. "We'll manage. I'm sure Jackson can handle it."

Jackson nodded and said, "I've got it covered. Don't worry."

Henry chuckled and said, "Looks like Uncle Wes is taking his role seriously. Maybe I should stay around and see this."

John shook his head, smiling. "Alright, alright. Let's not make this a circus. We'll get Lucy out of the cuffs before roll call starts."

Wesley laughed. "Deal. But first, Henry, let's give you a quick tour of the station before we dive into more stories. We've got work to do."

Henry nodded enthusiastically. "Sounds good to me. Lead the way!"

As Wesley guided Henry and John through the station, Lucy and Jackson exchanged amused glances, and the team fell into a more relaxed rhythm.

Lucy shook her head, smiling. "Alright, enough with the teasing. How about we get out of here and grab some coffee? Wesley's buying."

Wesley groaned. "Hey, I didn't agree to that!"

Henry grinned. "Well, looks like you're outnumbered, Uncle Wes."

John clapped Wesley on the back. "Come on, Wes. Let's make it a good one."

Wesley sighed but smiled. "Fine, fine. Coffee it is. But don't expect me to go easy on you."

As they headed out, the camaraderie and laughter continued, creating a moment of lightheartedness amidst their busy lives.

The group strolled over to a nearby café, where they decided to grab some coffee and unwind a bit. Wesley, John, and Henry stood in line while Lucy and Jackson found a table.

Lucy was chatting with Jackson about the latest case, not paying much attention to Wesley's antics. As Wesley approached the counter, he turned to John and Henry.

Wesley said, "I'll take care of the coffee. You two can sit down and relax."

Henry nodded. "Thanks, Uncle Wes. Appreciate it."

Wesley flashed a grin as he ordered the coffee, and once he had everything paid for, he grabbed a pair of handcuffs from his belt. He approached Lucy's table, pretending to adjust his radio. When she wasn't looking, he quickly handcuffed her hands behind her back.

Lucy yelped in surprise and turned to see Wesley chuckling, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Lucy said, "Seriously, Wes? Are you doing this?"

Wesley grinned wider. "You said it yourself—you're supposed to be in handcuffs for roll call."

Jackson laughed and said, "Looks like he's keeping his word."

Lucy tried to make a stern face but couldn't help smiling. "Alright, alright. Very funny. But seriously, can someone get these off me before I spill my coffee?"

Henry looked at the handcuffs, then at Wesley, and said, "Is this how things usually go around here?"

John chuckled and said, "You're getting a crash course in Wesley's sense of humor. It's one of a kind."

Wesley handed out the coffees, still grinning. "I promise to release you as soon as we're back at the station. Just consider it a fun little reminder of who's in charge."

Lucy shook her head, still smiling. "Fine, fine. Just don't make a habit of it."

As they all enjoyed their coffee, Wesley, Lucy, Jackson, John, and Henry chatted about the day's events, laughing and sharing stories. Despite the playful prank, the camaraderie and good spirits were evident as they relaxed together before heading back to their duties.

As they continued to enjoy their coffee, Wesley's mischievous streak wasn't done yet. While the group was engaged in conversation and laughter, Wesley kept an eye on Henry, who was absorbed in his phone, scrolling through social media.

Wesley stealthily approached Henry from behind, a playful glint in his eye. He quickly and quietly slipped a pair of handcuffs onto Henry's wrists. The sudden click of the cuffs snapping into place was barely audible amidst the café's chatter.

Henry looked up, startled, as he realized what had just happened. Wesley was already laughing, unable to contain his amusement.

Henry said, "What the—Uncle Wes! Seriously?"

Lucy, noticing the commotion, turned and burst into laughter at the sight of Henry's bewildered expression and Wesley's triumphant grin.

John, seeing what was happening, shook his head and chuckled. "Wes, are you going to handcuff everyone today?"

Wesley managed to catch his breath from laughing and said, "Well, it seemed like a fun way to continue the theme. Don't worry, Henry, you'll be free in a minute."

Henry, still trying to suppress his laughter, said, "You know, if this is your way of making me feel welcome, it's working. But seriously, I thought you were supposed to be professional."

Wesley grinned and said, "Oh, we are. Just adding a bit of spice to the day. But if you want, I can make it up to you."

John laughed and said, "Henry, you might want to get used to this. Wesley's sense of humor is legendary around here."

Wesley finally unlocked the handcuffs and handed them back to his belt, apologizing with a smirk. "Alright, alright. Back to being a respectable officer. Or at least pretending to be one."

Henry rubbed his wrists and said, "I'll remember this. Just wait until the next family gathering."

As they wrapped up their coffee break, the playful banter and laughter continued, making it clear that despite the tough day and the work ahead, the bonds between them were strong and full of humor.

As they were wrapping up their coffee break, Wesley's playful spirit wasn't quite finished. With a mischievous grin, he decided to showcase a little sleight of hand.

"Alright, everyone," Wesley announced, "since we're all in a good mood, how about a magic trick?"

Henry raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A magic trick? You?"

Wesley winked and said, "Watch closely. This one's a classic."

Without missing a beat, Wesley took out a pair of handcuffs from his belt. With deft movements, he slipped one cuff onto his wrist and then, in a surprisingly smooth motion, managed to cuff Henry's wrist to his own. All of this was done with his back to the table, making it look like he wasn't even paying attention.

The room fell silent as everyone watched in amazement. Wesley finally turned around, holding up the linked cuffs with a flourish.

"Ta-da!" Wesley said, grinning broadly.

Lucy, still handcuffed behind her back, clapped her hands together and cheered, "Wow, Wesley! That was impressive!"

Henry looked at the handcuffs and then at Wesley, clearly impressed. "Okay, that was pretty cool. I didn't think you could pull that off."

Wesley shrugged modestly. "Just a little party trick. Can't let my skills get rusty."

John chuckled, shaking his head. "I don't know whether to be impressed or worried. Either way, that's a talent I didn't know you had."

Henry laughed and said, "Well, Uncle Wes, I'm glad to see you haven't lost your touch. But, uh, can I get these off now?"

Wesley, still grinning, quickly unlocked the cuffs and freed Henry. "Of course. Didn't mean to keep you restrained for too long."

As the handcuffs clinked and fell away, Henry rubbed his wrist with a chuckle. "That was a memorable welcome."

Lucy, who had been clapping and laughing, added, "And just when I thought Wesley couldn't surprise us more."

With that, the group continued their lighthearted banter and finished their coffee, enjoying the break from the day's chaos and savoring the camaraderie that made even the wildest of days enjoyable.

As they wrapped up their coffee, Wesley's playful mood showed no signs of fading. With everyone in high spirits, he decided to continue the fun.

He walked over to Lucy, who was still handcuffed behind her back, and with a mischievous glint in his eye, he tugged gently on the cuffs.

"Hey, Lucy," Wesley said with a grin, "you mind if I borrow you for a quick second?"

Lucy, who had been enjoying the banter, raised an eyebrow. "Sure, what's up?"

Wesley pulled her a little closer, using the handcuffs as an excuse to bridge the gap between them. With a soft chuckle, he leaned in and pressed a quick, affectionate kiss to her lips.

Lucy's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with affection. She managed to say, "You're impossible, you know that?"

Wesley smiled and pulled back slightly. "Guilty as charged. But hey, I figured it was a good way to end a great day."

John and Henry watched with amused smiles, the moment adding a warm, personal touch to their day. John shook his head and said, "You two are something else."

Henry chuckled and added, "Yeah, I guess that's what makes family fun."

Lucy, still smiling, said, "Alright, now that I've had my kiss and my fun, can someone get these cuffs off so I can use my hands?"

Wesley, with a final wink, quickly unlocked the cuffs and freed Lucy. "There you go. Thanks for being a good sport."

As they all headed out together, the camaraderie and lighthearted moments of the day reminded them that, no matter how intense their lives got, they could always find joy in each other's company.

As Wesley finished unlocking Lucy's handcuffs, he gave her a teasing look.

"Lucky for you," Wesley said with a smirk, "I decided not to leave the cuffs on for roll call. I was tempted, though."

Lucy, now free and rubbing her wrists, rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, really? You wouldn't have dared."

Wesley chuckled. "You'd be surprised. It's not every day I get to have this much fun with the team."

Lucy shook her head, still smiling. "Well, I appreciate the thought, but I think I'd rather not spend roll call in handcuffs."

John and Henry, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, joined in. John said, "You know, Wesley, sometimes I wonder how you manage to keep things so entertaining."

Henry added with a grin, "Yeah, Uncle Wes, you've got a talent for it."

Wesley shrugged with a playful grin. "Just keeping things interesting. It's what I do best."

Lucy nudged Wesley lightly, still smiling. "Well, next time you want to get creative with the handcuffs, just remember: I'm not a fan of being tied up for too long."

Wesley laughed and put his arm around her. "Noted. Let's head back to the station before I come up with any more 'creative' ideas."

As they walked out of the café, the group continued their lighthearted banter, the playful moments bringing them closer and making the day even more memorable.

Back at the station

In the briefing room

Grey walked into the briefing room, his authoritative presence immediately quieting the chatter. "All right, settle down," he said, his eyes scanning the room before landing on John. "Officer Nolan, you ready?"

John nodded, sitting up straighter. "Yes, sir."

Grey gave a nod of approval. "Good. Now, let me ask you something. What's your favorite part about the job? And don't say, 'To make a difference.'"

John smiled slightly, knowing the cliché answer wouldn't fly. "I wasn't going to, but... it is."

Grey raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, he asked, "And what's your least favorite part?"

Wesley quickly jumped in, a smirk on his face. "Oh, that's easy. Paperwork."

Just then, Zoe walked in, dressed sharply in her uniform. "Imagine how I feel," she remarked, her tone dry but playful.

Wesley's eyes lit up as he noticed her new rank insignia. "Well, hello, Captain," he greeted with a mock salute.

Zoe shot him a look, her expression was stern but with a hint of amusement. "Officer Wick, be professional."

Wesley held up his hands in mock surrender, a mischievous grin on his face. "Oh, I am, Captain."

The room erupted into laughter, the tension easing as the officers enjoyed the light-hearted exchange. Even Grey couldn't help but crack a smile, shaking his head as he brought the briefing back on track.

Zoe stepped forward, her voice commanding attention. "All right, listen up. Most of what a captain does these days is paperwork. Because of that, I feel like I've lost touch with what being a cop is really about—people. It's not just about the citizens we serve and protect; it's about every single one of you in this room. So, to fix that, I've decided Sergeant Grey and I are going to ride patrol today."

Tim raised an eyebrow, curious. "Together?"

Zoe shook her head. "No. We're each going to ride with a rookie, and their respective T.O.s will pair up or ride with a rookie who doesn't have a T.O."

Jackson jumped in eagerly, "Ma'am, I'd be honored if you'd ride with me."

Zoe smiled at the offer but gently declined. "That's very sweet, Officer West, but today I'll be riding with Officer Chen."

John quickly raised his hand, catching Grey's eye. "Sergeant Grey, I'd be honored if you rode with Officer West today."

Wesley nodded in agreement. "I second that."

Grey gave them a wry smile. "That's adorable, Officers Nolan and Wick, but you both know my heart belongs to Nolan."

The room filled with laughter, everyone enjoying the playful banter.

John sighed with mock resignation. "Lucky me."

Tim then turned to Grey, half-joking, "Would it be all right if I ride with your Boot, sir?"

Grey looked at Wesley. "Wick, you want to ride with Officer Bradford?"

Wesley shrugged, easygoing. "I'm fine with it, sir."

Grey nodded, satisfied. "All right then. Let's hit the streets."

In the station

As everyone filtered out of the briefing room, Wesley approached Tim with a resigned look. "So, I'm guessing I'm on gear duty?"

Tim smirked, nodding. "You guessed right, Boot. Go grab it."

Wesley gave a quick nod. "Yes, sir." He turned and headed off to gather their equipment.

As Wesley walked away, Lopez sidled up to Tim with a raised eyebrow. "You know, he went from rookie to stepping up as a leader when we needed it. Now, we're just gonna treat him like a rookie again? That doesn't seem fair."

Tim shrugged, maintaining his usual stern demeanor. "It's for the best. Wesley's still a great friend, and I trust his judgment completely, but today I'm his T.O. I've got to keep that dynamic clear. Can't have anyone thinking I'm playing favorites."

Lopez chuckled, shaking her head. "Tim, everyone already knows you favor Officer Wick over all the rookies—especially over your own. It's not exactly a secret."

As Tim and Lopez watched from a distance, they saw Wesley quietly sneak up behind Lucy, who was engrossed in a conversation with Jackson. 

With a quick, mischievous grin, Wesley gently tapped Lucy's shoulder on one side and then quickly ducked to the other side. Lucy turned, confused, only to see Wesley grinning at her from the opposite direction.

Lucy, realizing she'd been pranked, narrowed her eyes at Wesley. "Really?" she asked with a mock glare, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

Lopez chuckled and nudged Tim. "He's at it again."

Tim smirked, shaking his head slightly. As Wesley turned to walk away, feeling quite proud of himself, Tim called out, "Hey, Wick!"

Wesley stopped and turned to face him, still grinning. "Yeah, Bradford?"

"Get your head on straight, Boot. We've got a job to do," Tim said, his tone serious but with a hint of amusement.

Wesley's grin softened into a more focused expression. "Yes, sir," he replied, giving a quick nod before heading off to get the gear.

Lopez smiled as she watched Wesley walk away. "He's always going to be your favorite, isn't he?"

Tim just shrugged with a knowing smile. "He's a handful, but he's one of the best."

As Tim and Lopez continued to chat, they noticed Lucy sneaking up behind Wesley, who was busy gathering the gear. Lucy had a playful gleam in her eye, clearly planning to return the favor after Wesley's earlier prank. She carefully approached, trying to stay silent.

Wesley, however, was more aware than he let on. He subtly glanced at the reflection in a nearby window and saw Lucy creeping up behind him. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, but he kept his focus on the gear, pretending to be oblivious.

Just as Lucy reached out to tap him, Wesley spun around, catching her hand in mid-air. "Nice try, Chen," he said with a grin, holding her hand gently.

Lucy's eyes widened in surprise, then narrowed as she realized she'd been outplayed. "How did you—"

"Old habits," Wesley replied with a wink, releasing her hand. "You've got to be quicker than that if you want to prank me."

Lopez chuckled as she watched the exchange. "Looks like you're not the only one who's always a step ahead, Tim."

Tim smirked, clearly amused. "Wick's sharper than most give him credit for."

Wesley finished grabbing the gear, slinging it over his shoulder. "You should know by now, Lucy," he said, still grinning. "I'm always ready."

Lucy crossed her arms, trying to look stern but failing to hide her smile. "Next time, Wesley. Next time."

"We'll see," Wesley replied with a chuckle, walking past her with the gear.

As Wesley moved towards the patrol car, Tim called out to him, "Let's get moving, Boot. We're on duty."

"Yes, sir," Wesley responded, giving Lucy a playful look before heading out with Tim, leaving Lucy and Lopez sharing an amused glance behind them.

Wesley quickly backed the patrol car into position and then, as he was closing the trunk, a thought hit him. He glanced over at Tim and said, "Uh, sir? Do you mind if I say goodbye to my nephew real quick?"

Tim, busy checking something on his phone, barely looked up. "Make it quick, Wick."

Wesley nodded, grateful. "Thanks, sir."

Without wasting a second, Wesley jogged out of the patrol car garage and headed straight for the front desk where he knew Henry would be waiting.

Later

Wesley made his way to the front desk and found Henry chatting with John. Henry was mid-sentence, grinning as he said, "That belt looks super uncomfortable, though."

John chuckled, shifting slightly. "Yeah, it gives me a nice bruise where the gun digs into my hip. But hey, looks like you've made a friend."

Wesley noticed the girl standing nearby and smiled. "Seems like you did."

Henry grinned back. "Uncle Wes, meet Dominique. She's been giving me the inside scoop around here. Her dad works here too."

Wesley raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh, really?"

Dominique nodded with a polite smile. "Yeah, he's the watch commander."

Wesley's smile faltered slightly as he chuckled nervously. "Your dad's... my T.O.?"

Before Dominique could respond, Grey's voice cut through the air. "Officer Nolan, Officer Wick. What are you two doing up here? And why aren't you getting our gear, Officer Nolan?"

Wesley quickly straightened up. "Just getting my nephew squared away, sir. He flew in this morning from college."

Grey's gaze shifted to his daughter. "Dominique?"

She smirked at her father. "Hey, Dad. You forgot I was interning today, didn't you?"

Grey tried to play it off, shaking his head. "Of course not."

Wesley jumped in with a grin. "If he did, you can blame me. I'm a handful as his trainee."

Dominique shrugged. "It's fine. I'm used to it. I intern at different divisions on Saturdays."

John chimed in, "Oh, for college?"

Grey cut him off, "High school. My daughter's a senior."

Dominique turned to Wesley, curiosity piqued. "So why did you ask Henry's dad to get your gear? Are you riding patrol?"

Wesley grinned. "Captain's orders. My girlfriend's the captain."

Dominique's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? Does my mom know?"

Grey sighed. "Haven't told her yet."

Dominique smirked, teasingly. "Well, I won't say anything if you don't mention the 'C' I got in Macrobiology."

Grey shot her a stern look. "We don't make deals like that in our house."

Dominique pressed, "So, that's a 'no'?"

Wesley, sensing an opportunity, pulled out his wallet and handed Dominique a crisp hundred-dollar bill. "How about this? Keep quiet about your dad going on patrol, and I'll pay you $100 every week. Deal?"

Dominique's eyes lit up. "Really?"

Wesley nodded, glancing at Grey with a mischievous grin. "Absolutely. I've got to stay on my T.O.'s good side if I'm riding with him tomorrow."

Dominique pocketed the bill with a satisfied smile, while Grey gave Wesley a sidelong glance, shaking his head in mock disapproval.

"You know, Officer Wick, you're setting a dangerous precedent here," Grey remarked, though his tone carried a hint of amusement.

Wesley shrugged innocently. "Just doing what I can to keep the peace, sir."

Henry, watching the exchange, couldn't help but laugh. "You two are like a comedy duo."

John smiled at his son, then turned to Wesley. "You better head back before your T.O. decides to make you run laps around the station."

Wesley gave a mock salute. "Yes, sir! Don't worry, Henry, I'll see you later."

Henry waved as Wesley started to head back to the patrol car garage. "See you later, Uncle Wes!"

As Wesley walked away, he heard Dominique say, "I'm gonna have fun spending that money."

Grey's voice responded, "Don't get too comfortable. You'll still have to explain that 'C' to your mother."

Wesley chuckled as he returned to the garage, where Tim and Lopez were waiting. He couldn't help but feel a little proud of his quick thinking.

Lopez, noticing his smug expression, smirked. "So, what took you so long, Wick? Convincing Grey to let you off the hook?"

Wesley grinned as he opened the trunk of the patrol car and grabbed the gear. "Just handling some... family business."

Tim gave Wesley a knowing look. "You better not be causing any more trouble, Boot. We've got a long day ahead."

Wesley held up his hands in surrender, still smiling. "Wouldn't dream of it, sir. Just keeping things interesting."

As they loaded up, Lopez nudged Tim. "You know, I wouldn't be surprised if Wesley was planning his next prank already."

Tim shook his head with a chuckle. "Just as long as it doesn't slow us down. Let's get moving."

Lopez waved bye as Wesley couldn't resist one last look at the station before they drove off, feeling good about the day's start.

On patrol

At a location

Tim and Wesley approached the location they were called to, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit hallway.

Tim glanced at Wesley and said, "All right. I'll be contact, you be cover."

Wesley nodded, "Yes, sir."

"Good," Tim replied, his tone firm but calm.

As they moved forward, they spotted a woman standing nervously near a doorway. Tim addressed her, "What's going on, Ma'am?"

The woman's voice trembled slightly as she said, "We've had some break-ins recently. There was one last night. I went down to do laundry just now, and someone's hiding in the basement."

Wesley furrowed his brow. "Are you sure it's not a tenant?"

The woman shook her head. "Yes. I shouted, and he didn't say anything. But I know he's still down there."

Tim nodded. "Okay. We'll check it out. Go wait in your apartment, Ma'am."

As she hurried back to her apartment, Wesley moved the chair blocking the basement door while Tim approached the door handle.

Tim glanced back at Wesley. "You ready, Boot?"

Wesley took a deep breath and nodded. "Yeah."

Tim opened the door cautiously, his voice authoritative. "Downward-facing stairway—LAPD!" They descended the stairs, guns drawn, flashlights cutting through the darkness.

Tim swept the area with his light. "Looks clear so far. You just keep holding point."

Wesley's flashlight landed on a box at the far end of the room. "Sir, it's just a box. There's no one here."

Tim shot him a sharp look. "Stick to the S.O.P.s, just like I taught you."

Wesley frowned slightly. "Standard Operating Procedures also mean using common sense, sir. Grey is pretty adamant about that."

Tim's voice hardened. "Well, you're not riding with Grey today; you're riding with me. Which means you're my Boot today. Understood?"

Wesley straightened up. "Yes, sir."

Suddenly, a clattering noise echoed through the basement. Tim's eyes narrowed as he directed his flashlight toward the noise. "He's in there. You breach the door. I'll take point. Dynamic entry. And remember to clear the fatal funnel."

Wesley hesitated. "Why can't you breach the door? I breached the last one."

Tim's patience was wearing thin. "Are you seriously questioning me right now? Just do it."

Wesley swallowed his retort and nodded. "Yes, sir."

He quickly approached the door and, with a swift motion, kicked it open. Tim entered first, moving with precision, as they scanned the room, ready for anything.

Another clattering sound came from behind a panel. Tim's voice was sharp as he called out, "Hey. Behind the panel. Suspect. LAPD. We hear you in there. Slowly open the door and show us your hands."

Wesley grabbed his radio, his voice steady. "Control, 7-Adam-19, we have a possible 459 suspect at our location. Requesting backup."

Tim turned to Wesley, his tone incredulous. "Why'd you call for backup? If we can't handle one suspect, we shouldn't be doing this job."

Wesley's gaze was steady. "What if it's not just a suspect?"

Tim's frustration boiled over. "If it was anything more serious, they wouldn't be hiding like this, Boot. Now, breach that door."

Wesley hesitated again. "But, sir—"

Tim's voice was sharp as a knife. "Officer Wick, do I need to remind you that I'm the senior officer on scene? Which means I'm in charge. Now, breach that door."

Wesley sighed, knowing he couldn't argue further. "Yes, sir. Sorry. I'm just used to riding with Grey."

Tim's voice softened just a fraction. "You rode with me last week."

Wesley replied, "Yeah, but that was different. We weren't dealing with regular crimes; we were in an Estate, got into a gunfight, and you made me in charge because of my experience."

Tim's voice was like ice. "Which was clearly a mistake if you can't follow my orders to the letter, Boot!"

Wesley took a deep breath, trying to regain his focus. "Understood, sir. It won't happen again."

Wesley positioned himself at the door, glancing at Tim, who gave a confirming nod. Wesley pushed the door open, and Tim peered inside. Suddenly, a hissing sound erupted, followed by a spray that hit Tim directly.

Tim recoiled, his voice a mix of pain and frustration. "Aah! Aah! Aah!" He rubbed at his eyes, clearly distressed.

Wesley, concerned, asked, "What's going on?"

Tim, still wincing and rubbing his face, managed to croak out, "Skunk! It's skunk spray!"

Without hesitation, Wesley slammed the panel door shut and quickly moved to Tim's side. They both made a hasty retreat from the scene, Wesley guiding Tim out of the basement.

As they hurried towards the patrol car, Wesley grabbed his radio and spoke into it, trying to stay calm despite the situation.

"Control, 7-Adam-19. We've encountered a skunk spray situation here. It's a false alarm. Please cancel any backup en route. Over."

Dispatch replied, "7-Adam-19, understood. Backup canceled. Is everyone okay? Over."

Wesley glanced at Tim, who was still rubbing his eyes vigorously. "We're fine, just dealing with some skunk spray. Over and out."

Wesley guided Tim to the patrol car, helping him settle into the passenger seat. He opened the trunk and retrieved an extra uniform from their gear, handing it to Tim.

"Here, use this to wipe your face. We need to get you cleaned up before it sets in too much," Wesley said, gently taking Tim's hands and helping him stop rubbing his eyes.

Tim took the uniform, dabbing at his face, still wincing from the lingering sting. "Thanks, Wes. I didn't see that coming."

Wesley chuckled despite the situation. "No problem, Boot. Just another day in the field, right? We'll get you cleaned up and back on patrol in no time."

As Tim continued to use the uniform to relieve the irritation, Wesley stayed by his side, keeping an eye out for any lingering effects of the skunk spray and making sure they were ready to continue their duties.

As Tim finished wiping his face and slipped into Wesley's backup uniform shirt, Wesley noticed it was long-sleeved.

"Looks like you're rocking the long sleeves now, Boot. Guess that makes you even more of a Boot today," Wesley teased, a grin on his face.

Tim looked down at the shirt and then back at Wesley, managing a small smile despite his discomfort. "Very funny, Wes. But don't forget, I'm still in charge here, Boot."

Wesley raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, I won't forget. Just remember, you're in long sleeves now. That's a whole new level of 'Boot' for you."

Tim chuckled, shaking his head as he adjusted the shirt. "Yeah, yeah. Still, your superior today, remember? Now, let's get back to it and make sure this shift doesn't turn into any more surprises."

Wesley nodded, laughing. "Got it, Boss. Just let me know when you're ready to roll."

With Tim now in Wesley's backup shirt and feeling a bit more comfortable, they headed back to the patrol car. Wesley made sure Tim was settled before they continued their patrol, keeping an eye out for any more unexpected incidents.

At the station

At night

Wesley and Tim were at the station, dressed in casual clothes. Tim said, "Look, Wes, I know I was tough on you today."

Wesley shrugged. "Don't worry about it. You were right. I'm still a rookie. I get it."

Tim nodded, appreciating Wesley's understanding. "Thanks for being cool about it. I just wanted to make sure you're following the rules, even when you're doing a great job."

Wesley smiled. "No hard feelings. It's all part of the learning curve."

Tim said, "Look, Wesley, I still trust you with your experience. It's just that I need to make sure people don't think I'm playing favorites with you."

Wesley nodded. "I get it, Tim. I understand why you need to be strict. No hard feelings."

Tim clapped Wesley on the shoulder. "Thanks for understanding. You've got the skills, but sometimes it's about maintaining the right balance."

Wesley smiled. "I appreciate it. I'll keep doing my best."

Tim asked, "Hey, I'm heading over to see Vance. Want to come along?"

Wesley replied, "No, thanks. I might end up doing something I wouldn't do while you're in charge."

Tim chuckled, "Come on, Wesley. You were credited for Vance's arrest. You've earned a bit of leeway."

Wesley hesitated, then said, "Alright, fine. I'll come."

At the prison

The duo, dressed in casual clothes with their badges clipped to their belts, walked through the prison's security checks. Once they were cleared, they were escorted to the area where Vance was being held.

When they reached Vance's cell, he spotted them and sneered, "Well, if it isn't The Devil and his partner. What's your name?"

Tim replied, "The Reaper."

Vance smirked, "Oh... The Reaper wasn't invited to my girlfriend's apartment either."

Wesley cut in sharply, "Vance, shut up."

Tim said, "The woman you shot and left in a dumpster—her name is Isabel Bradford. She's my wife."

Vance sneered, "I don't know what you're talking about. But knowing a dead cop's wife is suffering always brings me joy, Reaper."

Tim retorted, "She's not dead. And when she takes the stand, she's going to make sure you're locked away for the rest of your life. So enjoy the prison food. Let's go, Officer Wick."

Wesley responded, "Yes, sir."

As they turned to leave, Vance called after them, "See you around, Devil, Reaper! Who knows? Maybe I'll run into you here someday since you're cops!"

Later

Wesley and Tim grabbed a bite to eat at a nearby diner, discussing the case and the day's events. They were in the middle of their meal when Melissa Stevens walked in. She spotted them and made her way over with a somewhat hesitant smile.

"Hey, Tim. Wesley," Melissa said, her tone softer than usual. "I hope you don't mind me interrupting. I just wanted to apologize for how I acted the last time we met. I was out of line."

Tim looked up, surprised but appreciative. "Melissa, there's no need to apologize. We get it—things were tense."

Wesley nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's all good."

Melissa took a seat at their table, glancing between them. "I know. I didn't handle it well. I guess I let my emotions get the best of me. I appreciate what you both said."

Tim gave a reassuring smile. "No hard feelings. We all have our moments. Thanks for stopping by."

Wesley added, "Yeah, it's cool. And if you're ever in need of some company, just give us a shout."

Melissa chuckled, looking visibly relieved. "Thanks. I might take you up on that sometime. Enjoy your meal, guys."

As Melissa left, Tim and Wesley exchanged glances. Tim raised his glass in a small toast. "To unexpected apologies and smoother interactions."

Wesley clinked his glass with Tim's. "Cheers to that."

After

As they finished their meal, Wesley couldn't resist one last prank. He leaned over and whispered to Tim, "Hey, I've got a surprise for you. Watch this."

Tim looked at him curiously. "What are you up to now?"

Wesley grinned and reached for a small packet of hot sauce he'd been discreetly carrying. He carefully unscrewed the lid and poured a generous amount into the last remaining cup of water Tim had on the table.

Tim, still unaware, took a sip from his cup. His eyes widened as the hot sauce hit his taste buds, causing him to sputter and choke a little.

Wesley burst out laughing. "You should have seen your face!"

Tim managed to compose himself, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "You know, Wesley, I should have known better. But seriously, what's the point of having you around if you're not keeping me on my toes?"

Wesley laughed harder. "Just keeping things interesting. Plus, I must make sure you're always alert."

Tim shook his head, chuckling despite the prank. "All right, you got me. Next time, I'll be ready."

As they left the diner, Tim gave Wesley a friendly shove. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today. But don't think I won't get you back."

Wesley grinned. "Looking forward to it, Tim. Looking forward to it."

At John's house

Wesley walked into John's house and saw Henry and John deep in conversation.

John was saying, "I love my job. I truly do, and I believe in what I'm doing. But Henry, I love you even more. If you're worried about me, just know I'm okay. And don't ask me to walk away from this—it's not something I can just leave behind."

Henry cut him off, "Dad, I'm not asking you to quit. I just need to know you're alright. Same goes for Uncle Wes—I haven't heard from him all day."

John smiled warmly. "And now the son becomes the father. We're like a real-life Cat Stevens song. Before your time."

Wesley walked into view, and both Henry and John greeted him with smiles.

Wesley said, "Sorry I didn't check in while you were at the station, kiddo."

Henry replied, "It's alright. You're still getting used to having a nephew."

Wesley nodded. "True, but I need to remember that I have family who cares about me. I don't like not staying in touch, but it just happens sometimes. I was hanging out with Tim after work."

John raised an eyebrow. "Really? You two are quite the pair."

Wesley grinned. "Yeah, and I challenged pretty much everything he told me to do today."

John looked surprised. "What?"

Wesley shrugged. "Yeah. Because last week, I was in charge, and I let it get to my head. Tim knew it, too."

Henry said, "I'm sure it wasn't intentional."

Wesley nodded. "No, it wasn't. How about this? At the end of every shift, John and I will send you a text to let you know we're okay."

Henry's eyes lit up. "So, like a safe word?"

John's expression turned curious. "How do you know about safe words?"

Henry smirked. "Hm, want to know?"

Wesley chuckled. "Might as well. I don't care."

John quickly interjected, "Nope, abort that thought."

Henry laughed. "Alright, let's get back to the plan. What's the safe word gonna be?"

Henry grinned. "Turducken."

John laughed. "Perfect. No one's forgetting that."

John's gaze turned thoughtful. "Oh man, that poor cat."

Wesley chuckled as the three of them looked out the window at the night sky, sharing a quiet moment together.

To be continued...