With Wesley

A week later, Wesley and Andersen were in the midst of their morning routine, a harmonious blend of affection and preparation for the day ahead. The sun was just beginning to filter through the curtains, casting a warm, golden light across their bedroom.

Wesley was at the sink, brushing his teeth, while Andersen stood nearby, adjusting her outfit in the mirror. Every so often, they exchanged playful glances and tender kisses, their easy rapport evident in their smiles and laughter.

Andersen leaned against the doorway, her eyes sparkling as she watched Wesley. "You know, you've got a little something right here," she teased, reaching out to wipe a smudge from his cheek with her thumb.

Wesley grinned, pulling her closer for a quick kiss. "Thanks for the heads up. I guess I'd be lost without you."

She laughed softly, her fingers brushing against his cheek. "I don't know about that. You seem to be managing just fine."

As Wesley finished up at the sink, he moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "Ready for another day of saving the world?"

Andersen looked at him through the mirror, her smile softening. "With you by my side, I think I can handle anything."

Wesley gave her a gentle squeeze, his lips brushing against her ear. "I couldn't do it without you."

They shared a lingering kiss before Andersen turned to face him, her hands resting on his shoulders. "Alright, let's get moving. We've got a lot to do today."

Wesley nodded, his eyes full of affection. "Lead the way, Captain."

They continued to prepare for their day, their movements synchronized in a comfortable rhythm. The morning was filled with small, loving gestures—a kiss on the forehead, a reassuring hand on the back—as they got ready for work and the challenges that lay ahead.

As they finally headed out the door, their hands brushed together, and Andersen turned to Wesley with a smile. "Here's to another day."

Wesley returned the smile, squeezing her hand gently. "To another day and every day after that."

Wesley and Andersen settled into Wesley's Mustang, the engine rumbling to life as Wesley slid into the driver's seat. They both closed their doors with a soft thud, and Wesley turned on the radio.

The airwaves crackled to life with his brother's voice, "7-Adam-15, pursuing two members of a heist crew carrying stolen money, dressed as zombies. Backup needed at Westwood Metro Station."

Wesley glanced over at Andersen, who met his eyes with a nod. "Call it in, honey," she said, securing her seatbelt.

Wesley quickly grabbed his walkie-talkie and keyed it. "Control, this is Officer Wesley Wick, badge number 34587. I'm clocking in for the pursuit of a heist crew with stolen money. Requesting backup and en route to Westwood Metro Station. Over."

He glanced over at Andersen, who was already bracing herself for the adrenaline rush of the chase. The radio crackled with a response as Wesley shifted into gear, the Mustang roaring down the street toward the chaos.

Andersen spoke into her radio with authority, "Control, this is Captain Zoe Andersen, badge number 898. I'm joining the pursuit with Officer Wick in a civilian vehicle. Please clock me in for the operation involving the stolen money. Over."

Dispatch crackled over the radio, "Control here. Copy that, Officer Wick and Captain Andersen are clocked in for the pursuit. Proceed with caution and report updates as needed. Backup en route. Over."

Wesley nodded to Andersen, then quickly shifted into gear, the Mustang's engine roaring to life. As they sped off towards Westwood Metro Station, Wesley glanced at Andersen, who was already focused on the unfolding situation.

Andersen said, "Looks like we're in for a wild ride. Keep your eyes sharp, Wesley."

Wesley grinned, "Always do, Captain."

Later

Wesley and Andersen arrived at the Westwood Metro Station, pulling up to the scene with their Mustang. As they parked, Andersen turned to Wesley and said, "Just a heads-up—HR knows about us. They expect us to remain completely professional while we're on duty. Understand?"

Wesley grinned and asked, "So does that mean no hand-holding or kissing?"

Andersen raised an eyebrow and replied, "Unless you want to give HR a reason to file a complaint, yes."

Wesley chuckled, "In that case, should we get our kiss in now before we hit the crime scene?"

Andersen's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Yeah, that sounds like a plan."

Wesley leaned in, drawing her close for a kiss. He held her cheek gently as their lips met, the moment deepening before they pulled away, their smiles lingering.

Wesley and Andersen stepped out of the Mustang and headed toward the train cart where two suspects were being detained. The scene was bustling with activity as officers secured the area and collected evidence.

Bishop spotted them and walked over. "Captain Andersen, Officer Wick. The two suspects are in custody, but we're still missing the bag of money. We've got the surveillance footage and are running it through facial recognition to identify the person who took it."

Andersen nodded, glancing at the scene. "Thanks for the update, Bishop. Let us know if you find anything in the footage. In the meantime, we'll get a statement from the suspects and see if they have any information on where the money might be."

Wesley added, "We'll also check in with the officers on scene to see if they've found any additional leads."

Bishop acknowledged their plan and headed back to oversee the footage analysis. Wesley and Andersen moved toward the suspects, ready to delve into the investigation and piece together the missing elements of the case.

Andersen and Wesley approached John, who was standing by the train cart with a concerned look on his face.

John said, "Just to clarify, I didn't intentionally let the money slip away. I was in the process of arresting one of the suspects when the money went missing."

Andersen looked him squarely in the eye. "I'm not trying to put you on the spot, Officer Nolan, but it's crucial to be vigilant. Securing evidence is just as important as securing suspects. Make sure you keep both in check next time."

Wesley nodded in agreement, adding, "We'll get to the bottom of this. Just stay alert and keep us updated if you remember anything else about the incident."

Wesley couldn't help but tease John, "Hey, Nolan, I guess you were so focused on catching the bad guys you forgot about the money, huh? What's next? Forgetting where you parked the car?"

John smirked, "Well if it makes you feel any better, I'm sure you'll have your slip-ups to deal with. Just try not to lose anything important yourself."

Andersen, overhearing the exchange, stepped in. "Wesley cut it out. I'd prefer not to have to discipline you for messing with your colleague, especially when we're trying to resolve a case."

John chuckled, "Don't worry, Andersen. I'm just having a bit of fun. I'll be good if Wesley is."

Wesley grinned, "Fair enough. Let's get this case sorted so we can all go back to being professionals, and maybe I'll let you off the hook this time."

After the shift

Wesley and Andersen slid into the Mustang, closing the doors with a shared sense of anticipation. As Wesley started the engine, Andersen broke the silence.

"Just a heads-up, we've got that HR meeting tomorrow to discuss our relationship," she said, her tone light but serious.

Wesley sighed and glanced over at her. "Maybe we should've kept it under wraps."

Andersen playfully smacked his shoulder. "Hey, you're the one who wanted to go public with it."

Wesley chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "I'm just kidding... mostly." He put the car into gear, and they smoothly pulled out of the LAPD driveway, heading toward Andersen's house.

As they drove, Andersen reached over to hold his hand that wasn't on the wheel. Wesley pressed a gentle kiss to her hand, a smile tugging at his lips. They shared a warm, intimate moment as the city lights blurred past, their connection feeling all the more precious in the quiet of the evening.

As they drove through the city, the hum of the Mustang's engine was a soothing backdrop to the conversation. Andersen, looking thoughtfully out the window, finally turned her gaze back to Wesley.

"You know, I've shared a lot about my life before we met," she said softly, "but I'm curious about your past. You mentioned being an assassin before, and I'd like to know more. What was it like for you?"

Wesley glanced at her, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. "It was a different world, one where every decision was made with precision and strategy. There was a certain... detachment required to do what I did."

Andersen nodded, her interest piqued. "How did you end up leaving that life behind?"

Wesley's eyes grew distant as he recalled the past. "I was hired for a job that I later discovered was a setup. The people I trusted betrayed me. That's when I realized that the life I was living wasn't worth the cost. It took a lot of courage to walk away and start over, but it was worth it to find something real."

Andersen reached out, squeezing his hand gently. "I can't imagine how hard that must have been. I'm grateful you made that choice, though. It brought you here, with me."

Wesley gave her a soft, appreciative smile. "I am too. It's been quite a journey, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. Meeting you was... a turning point."

Andersen smiled warmly, her gaze locking with his. "I'm glad we're on this journey together now. I want to understand everything about you, so we can support each other fully."

Wesley nodded, squeezing her hand in return. "I appreciate that, Zoe. It means a lot to me."

They continued their drive, the conversation flowing easily as they both felt a deeper connection forming through their shared openness and understanding.

Later

As they arrived at Andersen's apartment building, Wesley pulled into a parking spot and turned off the engine. Andersen started to open her door, but Wesley gently placed a hand on her arm.

"Hold on a second," he said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I want to show you something before we head inside."

Curious, Andersen followed Wesley as he walked to the trunk of the Mustang. He popped it open, revealing a few items neatly arranged inside. He reached in and pulled out a green leather jacket and a custom Safari Arms Matchmaster handgun.

Andersen raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What's this?"

Wesley held up the jacket first. "This is my father's old jacket. It's one of the few things I have left from him. I thought you might appreciate seeing it."

He then carefully lifted the handgun. "And this is a custom piece I got from an old contact. It's a Safari Arms Matchmaster, but it has a particular history."

Andersen's eyes widened as she took in the details of the weapon. "What's the story behind it?"

Wesley took a deep breath, his expression growing somber. "This handgun belonged to an assassin I encountered. She was known for her skill with this weapon—rumor had it she could fire a curved bullet around a room and hit everyone in her target circle, including herself. She was a legend in the field."

He carefully placed the handgun back in the trunk and looked at Andersen. "I was given these items as part of my transition out of that life. The jacket is a symbol of my past, and the handgun is a reminder of the dangerous world I left behind."

Andersen looked at Wesley, her expression a mix of admiration and concern. "I'm glad you've moved away from that life. And I appreciate you sharing this with me. It must be hard to revisit those memories."

Wesley nodded, closing the trunk. "It is, but I need to be open with you about my past. I want you to understand where I come from."

Andersen stepped closer, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "Thank you for trusting me with this. It means a lot."

Wesley smiled, appreciating her support. "Let's head inside. I promise the rest of the evening will be more relaxing."

Together, they walked up to Andersen's apartment, and their connection deepened by the shared understanding of Wesley's past and the trust they were building.

The next day

The following day, Wesley and Andersen arrived at the LAPD station for their scheduled HR meeting. The atmosphere was tense as they walked through the bustling station, their hands clasped tightly together.

Wesley glanced at Andersen, his usual confident demeanor slightly subdued. "You ready for this?"

Andersen gave him a reassuring smile. "We'll handle it. Just remember to stay professional."

They entered the HR office, where Officer Davis, the department's HR representative, was waiting for them. Davis greeted them with a neutral but welcoming smile. "Captain Andersen, Officer Wick, please have a seat."

Wesley and Andersen sat across from Davis at the conference table. Davis shuffled through a few papers before speaking. "Thank you both for coming. We need to discuss your relationship and ensure that it complies with department policies."

Davis glanced at Andersen. "Captain Andersen, I understand you've already made a point to keep your relationship professional while on duty. Can you confirm that there have been no incidents that could be perceived as favoritism or unprofessional behavior?"

Andersen nodded. "Yes, I can confirm that. We've been very careful to maintain a professional demeanor while on duty and ensure that our personal relationship does not interfere with our work."

Davis then turned to Wesley. "Officer Wick, are you comfortable with the expectations set by HR regarding your relationship with Captain Andersen?"

Wesley took a deep breath. "Yes, I understand the expectations and I'm committed to upholding them. I want to make sure there are no conflicts of interest or appearances of favoritism."

Davis nodded, satisfied. "Good. The primary concern is ensuring that the relationship does not affect your performance or create any issues within the department. We appreciate your commitment to maintaining professionalism."

Andersen added, "If there are any concerns or issues, please let us know immediately so we can address them."

Davis smiled. "I appreciate your willingness to cooperate. As long as you adhere to these guidelines, there shouldn't be any problems. Just remember, keeping your personal and professional lives separate is key."

Wesley and Andersen both agreed. "Understood," they said in unison.

Davis concluded, "Great. I believe that covers everything for now. If you have any further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. Otherwise, you're free to go."

As they left the HR office, Wesley squeezed Andersen's hand. "That wasn't so bad, right?"

Andersen chuckled. "Not at all. Just a formality. We handled it well."

Wesley smiled, feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. "Agreed. Let's get back to work and focus on what matters."

They returned to their respective duties, both feeling more at ease knowing they had navigated the HR meeting successfully.

Later

Wesley rushed into roll call, glancing around to see everyone already seated.

Grey, standing at the front, said, "Settle down. Settle down. Let's get started."

Wesley, hurrying to find his place, quietly slipped into a seat near the front just as Grey turned to address the room.

Grey said, "Ready to go, Officer Nolan? We'll start with you again."

Nolan, unsure, replied, "I'm flattered?"

Grey shook his head, "Don't be."

Noticing Wesley's entrance, Grey added, "Officer Wick, you're late."

Wesley stammered, "Well, that's because I... I..."

Grey cut him off, "You what? Just spit it out, Officer Wick."

Wesley cleared his throat, "I had a meeting with HR."

The room erupted into laughter, as many assumed Wesley was in trouble.

Grey raised an eyebrow. "Meeting with HR? For what? You haven't done anything that would warrant a meeting with them."

Wesley started to explain, but was interrupted by a voice, "He was with me, Sergeant Grey."

Everyone turned to see Andersen stepping into the room.

Grey looked surprised. "And why would Officer Wick need to be with you in an HR meeting?"

Andersen smiled and replied, "Because we're in an intimate relationship."

The room was filled with whistles and playful howls, the revelation creating a buzz among the officers.

Wesley sighed and set his notebook down, accepting the humor of the situation.

Bradford, a senior officer known for his quick wit, leaned back in his chair and called out, "Wow, Wick, you went for it. Rookie with a veteran. Guess you're getting a crash course in 'how to keep it professional' from the best."

The room erupted in laughter again, and Andersen couldn't help but smirk at the playful jab. Wesley rolled his eyes but smiled, taking the joke in stride.

Grey, trying to regain control, said, "All right, let's focus, people. We've got work to do."

Bradford added, "Seriously though, Wick, welcome to the big leagues. Just remember, keep your personal and professional lives separate, or you might end up in the middle of a whole new kind of investigation."

Andersen gave Wesley a reassuring pat on the back, and Wesley nodded in agreement, appreciating the camaraderie even amid the teasing.

Grey cleared his throat and continued, "All right, let's get back to business. Yesterday, a four-man crew disguised as zombies pulled off a heist at a cash advance office near Pico and Robertson. Officers Bishop and Nolan managed to apprehend two of the suspects, but the other two got away. To make matters worse, Officer Nolan somehow allowed a civilian to make off with ten grand in stolen cash. We're still waiting on the CCTV footage to ID the thief."

John chimed in, "Uh, he plays guitar if that helps."

Grey shot back, "Oh, great. Because I'm sure they list their special talents in their criminal records."

Laughter filled the room again, and Wesley let out a resigned sigh, taking the teasing in stride.

Grey asked, "Is there anything else we can assist you with, Captain?"

Andersen replied, "Yes, first, I want to officially welcome Tim Bradford back. If you need anything, just let me know."

Bradford responded, "Yes, ma'am."

Andersen continued, "Secondly, we've received new intel on our zombie suspects. It turns out they're behind a series of armed robberies over the past six months, always changing their disguises. Detectives are hoping to get the two we've apprehended to flip on their remaining partners, but there's no guarantee. Keep the pressure on. Lastly, we've got a civil standby request. Someone's being fired from a tech job, and the supervisor is worried things might get out of hand."

Grey quipped, "Babysitting a termination—every patrol officer's favorite task. So, who should I bestow this honor upon?"

Wesley chimed in, "How about us, Sgt. Grey? It would give us a chance to talk."

The room erupted in laughter.

Grey retorted, "We have important work to do, and since you're paired with a Sergeant, that leaves the assignment to someone who isn't."

Wesley muttered, "Damn it."

Andersen chuckled and took a sip of her coffee, shaking her head.

John raised his hand, catching everyone's attention.

Grey asked, "Officer Nolan, are you volunteering?"

John replied, "Just embracing the inevitable, sir."

Grey nodded, "Smart move. Get the address from dispatch. That's all for now."

As Grey wrapped up the meeting, he dismissed everyone.

"All right, everyone. Let's get to work. Remember, keep an eye out for those zombies and handle the civil standby with care."

As the officers started to leave, the jokes about Wesley and Andersen's relationship continued.

Bradford clapped Wesley on the back and grinned, "Hey, Wick, just remember—don't let your personal life turn into a department-wide soap opera."

Wesley forced a grin, "I'll do my best."

John gave Wesley a playful nudge, "So, Wesley, does this mean you're off the market now? Should I start working on my 'Best Man' speech?"

Wesley chuckled, "Yeah, I'm sure you'll have a front-row seat for that."

One of the senior officers, who'd been quiet until now, leaned in and said with a smirk, "Careful, Wick. Next thing you know, Andersen's going to start giving you performance reviews at home."

Andersen, overhearing, shook her head and laughed. "I think they've made their point, gentlemen."

Wesley, still smiling despite the ribbing, said, "Alright, alright. Let's get to it before everyone gets too carried away."

As the officers dispersed, Wesley and Andersen exchanged amused glances. The teasing had lightened the mood and showed that, despite the jokes, their colleagues were supportive and saw the humor in the situation.

Later

Wesley and Grey were patrolling when they finally received an ID on the thief who had stolen the money from the train. They drove to the suspect's location, and Grey said, "Alright, Rookie. Whatever happens, give it your best shot. You've had a few solid days on the job. Let's see how that's paying off."

Wesley nodded, "Yes, sir."

He keyed his radio, "7-Adam-100, Code 6 on our train thief."

As they approached the front door, Grey added, "Nice job getting the ID."

They knocked, but no one answered. Grey pounded on the door and shouted, "LAPD! Open up!"

When there was still no response, Grey's voice grew more insistent, "Sir, I can see you in there! Don't make me break this door down!"

The man inside hesitated, then called out, "Yeah. I-I'm sorry."

The door opened a crack, and the man appeared, apologetic. "I'm so sorry."

Grey drew his weapon and instructed, "Put your hands where I can see them."

Wesley entered, closing the door behind him, and added, "Interlock your fingers above your head."

He performed a quick pat-down, then asked, "Where's the money?"

The man stammered, "I swear I was gonna return it. It-- I-- It's, um..." He gestured toward another room.

They followed him into a room where the money was neatly stacked.

Grey asked, "Did you spend any of it?"

The man handed the bag to Wesley and confessed, "I bought some groceries and had the water turned back on. I-I'm sorry. I'll pay it back. It's just been so hard. My wife died last year—"

Grey cut him off, "Sir, put your hands behind your back."

The man pleaded, "Please, I've never even gotten a parking ticket. Can't I do something? I'll—"

As Wesley prepared to cuff him, a little boy's voice called out, "Daddy?"

Everyone turned to see the child. The man said, "Jacob, go back to your room, buddy."

Wesley reassured him, "It's okay. He can come out."

The man relented, "Alright, come here."

He hugged his son and then looked at Wesley, asking, "What's going to happen to him?"

Grey replied, "Child Protective Services will take him. If you have any family nearby, they can pick him up later."

The man said, "Yes, my wife's sister lives in Chatsworth."

Wesley said, "We'll take her contact info and make sure CPS gets in touch. For now, you need to come with us. I'll do my best to make sure your son doesn't see you in cuffs."

The man's voice wavered, "Please—"

Grey said firmly, "I'm sorry, but you need to say goodbye."

The man crouched down to his son's level, saying, "Hey, buddy, I've got to go for a little while, okay? You're going to stay with Aunt Judy. I'll see you real soon, I promise. I love you."

As Wesley reluctantly said, "Sir, you need to come with me now," he led the man out of the house.

From inside, Jacob's voice called out, "Daddy!"

Wesley apologized, "I'm sorry, sir. But you're under arrest for robbery." He began cuffing the man and guiding him toward the patrol car.

The man requested, "Can... can you make sure he gets to Judy? Please?"

Wesley assured him, "I'll call her. Just give me her number at the station, and I'll make sure she's contacted."

The man nodded, "Okay."

As Wesley led the man to the patrol car, he couldn't help but ask, "Why did you do this? You have a kid at home waiting for you. Didn't you think about him?"

The man looked down, his shoulders slumping with regret. "I know," he said quietly. "I just... I didn't see any other way. Things have been so tough since my wife passed. I thought maybe I could get the money and fix things up, pay off some bills... I didn't want to hurt anyone. I just wanted to make things a little easier for Jacob."

Wesley's expression softened with understanding but remained firm. "I get that times are hard, but there are better ways to handle it. You're paying the price now, and your son will suffer because of it."

The man's eyes welled up with tears. "I know, and I'm so sorry. I didn't want any of this to happen. I thought I could fix things before it was too late."

Wesley shook his head slightly, "It's too late for that now. The important thing is to make sure Jacob is taken care of. We'll ensure he gets to his aunt safely."

As they reached the patrol car, Wesley opened the door for the man and added, "You've made some mistakes, but you still have a chance to make things right by cooperating fully. Remember, your actions have consequences, not just for you but for those who depend on you."

The man nodded, his face a mix of sorrow and resolve. "I understand. Just... please make sure he's okay."

Wesley nodded. "We will. Get in the car."

As the man settled into the back seat, Wesley closed the door.

Wesley approached the patrol car and activated his radio. "7-Adam-100 to Dispatch, we have one suspect in custody. Requesting Child Protective Services to respond for a minor in the residence. Also, we have the scene under control; Code 4."

Dispatch responded promptly, "7-Adam-100, copy that. CPS is on its way. Thank you for the update."

Wesley turned to Grey. "CPS is on the way. We should be clear to head back to the station once we're done with paperwork."

Grey nodded. "Good. Let's finish up here and make sure everything's in order."

As Wesley got into the driver's seat, he cast one last look at the house. He hoped that Jacob would be okay and that his aunt would provide the stability and care he needed.

Later

At the station

Once CPS arrived and took Jacob into their care, Wesley called Judy to inform her about the situation. He explained that Jacob's father had been arrested for stealing money and that she needed to pick up Jacob. Judy agreed without hesitation.

With that sorted, Wesley turned his attention back to the suspect. He escorted him to the processing area.

As they arrived, Grey looked at Wesley and said, "Why don't you take a break, Officer Wick? I'll handle the processing from here."

Wesley nodded appreciatively. "Thank you, sir. I'll grab something to eat."

Grey smiled. "Good idea. You deserve it."

With that, Grey took over the paperwork and processing, allowing Wesley to step away for a well-deserved break.

Wesley walked down the hallway to Andersen's office, feeling the weight of the day's events. As he approached, he saw Andersen standing by her desk, holding two sandwiches. She greeted him with a warm smile, offering him one.

"Hey, Wesley. I got us some Subway," she said, handing him a sandwich. "You look like you could use this. Everything okay?"

Wesley took the sandwich and sat down, his expression troubled. "Thanks, Andersen. I had a rough day. We arrested the guy who stole the money from the train, but seeing him say goodbye to his kid... it just hit me hard."

Andersen's smile faded as she listened. "What happened?"

Wesley sighed, unwrapping his sandwich. "We found him with the stolen cash, but he'd already spent some of it on groceries and had the water turned back on. He was just trying to make ends meet after his wife passed away. It's tough, you know? Knowing he had a kid at home waiting for him, and now... now he's facing charges."

Andersen sat down across from him, her expression serious. "That's rough. It's hard when you see people in those kinds of situations. But you did your job, Wesley. It's not easy, but sometimes we have to make those tough calls."

Wesley nodded, taking a bite of his sandwich. "I know. It's just... I can't help but feel for the kid. I promised I'd make sure he got to his aunt. I just hope everything works out for him."

Andersen reached across the desk, giving his hand a reassuring squeeze. "You did everything you could. And you care deeply about what you do and the people you encounter. Sometimes that's the hardest part of this job."

Wesley looked up, managing a small smile. "Thanks. I guess I just needed to talk about it. Thanks for being here."

Andersen smiled back. "Always. Now, let's get through the rest of the day. We've got this."

They continued eating their sandwiches, the conversation shifting to lighter topics as they took a moment to relax.

As they were chatting, Andersen suddenly set her sandwich down and dashed out of the office.

Wesley called after her, "Zoe?" as she hurried out.

Concerned, Wesley followed and saw Andersen rushing into the women's bathroom. He muttered to himself, "That's never a good sign."

He quickly wrapped up their sandwiches and set off to find Lucy. Spotting her in the hallway, he hurried over and said, "Lucy, I need your help."

Lucy looked up, curious. "What's going on?"

Wesley explained, "I was having lunch with Captain Andersen, and she suddenly ran out of the office and went into the bathroom. I'm worried about her."

Lucy's expression softened. "Got it. I'll check on her. But since you're asking for my help, you'll owe me one. Specifically, you'll need to help me with my reports."

Wesley groaned, "I hate reports."

Lucy chuckled. "Aren't those the same reports you make with Sgt. Grey?"

Wesley nodded, "Yeah, but I just don't like them. I'd be amazed if anyone did."

Lucy smiled, "Well, I'll take care of Andersen. Just remember, you owe me."

With Lucy

Lucy hurried into the bathroom and quickly located the stall where Andersen was, the sound of retching coming from within. She pushed open the stall door and saw Andersen hunched over the toilet, her face pale and her hair disheveled.

"Zoe!" Lucy said, rushing to her side. She gently moved Andersen's hair out of her face, her concern evident. "It's okay. Everything's going to be alright."

Andersen, clearly distressed, looked up with a shaky expression. "I... I'm sorry. I just... couldn't hold it in."

Lucy helped Andersen sit back on the floor, leaning against the stall. "Take deep breaths. It's going to be okay. Just breathe slowly."

Andersen nodded weakly, trying to compose herself. "I didn't mean to cause a scene. I just... it's been a rough day."

Lucy reached into her bag and pulled out a small bottle of water and some tissues. "Here, take a sip of water. Just focus on getting better. I'll be here with you."

As Andersen took a sip of the water and wiped her face, Lucy stayed close, offering reassurance and support. After a few minutes, Andersen began to look more composed, though still visibly shaken.

"Thanks, Lucy," Andersen said, her voice steadier. "I didn't mean to drag you into this."

Lucy smiled gently. "Don't worry about it. We all have tough days. Just take it easy for a moment. I'll make sure everything is taken care of outside."

With Andersen nodding in gratitude, Lucy helped her to her feet and guided her to the sink to wash her face. Once Andersen was ready, Lucy helped her back to her office and made sure she was settled before heading out to assist Wesley with the reports, as promised.

With Wesley

Andersen was guided back into her office by Lucy, who gave Wesley a reassuring nod before leaving.

"I'm sorry for rushing out like that," Andersen said, her voice still a bit shaky.

Wesley looked up from his reports and offered a warm smile. "You're fine, Zoe. Thanks for helping her, Lucy."

Lucy nodded with a smile. "No problem at all," and she walked out of the office.

Wesley turned his attention back to Andersen. "Was it something you ate? Do you have any idea what might have caused it?"

Andersen shook her head. "I'm not allergic to anything, and I don't usually react like this. I don't know what it could have been."

Wesley sighed thoughtfully. "Alright. How about we go to the hospital after work, just to be on the safe side?"

Andersen nodded, a look of relief crossing her face. "That sounds good. Thank you."

As they resumed their work, Wesley glanced over at Andersen. "And by the way, I'm going to grab you something to eat. You need to keep your strength up, and we don't want another incident."

Andersen gave him a grateful smile. "That would be great. Thanks."

Wesley left the office to find something that would be easier on her stomach, determined to make sure Andersen was taken care of.

 Later

At Night

Wesley, now out of his uniform, made his way to Andersen's office.

"Hey, I'm just wrapping up this report," Andersen said. "Why don't you go check on your brother? I know you were worried when you missed out on what happened."

Wesley nodded. "Okay, I'll go see how he's doing. Hopefully, by the time I'm done, you'll be finished here."

Andersen replied, "That's the only way to find out."

Wesley left her office and spotted John just as he was heading out.

"Hey, John," Wesley called out. "Sorry, I didn't check on you earlier. How are you feeling?"

John gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm better, now that I don't have a gun in my face. I'll be fine, Wes. Go make sure the Captain's okay."

Wesley pulled John into a quick hug. "Thanks, man. I appreciate it."

John patted Wesley's back. "I'll catch you later."

"Yeah, see you later," Wesley said, watching as John waved and walked away.

Wesley headed back to Andersen's office, finding her packing up her things.

He flashed a grin. "Well, if it isn't the Goddess herself packing up."

Andersen's eyes lit up with a playful smile. "Goddess? Does that make you my God?"

Wesley chuckled. "If you want to see it that way, sure."

He picked up her suitcase and said, "Come on. We need to get you to the hospital."

Andersen grabbed her coat and responded, "Alright, let's go."

Later

At the hospital

At the hospital, Andersen and Wesley sat in the waiting area, both looking slightly on edge. Wesley kept glancing at Andersen, who seemed calm but still a bit pale from earlier.

After a short wait, a nurse called them in, and they were led to a small examination room. Andersen sat on the examination table while Wesley took a seat nearby. The doctor, a kind-looking woman with glasses, walked in carrying Andersen's chart.

"Hello, Captain Andersen. Officer Wick," the doctor greeted them. "How are we feeling today?"

Andersen managed a small smile. "Better, but I'd still like to know what caused the vomiting earlier."

The doctor nodded and began checking Andersen's vitals. After a thorough examination, she left the room briefly.

 After a while, she returned with a serious expression.

"I have the results from the tests," the doctor said, looking between Andersen and Wesley. "Captain Andersen, it turns out you're four months pregnant."

Wesley's eyes widened, and Andersen's face went through a range of emotions before settling into stunned silence.

"I'm sorry, what?" Andersen finally managed, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded sympathetically. "Yes, it's quite common for morning sickness to start showing up around this time. The vomiting was likely related to early pregnancy symptoms."

Wesley looked at Andersen, his expression a mix of shock and concern. "Are you okay?"

Andersen took a deep breath, trying to process the news. "I—I didn't know. I've been feeling off, but I thought it was just stress or something."

The doctor reassured her. "It's understandable. Many women don't realize they're pregnant until they're further along. I'd recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment for further tests and prenatal care."

Wesley squeezed Andersen's hand gently. "We'll get through this together. Do you want to talk about this now or later?"

Andersen looked at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of anxiety and relief. "Let's talk later. I need to wrap my head around this first."

The doctor gave them a warm smile. "Take all the time you need. I'll arrange for a follow-up and make sure you have all the information you need for a healthy pregnancy."

Wesley nodded, helping Andersen off the examination table. "Thanks, Doctor."

As they left the room, Andersen looked up at Wesley, a small smile playing on her lips despite the situation. "Guess we have a lot to talk about."

Wesley nodded, his arm wrapping around her shoulders in support. "Yeah, but we're in this together. Let's take it one step at a time."

They walked out of the hospital, ready to face the new chapter in their lives.

At Andersen's apartment

Back at Andersen's apartment, the mood was quieter, with an air of contemplative stillness. Wesley helped her inside, and they settled onto the couch, the weight of the day's revelations hanging between them.

Andersen sat down first, her gaze distant as she stared at the floor. Wesley followed, sitting close beside her but giving her space to process her thoughts.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Wesley asked gently, trying to gauge her feelings.

Andersen took a deep breath and finally looked at him. "I don't even know where to start. This was so unexpected. I mean, I knew something was off, but I never thought..."

Wesley nodded, his hand reaching out to take hers. "I get it. It's a lot to take in. We'll figure it out together. I'm here for you."

Andersen squeezed his hand, grateful for his support. "I don't even know how to tell my family. Or how this will change everything. My career, my life..."

Wesley nodded, understandingly. "We'll figure out how to tell them when you're ready. And as for your career, we'll work through it. You're a great officer, and this doesn't change that. It just means we'll have to navigate things a bit differently."

Andersen managed a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you. I know I can always count on you."

Wesley smiled back. "Always. And we'll make sure everything is okay. I'll be right by your side, every step of the way."

She leaned into him, finding comfort in his presence. "I guess this changes things for both of us. It's going to be a big adjustment."

Wesley nodded. "Yeah, but we're in this together. We'll make a plan, and take it step by step. And we'll make sure everything is okay for you and the baby."

They sat in silence for a moment, taking in the gravity of their situation. Wesley then stood up, heading to the kitchen. "How about I make us something to eat? It might help take your mind off things for a bit."

Andersen looked up, grateful for the distraction. "That sounds nice. Thank you."

As Wesley moved around the kitchen, Andersen pulled out her phone to start making a list of things she needed to think about and plan for. The next few months would undoubtedly be challenging, but with Wesley's support, she felt a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty.

Wesley returned with a couple of sandwiches and some water, setting them down on the coffee table. He sat back down beside Andersen, handing her a sandwich.

"Here you go. It's not gourmet, but it's something," he said with a reassuring smile.

Andersen took a bite, appreciating the gesture. "It's perfect. Thanks."

They ate quietly, the tension slowly easing as they focused on the immediate comfort of each other's company. As the evening wore on, they continued to talk through their thoughts and feelings, making plans for the future while embracing the changes that lay ahead.

Wesley looked at Andersen with a serious expression. "Just one question—"

Andersen raised an eyebrow. "Only one?"

Wesley nodded, his tone earnest. "The baby... is it mine?"

Andersen looked at Wesley, her eyes softening. She took a deep breath before answering. "Yes, Wesley. The baby is yours."

Wesley's expression shifted from anxious to relieved. He reached out and took her hand in his, squeezing it gently. "I'm going to be a dad," he said, a mix of awe and excitement in his voice.

Andersen smiled, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Yeah, you are."

Wesley pulled her into a hug, holding her close. "We're going to be okay," he said softly.

Andersen nodded, resting her head against his shoulder. "We will be."

They stood there for a moment, taking in the news together, finding comfort in each other's presence as they began to navigate this new chapter in their lives.

Wesley pulled back from the hug, his brow furrowed slightly as he considered their next steps. "So, should we tell John, Lucy, and Jackson about the baby?" he asked, his tone thoughtful.

Andersen nodded, though she looked a bit uncertain. "I think we should. They're important people in our lives, and it's going to be hard to keep it a secret with everything going on."

Wesley agreed, squeezing her hand reassuringly. "You're right. They should hear it from us rather than finding out through the grapevine. Plus, they'll want to be there for us."

Andersen smiled, her nerves easing a little. "Okay. Let's do it. We can start with John since he's family, and then we can tell Lucy and Jackson."

Wesley gave a reassuring nod. "Sounds like a plan. Let's head over to John's place first. We'll break the news and then figure out the best way to tell the others."

Andersen took a deep breath, nodding. "Alright, let's go."

They left the apartment together, heading to John's place with a mix of anticipation and nervousness, ready to share their news with the people closest to them.

At John's house

As Wesley and Andersen approached John's house, Wesley looked around and said, "This place looks even bigger on the inside."

Andersen chuckled softly. "Yeah, John's always had a knack for finding spacious places. He likes to have room for his hobbies."

Wesley rang the doorbell, and John answered shortly after. He looked a bit surprised but pleased to see them.

"Hey, Wes. Zoe. What's up?" John asked, stepping aside to let them in.

Wesley walked in and took a moment to appreciate the space. "Hey, John. This place is really impressive. Feels like it goes on forever."

John grinned. "Thanks. I like having space. What's going on? You guys look like you've got something on your minds."

Wesley and Andersen exchanged a glance, and then Andersen stepped forward. "We do have something important to talk about."

John's expression grew serious. "Alright, what's up?"

Wesley took a deep breath. "We have some news. It's big news."

Andersen took Wesley's hand for support, then looked at John with a gentle smile. "We found out today that I'm pregnant."

John's eyes widened in surprise, but his expression quickly softened into one of warmth and support. "Wow. Congratulations, you two."

Wesley nodded, visibly relieved by John's reaction. "Thanks. We wanted to tell you personally because you're important to us. We're still figuring things out, but we wanted you to know."

John clapped Wesley on the back. "I'm happy for you both. I'm sure you'll be great parents. If you need anything, just let me know."

Andersen smiled, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thanks, John. That means a lot to us."

John glanced between them and then asked, "So, do you have any plans for the news? Are you telling anyone else soon?"

Wesley nodded. "Yeah, we plan to let Lucy and Jackson know next. We wanted to start with family."

John gave a supportive nod. "Good call. They'll want to know too."

With the initial news shared and the mood lightened, Wesley and Andersen felt a sense of reassurance as they continued their conversation with John, knowing they had his support as they prepared to share their news with others.

As they settled into the living room, Wesley glanced at John and asked, "So, what's got you up so late?"

John shrugged casually, leaning back in his chair. "I was out at the beach with Lucy and Jackson. We went for a run. It's kind of our thing to unwind after a long day."

Wesley's eyebrows raised in surprise. "That sounds like a good way to relax. How was it?"

John chuckled. "Pretty good. The beach was calm tonight, and it was a nice change of pace. Lucy's been trying to get Jackson to take up running more seriously, and it seems like it's working."

Andersen nodded. "That sounds nice. I've always found the beach to be relaxing. Did you guys have a good time?"

John smiled. "Yeah, we did. It's a good way to clear the head. Plus, Jackson's gotten pretty competitive, so it turned into a bit of a race. Lucy had to drag him back before he ran himself into the ground."

Wesley laughed softly. "Sounds like a fun evening. I can see why you're up late now. I'm glad you had a good time."

John glanced at Andersen and Wesley with a grin. "You two should join us sometime. It's a good way to get out and de-stress."

Andersen looked at Wesley and said, "That sounds like a great idea. Maybe once things settle down a bit for us, we could join you."

Wesley nodded in agreement. "Yeah, that could be fun. We'll consider it."

John stood up and stretched. "Well, I'm going to grab a quick snack before heading to bed. You two make yourselves at home. If you need anything, just let me know."

Wesley and Andersen thanked him, and as John headed to the kitchen, they took a moment to relax and talk more about their plans and how they would navigate their new chapter.

To be continued...