With Wesley

Wesley and Nolan were cruising down the road in KITT, the engine hum blending with the faint chatter from the radio.

Suddenly, dispatch crackled to life: "All units, be on the lookout for eight prostitutes in lingerie reportedly fighting near Park La Brea."

Nolan raised an eyebrow, glancing at his brother. "At 10:00 A.M.?"

Wesley shrugged, a playful grin creeping onto his face. "Hey, sometimes you've just got to get it in."

KITT's voice module lit up, its tone laced with disapproval. "Michael, that is neither appropriate nor logical."

Wesley leaned back, smirking at KITT's reaction. "Relax, KITT. Just a little morning humor."

Nolan shook his head, chuckling under his breath. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Comes with the territory," Wesley quipped, eyes glinting with mischief as they continued down the road.

As they cruised down the street, Nolan asked, "You want to take the call?"

Wesley shook his head with a grin. "Hell no. Those ladies will take an eye out. Same logic applies to assassins—don't mess with them unless you have to. Too dangerous."

Nolan raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Wesley nodded in affirmation.

As they continued driving, Nolan's gaze shifted to the sidewalk. He spotted a man pulling on a ski mask. "Check it out, 2 o'clock—knit cap," he said, gesturing.

KITT's voice module lit up. "Michael, the individual is armed with a weapon."

Wesley's eyes narrowed. "KITT, call it in." He maneuvered KITT in front of a liquor store.

KITT's calm tone followed. "Control, 7-Adam-100. 211 in progress at Circus Liquor. Requesting backup."

Wesley parked and glanced at Nolan. "Let's move."

Both officers exited KITT, crouching as they approached the side of the liquor store. With their backs to the wall, Nolan turned to Wesley. "Ready?"

Wesley gave a firm nod. "Yeah. Open it, Boot."

Nolan rolled his eyes at the nickname but opened the door cautiously. Wesley stepped in first, his gun drawn. "Drop the gun!" he commanded.

Nolan followed, his weapon trained on the masked man. "LAPD!"

The man froze, then yanked off his mask, his face pale. "Don't shoot! It's just a movie!"

Both officers blinked in confusion, their attention shifting to the group of people behind a camera setup.

A frantic man with a megaphone stepped forward. "No, no! Don't look at the camera! This is great production value!"

Wesley's jaw tightened. "What the..."

The man, clearly the director, waved his hands. "Okay, arrest him like it's real!"

Nolan hesitated, then stepped closer to the man.

The director pointed excitedly. "Oh, no! Tase him!"

The actor stared at the director, horrified. "What?!"

The director shrugged. "Make it really hurt!"

Nolan examined the weapon and handed it to Wesley. "Fake gun, Knight."

The director crossed his arms proudly. "Of course it's fake. I'm a film major. This is my thesis project."

Wesley glared at him. "Well, congratulations, genius. You almost got your actor killed. Do you have a permit to film here? One that notifies law enforcement about your use of prop firearms?"

The director faltered. "Uh... no. I'm just a student."

Nolan didn't miss a beat. "That doesn't matter. You've just committed a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail or a $10,000 fine. Let me see your driver's license."

The director hesitated, then handed his wallet over. Meanwhile, Nolan noticed someone in a beaver costume casually approaching the group.

He gave Wesley a sidelong glance. "Beaver."

Wesley frowned, then muttered, "What kind of weird-ass movie is this?"

As Nolan continued to handle the situation, Wesley felt a subtle buzz in his ear. KITT's calm, yet concerned voice came through his earwig. "Michael, is everything under control? The backup units are still en route."

Wesley tilted his head slightly, keeping his eyes on the director. "Yeah, KITT, we're good. Just a film student playing Hollywood without a permit. No real threat."

KITT's tone remained steady, though there was a hint of disapproval. "Michael, impersonating criminal activity in public spaces is highly irresponsible. Shall I inform the arriving units to downgrade their response?"

Wesley smirked. "Yeah, let them know it's just a wannabe Spielberg making bad decisions."

KITT responded promptly. "Acknowledged. Updating responding officers now."

Nolan handed the director's license back and said, "We're shutting this down. Pack up your equipment and clear out."

The director opened his mouth to protest, but Wesley cut him off. "And no more fake robberies in broad daylight, or next time, you're explaining this to a judge."

The director nodded reluctantly, muttering something about "ruining artistic vision."

As they turned to leave, the actor—still visibly shaken—approached. "Uh, thanks for not tasing me. That guy's nuts, right?"

Wesley chuckled. "You've got no idea. Next time, maybe try a role that doesn't involve fake guns and ski masks."

KITT's voice chimed in again, softer this time. "Michael, are you certain there's no further threat? My scans detected an unusual number of costumes in the area, including a second beaver suit."

Wesley stopped in his tracks, glancing at Nolan. "Wait. Did he say second beaver suit?"

Nolan groaned, rubbing his temple. "What is it with this city and weird costumes?"

KITT continued, unbothered by their disbelief. "The individual in the second costume appears to be carrying an object concealed beneath the suit. Shall I enhance my scans for further detail?"

Wesley exchanged a look with Nolan, their instincts kicking in. "Do it, KITT. And patch me into dispatch—just in case this isn't another film school disaster."

Nolan glanced at the group packing up their equipment. "You think this is connected?"

Wesley shrugged, his hand hovering near his holster. "Let's find out."

KITT's scans beeped in Wesley's ear. "Michael, the concealed object appears to be metallic. Potentially a weapon."

Wesley muttered under his breath, "Great. Backup better hurry."

As the second beaver suit turned to leave the scene, Wesley and Nolan subtly repositioned themselves. Wesley spoke firmly into his earwig. "KITT, keep eyes on the beaver. Let's see what our furry friend is up to."

The day had just taken another strange turn.

As the second beaver strolled casually toward the parking lot, KITT's voice sounded in Wesley's ear again. "Michael, the individual is moving away from the scene. I recommend intercepting before they reach the vehicle parked at the corner."

Wesley glanced at Nolan, jerking his head toward the beaver. "Let's go. That costume's packing something, and I doubt it's a movie prop."

Nolan sighed but followed Wesley as they moved quickly, keeping their distance until they were in position. The beaver was reaching for the handle of a beat-up sedan when Wesley called out.

"Hey! Hold it right there!"

The costumed figure froze, their oversized head tilting awkwardly. They turned slowly, holding their paws up. "What's the problem, officers?" a muffled voice said from inside the suit.

Nolan raised an eyebrow. "Step away from the vehicle and take off the costume. Now."

The beaver hesitated, then turned toward the car again. Wesley didn't give them a chance to stall. "Don't make me repeat myself. Step back. Hands where I can see them."

KITT's voice cut in. "Michael, my sensors detect the metallic object is still concealed within the costume."

Wesley tightened his grip on his firearm. "Last chance, buddy. Lose the beaver suit."

The figure sighed and reluctantly removed the giant headpiece, revealing a nervous man in his 30s, sweat trickling down his temple. "Look, I can explain—"

Before he could finish, he made a sudden move toward his pocket. Wesley reacted instantly. "Gun!" he shouted, training his weapon on the man.

Nolan moved quickly, tackling the man to the ground before he could fully pull out the object. A loud metallic clang echoed as the item hit the pavement—a crowbar, not a gun.

Wesley stepped closer, keeping his weapon aimed until Nolan had the man cuffed. "A crowbar? What were you planning to do with that?"

The man squirmed under Nolan's grip. "I wasn't gonna hurt anyone! I just—uh—I was gonna break into my ex's car! She took my stuff, and I need it back!"

Nolan shook his head, hauling the man to his feet. "Breaking into cars in a beaver suit? That's a new one."

Wesley smirked. "You know, I think this officially qualifies as the weirdest call of the day."

KITT chimed in dryly. "Michael, based on statistical analysis, it may also be the strangest of the week."

Nolan glanced at Wesley. "You're not wrong. Let's book him."

As they escorted the man toward KITT, the director from earlier appeared, now filming the whole scene with a handheld camera.

"Hey! This is amazing!" the director called out. "Can I use this footage for my movie?"

Wesley shot him a glare. "You want to get arrested for obstruction, too?"

The director backed off quickly, muttering about "artistic censorship."

As KITT's doors opened automatically, Wesley shook his head, chuckling. "This city, man. Never a dull moment."

Nolan grinned as they secured the beaver-costumed man in the back seat. "And to think, we skipped that call and found this."

KITT responded, his tone as stoic as ever. "Michael, Officer Nolan, I calculate a 78% chance this incident will make local news."

Wesley smirked. "Great. Just what I need—us and the beaver burglar on tonight's headline."

As they pulled away from the scene, Nolan looked over at his brother. "So, lunch after this?"

Wesley chuckled. "Only if they've got beaver stew on the menu."

As they drove away from the scene, Wesley glanced at Nolan with a smirk. "Alright, enough playing around. KITT, switch to Attack Mode. I want to get to the station fast."

KITT's voice was calm but carried an air of excitement. "Initiating transformation."

The hum of KITT's engine deepened into a powerful roar as the nano-skin of the car's outer shell began to shift. Panels realigned and expanded, giving the sleek Mustang an aggressive, muscular appearance. Twin spoilers emerged from the back, while air intakes adjusted for maximum aerodynamics. The wheels morphed into high-performance variants, and subtle glowing accents appeared along the edges of the vehicle.

From the backseat, the man in the beaver suit gawked, his mouth hanging open. "Woah... What the hell is this? Is this some kind of superhero car?!"

Nolan glanced over his shoulder, smirking. "Not exactly, but you're in for a ride."

KITT's voice cut through with a touch of pride. "I am the Knight Industries Three Thousand, designed for optimal performance and security. Please ensure your seatbelt is fastened."

The man scrambled to adjust his seatbelt, panic creeping into his voice. "Seatbelt?! Why, what's gonna happen?!"

Wesley grinned, gripping the wheel as KITT's acceleration kicked in. "Let's just say, you're about to experience the fastest ride of your life."

KITT's tires screeched as they launched forward, the G-forces pressing everyone into their seats. The city blurred around them as the Mustang weaved effortlessly through traffic, its advanced sensors guiding every move with precision.

The man in the back let out a half-laugh, half-scream. "This is insane! You guys are insane! What is this car?!"

Nolan looked back, trying to keep a straight face. "Welcome to the LAPD's special division. We like to make an impression."

KITT chimed in. "Michael, our arrival at the station is estimated in 2.3 minutes. Would you like me to optimize the route further?"

Wesley smirked. "Nah, this is perfect. Let's keep the rookie in the back on his toes."

The man shook his head, gripping the door handles. "I'm never messing with my ex again. Just... get me out of this thing in one piece!"

As they approached the station, KITT's voice softened. "Michael, initiating deceleration. Prepare for arrival."

The Mustang slowed down smoothly, coming to a stop in front of the precinct in record time. KITT's exterior began shifting back to its standard form, the twin spoilers retracting and the glowing accents fading.

Wesley turned to the man in the backseat. "See? Made it safe and sound."

The man was pale, his hands trembling as he unbuckled his seatbelt. "Safe? That was like a rollercoaster on steroids!"

Nolan chuckled, stepping out of the car. "Get used to it. That's just a normal day with Knight Industries."

As they escorted the man inside, Wesley patted KITT's roof. "Good work, buddy."

KITT responded with his signature calm. "Thank you, Michael. Always a pleasure."

The beaver-costumed man muttered as they walked into the station, "I'm telling everyone about this. No one's gonna believe me, but I'm telling everyone."

Nolan smirked, nudging Wesley. "Think we scared him straight?"

Wesley shrugged. "If not, we'll take him for another spin."

The next day

Morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Wesley's apartment as he stood at the stove, flipping eggs and bacon with practiced ease. The aroma filled the air, mingling with the soft sounds of the twins stirring in their room.

Lucy emerged from their bedroom, her hair slightly tousled, a warm smile on her face. Melissa, their nanny, walked through the living room on her way to the kitchen, grabbing baby food for the twins.

"Morning, Melissa," Wesley greeted, glancing over his shoulder.

Melissa grinned. "Good morning, Mr. Knight."

Wesley smirked. "You just like saying that, don't you?"

Melissa laughed as she moved toward the twins' room. "It's a badass last name," she said playfully before disappearing down the hall.

Lucy chuckled, stepping closer to Wesley. "She's not wrong. It is a badass last name, babe."

Wesley turned off the burners, sliding the sizzling food onto a plate. Setting it aside, he turned to Lucy, his eyes softening as he walked over to her. He gently cupped her face, pressing a kiss to her cheek, then trailing one to the side of her face.

Lucy let out a quiet sigh, leaning into his touch. His warmth and tenderness never failed to make her feel adored.

"I love you," Wesley murmured, his voice low and full of sincerity.

Lucy smiled up at him, her hands resting on his chest. "I love you too, Wesley. More than you know."

For a moment, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them, bathed in the golden morning light.

As Wesley and Lucy enjoyed their quiet morning moment, a faint hum resonated through the apartment, barely noticeable at first. Wesley straightened slightly, his brows furrowing as KITT's voice suddenly sounded from the earwig he always kept nearby.

"Michael," KITT said, his tone calm but urgent. "I am detecting an unusual electrical fluctuation originating inside your apartment. It is increasing in intensity."

Wesley glanced around the room, his senses sharpening. "KITT, what kind of fluctuation are we talking about?"

"Unknown," KITT replied. "However, the energy signature suggests it could be a localized anomaly. Proceed with caution."

Wesley turned to Lucy. "Stay here. Something's... off."

Before she could respond, a faint swirling distortion began forming in the middle of the living room. At first, it was no bigger than a marble, but it quickly expanded, spinning faster and glowing faintly. The air around it crackled, and a soft breeze picked up, ruffling papers and hair.

"What the—?" Lucy took a step back, her eyes wide.

Wesley instinctively moved in front of her, his hand going to the holstered weapon on his hip. The swirling distortion grew until it was large enough for a person to step through.

And then, someone did.

Out of the portal stumbled a man who looked almost exactly like Wesley—but there were slight differences. His hair was shorter, and he wore a leather jacket and jeans, giving him a rugged, slightly disheveled look. The man blinked, looking around in confusion.

"Whoa... Where am I?" the stranger asked, his voice carrying a familiar cadence.

Wesley's grip on his weapon tightened. "You've got about three seconds to explain who you are and why you look like me."

The man held up his hands in a calming gesture, his eyes locking onto Wesley's. "Hey, take it easy. I'm... I don't know. One second I was working on a project, and the next, I'm here."

Lucy peeked out from behind Wesley, her curiosity outweighing her fear. "Who are you?"

The stranger hesitated before answering. "I'm Wesley Wick... or, well, I guess you can call me Wes. I think I just fell through some kind of portal."

Wesley exchanged a glance with Lucy, his jaw tightening. "Portal? From where?"

The stranger—Wes—looked genuinely perplexed. "From... I don't know how to explain it. My world? I think this is... another dimension?"

KITT's voice interrupted, calm but laced with intrigue. "Michael, the energy readings from this individual match the anomaly. It is highly likely he is telling the truth."

Wesley raised an eyebrow at the stranger. "You're telling me you're me, from another dimension?"

Wes shrugged. "Looks like it. And judging by the high-tech voice in the background, I'd say you've got some interesting toys in this world."

Lucy couldn't help but smirk. "He's got you pegged already."

Wesley lowered his weapon slightly, still wary but intrigued. "Alright, Wes. Let's assume you're telling the truth. Why are you here? And how do we get you back?"

The stranger sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? I didn't exactly plan this. But I think we're going to need to figure it out fast because..." He gestured toward the portal behind him, which had started to pulse erratically.

KITT's voice returned, this time more urgent. "Michael, the portal is destabilizing. I recommend immediate action before it causes irreparable damage to the surrounding environment."

Wesley muttered under his breath. "Of course it is."

Lucy stepped forward, her curiosity now fully engaged. "Then we'd better figure this out—and fast."

As the portal behind him pulsed erratically, Wes from the other universe glanced around the apartment, his eyes landing on Lucy. His demeanor shifted almost immediately, his face softening as his gaze lingered on her. Tears began to well up in his eyes, and he swallowed hard, his breath catching.

Wesley noticed and stepped closer, his expression a mix of concern and suspicion. "What's wrong?"

Wes tore his gaze away from Lucy, his voice cracking as he spoke. "I... I lost Lucy." He hesitated, his voice trembling. "She was my fiancée."

Lucy froze, her eyes widening as she processed his words.

Wes looked down, his shoulders slumping. "I couldn't save her. There was this... this case, something big. I thought I had it under control, but I didn't. She got caught in the crossfire, and—" He paused, his voice breaking. "And I lost her. I've never been able to forgive myself for that."

Wesley exchanged a glance with Lucy, his jaw tightening. "I'm... sorry," he said carefully.

Wes nodded, wiping his eyes quickly as if ashamed of his emotions. "After she was gone, I carried on. I tried to be... the guy everyone loved, the friendly cop, you know? The one who always had a joke, always had a smile." He let out a bitter laugh. "Because I knew that's what she would've wanted."

Lucy stepped closer to Wesley, her hand instinctively finding his arm as she listened.

"But," Wes continued, his voice growing heavier, "at some point, I just... I stopped pulling my punches. I got rageful. I got bitter. Every case started feeling personal. Every suspect felt like the one who took her from me. And I couldn't stop myself." He looked up at Wesley, his expression a mixture of pain and guilt. "I became someone she wouldn't have recognized. Someone she wouldn't have wanted me to be."

The room was silent except for the faint crackle of the unstable portal. Lucy's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she looked at Wes. "I'm so sorry," she said softly, her voice trembling.

Wes smiled weakly at her, his eyes filled with a mix of longing and regret. "Seeing you here... alive... it's like a punch to the gut. But it's also... it's a reminder of what I lost."

Wesley's voice was firm but empathetic. "You've been through hell, but you're here now. Maybe that means there's a chance to make things right—not just for you, but for her memory."

Wes nodded, though his face remained haunted. "Maybe," he said quietly, then glanced back at the portal. "But first, we need to figure out what to do about that thing before it tears this place apart."

KITT's voice chimed in, steady as ever. "Michael, the portal's energy fluctuations are increasing. If left unchecked, it could result in catastrophic consequences."

Wesley tightened his grip on Lucy's hand briefly, then stepped forward. "Alright. We'll deal with the portal first. Then we'll figure out how to help you."

Wes nodded, his resolve returning. "Let's do it."

Lucy looked between the two versions of Wesley and squared her shoulders. "Whatever it takes, we'll figure it out together."

The two men exchanged a brief look of understanding—different lives, same determination.

Wesley took a deep breath, his expression darkening as he leaned against the kitchen counter. He looked at Wes, his jaw tightening before he spoke.

"You're not the only one carrying that kind of weight," Wesley said quietly.

Wes looked at him, his brow furrowing.

"I lost Zoe Andersen," Wesley continued, his voice raw. "She was the mother of my twins—Nora and Mason. She... she was my partner in every way that mattered. And I was there when she died."

Lucy's hand tightened on Wesley's arm, her eyes full of concern as he continued.

"We were working a case together. Things went sideways fast," Wesley said, his gaze distant, as if reliving the moment. "I got ambushed. They tied me up, left me on the ground, completely helpless. Zoe tried to save me—tried to save both of us." His voice broke slightly, but he pressed on.

"They shot her," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Right in the neck. I was right there, watching it happen, and I couldn't do a damn thing to stop it."

Wes stared at him, his face reflecting both shock and understanding.

"I blamed myself for so long," Wesley admitted. "Still do, some days. If I'd been faster, smarter, more careful—" He shook his head, his fists clenching. "She might still be here."

Wes let out a slow breath. "I know that feeling. That constant 'what if.' It eats at you, doesn't it?"

"Every day," Wesley said, his voice heavy. "But I couldn't let it consume me. I had to keep going, for Nora and Mason. They needed me to step up, even when all I wanted to do was fall apart."

Wes nodded slowly, his expression softening. "You're stronger than I was. I didn't have kids to keep me grounded. I just... spiraled. Became someone I didn't recognize."

Wesley's gaze met his doppelgänger's. "We both made it through in our own ways. Doesn't mean it's easy, but it means we're still standing. And that's something."

The two men shared a moment of silence, the weight of their shared losses filling the room. Lucy finally spoke, her voice gentle but firm.

"You both carry so much pain, but you've also both done so much good. Don't let the past define who you are now."

Wes gave a small, grateful smile. "She's right, you know. You're lucky to have her."

Wesley smiled softly, pulling Lucy closer. "Trust me, I know."

Before the moment could linger, KITT's voice cut in, bringing them back to the present. "Michael, the portal's energy levels are approaching critical. Immediate action is required."

Wesley straightened, his resolve returning. "Alright, enough sharing time. Let's figure out how to shut that thing down before it takes out the apartment—or worse."

Wes nodded, his own determination hardening. "Agreed. Let's do this."

Lucy glanced between the two of them, her own resolve mirroring theirs. "Whatever it takes, we'll figure it out together."

As the portal crackled ominously behind them, the trio moved into action, ready to face whatever came next.

As Wesley, Wes, and Lucy prepared to deal with the unstable portal, the swirling energy suddenly intensified, sending a gust of wind through the apartment. The crackling noise grew louder, and the glowing edges of the portal pulsed erratically.

Before anyone could react, another figure emerged from the portal, landing with a thud in the middle of the room. The figure rose slowly, a green hood concealing their face and a bow strapped across their back. The unmistakable suit of the Green Arrow gleamed faintly in the shifting light of the portal.

Wes froze, his eyes widening in disbelief. "No way... Oliver?"

The hooded figure turned toward the group, pulling back his hood to reveal a familiar face—Oliver Queen. His piercing gaze scanned the room, lingering on Wes before narrowing in confusion.

"Wes? Is that you?" Oliver asked, his voice low and sharp.

"It's me," Wes said, stepping forward cautiously. "But... not this me. This is a different world. You just stepped into another dimension, Ollie."

Oliver's eyes darted to Wesley and Lucy, his posture tense but controlled. "Another dimension? That would explain the light show back there. One minute, I was in Star City chasing a lead, and the next..." He gestured toward the portal behind him. "This."

Wes nodded, his voice laced with familiarity. "Yeah, it's real. And it looks like this world has a few surprises of its own."

Oliver's gaze shifted to Wesley, his sharp instincts already assessing him. "You look exactly like Wes, but... different. Who are you?"

Wesley crossed his arms, his tone cautious but steady. "Michael Knight. But I go by Wesley. This is my world. And right now, we have a portal tearing apart my living room, so introductions can wait."

Oliver smirked faintly, nodding in agreement. "Fair enough. Any idea how to shut it down?"

KITT's voice chimed in from Wesley's earwig. "Michael, the portal's energy source appears to be stabilizing temporarily, likely due to Mr. Queen's arrival. However, this is only a short reprieve. I suggest locating the origin of the anomaly to prevent further dimensional breaches."

Oliver tilted his head, his expression bemused. "Did your car just talk?"

Wesley sighed. "Yeah, it's a thing. We'll get to that later."

The portal pulsed again, casting an eerie glow over the room. Wes glanced back at it, his jaw set in determination. "If we're going to fix this, I need to go through. There's no way to figure out how to shut it down from this side without knowing what's on the other."

Wesley frowned, stepping toward him. "Are you sure? We don't know what's waiting for you on the other side—or if you'll even make it back."

Wes gave a small, wry smile. "Trust me, I've done riskier things. Besides, this is my mess. If there's a chance to stop this from messing up more lives, I have to take it."

Oliver, who had been silently observing, stepped forward. "What about me?"

Wes turned to him, his expression softening. "You've got people back in Star City. You've got your mission. Do you want to go back through and pick up where you left off?"

Oliver hesitated, looking at the portal, then at Wesley and Lucy. His gaze lingered on Lucy, then shifted back to Wes. "You know... maybe it's time for a change."

Wes raised an eyebrow. "What are you saying?"

Oliver shrugged, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Maybe I don't need to go back. Star City has a way of pulling you under—makes you lose sight of everything that matters. Maybe it's time I tried something new. Maybe I stay here."

Wesley stepped forward, folding his arms. "Hold on, Queen. Before you get too comfortable, you should know something. This world? It's not like yours. There are no superheroes here. No Justice League, no capes, no metahumans flying around saving the day."

Oliver blinked, his confident demeanor faltering slightly. "No superheroes?"

Wesley shook his head. "None. Just cops, soldiers, and people trying to make it through the day. If you're thinking about staying, you're going to have to blend in—because here, people like you? They don't exist. At least, not the way you're used to."

Oliver looked thoughtful, his gaze shifting between Wesley, Lucy, and the faintly glowing portal. "Maybe that's exactly what I need," he said quietly.

Wes frowned. "Are you sure about this, Ollie? No vigilante life. No bow and arrow saving the city in the shadows. It's going to be different."

Oliver smirked faintly, his expression resolute. "I'm not running away from what I am, but maybe I don't need to be the Green Arrow here. Maybe I can just be Oliver Queen. Maybe I can find a new way to make a difference."

Wesley sighed, nodding slowly. "Alright, but you play by this world's rules. No crazy stunts that get my city in trouble."

Oliver extended a hand toward Wesley, who shook it firmly. "Deal. And for the record, I always play by the rules."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Sure you do."

Wes turned back to the portal, the energy swirling chaotically. He looked over his shoulder one last time. "Take care of this world—and each other."

"Be careful, Wes," Lucy said, her voice soft and sincere.

Wes gave her a bittersweet smile. "Always."

Without another word, Wes stepped into the portal, the swirling energy engulfing him in an instant. The room fell silent, the portal's glow dimming slightly as it stabilized, but it still remained open.

Oliver adjusted his quiver, looking at Wesley and Lucy. "So, where do I start in this superhero-free world?"

Wesley smirked, motioning to the portal. "First? Let's make sure this thing doesn't spit out anything—or anyone—else. Then, we'll figure out where you fit in."

Lucy nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "Agreed. Let's finish this."

The three turned their attention back to the portal, their resolve unwavering. The fight to control this anomaly—and whatever consequences it might bring—was far from over.

As the faint hum of the portal lingered in the background, Wesley glanced at Oliver, taking in the unmistakable Green Arrow suit. He raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "You planning to walk around in that all day? Not exactly inconspicuous, Queen."

Oliver glanced down at himself, the green leather suit, quiver, and bow a stark contrast to the casual setting of the apartment. He gave a faint smirk. "Fair point. This might attract the wrong kind of attention."

Wesley motioned toward the bedroom. "I've got some clothes you can borrow. You're probably around my size, though you might have to ditch the whole brooding vigilante aesthetic for a bit."

Lucy chimed in with a teasing grin. "Yeah, leather and hoods aren't exactly 'blend in with the crowd' material."

Oliver chuckled, unstrapping his quiver and placing it carefully on the counter. "Alright, Knight. Let's see what you've got. But fair warning—if your wardrobe is just uniforms and tactical gear, we're gonna have a problem."

Wesley smirked. "Relax, Queen. I've got more than just cop uniforms. Follow me."

He led Oliver to the bedroom, opening a closet filled with neatly organized clothing. Wesley sifted through a few items before pulling out a black T-shirt, a pair of dark jeans, and a gray zip-up hoodie.

"Try these," Wesley said, handing the clothes over. "They're simple, comfortable, and most importantly, normal."

Oliver raised an eyebrow, inspecting the clothes. "Not bad. I was expecting worse."

"Don't push your luck," Wesley quipped.

As Oliver started changing, Wesley stepped out of the room, leaving the door ajar. Lucy looked up from the living room, her arms crossed. "Think he'll actually fit in here?"

Wesley shrugged. "He's resourceful. And if anyone can figure out how to adapt, it's him."

A moment later, Oliver emerged, now dressed in the borrowed clothes. He had ditched the Green Arrow suit entirely, though he still carried himself with the same quiet confidence.

"How do I look?" Oliver asked, spreading his arms slightly.

Lucy gave him an approving nod. "Much better. You almost look like a regular guy now."

Wesley smirked. "Yeah, except for the whole 'I'm clearly hiding something' vibe you've got going on. But it's a start."

Oliver chuckled. "I'll take that as a compliment." He glanced back at the Green Arrow suit, now folded neatly on the counter. "Guess I'll have to put that part of me away for a while."

Wesley nodded. "At least until you figure out how you want to fit into this world. One step at a time."

Oliver's expression turned thoughtful as he looked around the apartment. "You've got a good thing here, Knight. Family, stability. It's... different."

Wesley's tone softened. "Yeah, it is. But it didn't come easy. If you're sticking around, you'll see that for yourself."

Lucy stepped forward, her voice warm but firm. "And if you're staying, you're part of the team now. That means no lone wolf stunts. We've got enough chaos without adding more."

Oliver smiled faintly, nodding. "Deal. No lone wolf stunts—at least for now."

The three of them exchanged a small, shared laugh, but the faint crackle of the portal in the background served as a reminder that their work was far from over.

Wesley glanced at Oliver. "Alright, now that you look like you belong here, let's figure out how to shut that thing down for good."

"Agreed," Oliver said, his voice steady. "Let's get to work."

As they stood in the living room, the faint crackle of the portal suddenly began to subside. The swirling energy slowed, and the pulsing light dimmed, until finally, with a soft whoosh, the portal collapsed in on itself and disappeared entirely.

Wesley tilted his head, watching as the space where the portal had been returned to normal. "Well, looks like it solved that problem for us."

KITT's voice chimed in through Wesley's earwig. "Michael, the portal's energy levels have dissipated entirely. It is no longer a threat. However, the origin of the anomaly remains unknown."

Wesley sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Figures. But at least it's not tearing apart my living room anymore."

Lucy let out a breath of relief, crossing her arms. "Well, that's one less thing to worry about."

Oliver stared at the now-empty space, his brow furrowed. "So, it's just... gone? That's it?"

"Looks that way," Wesley said, glancing at Oliver. "Which means you're officially stuck here for the foreseeable future."

Oliver smirked faintly. "I've been in worse situations."

Wesley checked his watch and frowned. "Speaking of situations, Lucy and I have to get to the station. We've got a shift to cover."

Lucy nodded, brushing a hand through her hair. "Yeah, no more delays. We're already going to have to explain why we're running late."

Oliver looked between them. "So, what do I do in the meantime? Sit here and babysit the twins?"

Wesley chuckled. "Tempting, but no. Melissa's got the twins handled. You should use this time to get your bearings. Figure out what your next move is."

Lucy added, "And maybe stay out of trouble. Wesley and I already have enough chaos to deal with at work."

Oliver gave a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am. I'll be on my best behavior."

Wesley smirked, grabbing his jacket. "Good. Because if you cause a scene, you're going to have to explain yourself to me when I get back."

As Wesley and Lucy headed toward the door, Oliver leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "Hey, Knight."

Wesley turned back. "Yeah?"

Oliver gave him a small, genuine smile. "Thanks. For giving me a chance here."

Wesley nodded, his expression softening. "Everyone deserves a fresh start, Queen. Just don't waste it."

With that, Wesley and Lucy stepped out, leaving Oliver alone in the apartment. He glanced around, his gaze lingering on the neatly organized space, the folded Green Arrow suit, and the subtle signs of a life built on stability and family.

For the first time in a long time, Oliver felt something he hadn't in years: hope.

At the station

Wesley and Lucy walked into the station and headed to their respective locker rooms to get changed into their uniforms. The usual hum of activity filled the building, officers moving about, preparing for the day ahead.

Once ready, they joined the rest of the officers in the conference room, taking their assigned seats. Lucy sat up front, while Wesley took his place alongside Harper, Lopez, and Tim. The room buzzed with quiet chatter until Sergeant Grey walked in, commanding everyone's attention.

"Alright," Grey began, his voice firm as he addressed the room. "Before you hit the streets today, a few orders of business. One of my duties as Sergeant is to run periodic assessments on officers under my command to ensure that the duty manual is being followed and that, personally, you are all above reproach."

Before Grey could continue, Smitty raised his hand, a grin already forming. "Then I hope you didn't read my diary."

The room erupted in laughter, the tension momentarily broken. Even Grey allowed himself a faint smirk before continuing.

Lucy raised her hand, curiosity evident on her face. "Uh, what exactly is being assessed, sir?"

Tim leaned back slightly, his tone matter-of-fact. "Occupational integrity. Everything from how we maintain our equipment to the upkeep of all our certifications."

Harper chimed in, her voice laced with authority. "If we can't follow the rules, how can we expect the same from the citizens we serve?"

Grey nodded, his tone approving. "Exactly. This is a list of all minor deficiencies." He walked over to the rookies, handing a folder to Jackson. "Officer West will be in charge of sharing these infractions with the team and ensuring this station complies with all regulations."

Jackson glanced up at him, a mix of pride and uncertainty. "So, I won't be riding with Officer Lopez today, sir?"

Grey shook his head. "No. She and I will be out of the station for the rest of the day. Sergeant Roberts from Pacific Division will be filling in. I expect to hear good things. That's all. Dismissed."

As the officers stood up to leave, Grey called out, "Officer Nolan, a word, please."

Wesley glanced at Lucy as they prepared to leave the conference room. "Go get KITT set up," he said quietly.

Lucy nodded, her tone professional. "Yes, sir." She left the room, blending into the flow of departing officers.

Wesley, however, lingered, his instincts telling him something was off. As Nolan approached Grey, Wesley followed, catching the tail end of the exchange.

"Yes, sir? Is there a problem?" Nolan asked, his voice steady but cautious.

Grey glanced briefly at Wesley before focusing on Nolan. "I didn't want to discuss this in front of everyone, including your brother, but since he's here..." He paused, gauging Nolan's reaction.

Nolan glanced at Wesley and shrugged. "It's fine, sir. Officer Knight just worries when you call me over, that's all."

Grey nodded, then leaned in slightly. "Your credit score has been red-flagged. A credit risk is 620. You're currently at 300."

Nolan's jaw dropped. "That's impossible. I check my credit score every six months. I've never been below 700."

Grey crossed his arms, his tone serious. "Well, it's under 700 now. A cop in financial trouble is seen as a potential liability. It raises concerns about susceptibility to corruption. If you don't raise your score to acceptable standards ASAP, they'll cut you from the program."

Wesley stepped forward, his voice firm. "What? They can't do that, sir. This has to be some kind of mistake."

Grey looked at Wesley, his expression unreadable. "Mistake or not, the department doesn't take risks with financial red flags. Officer Nolan needs to resolve this immediately. That's all I can say for now." He turned back to Nolan. "I suggest you start by checking for errors on your report. You don't have much time to fix this."

Nolan swallowed hard, nodding. "Understood, sir. I'll handle it."

Grey nodded curtly and walked off, leaving Nolan and Wesley standing there. Wesley turned to his brother, his tone softer but still resolute. "Don't worry, John. We'll figure this out. Whatever it takes."

Nolan nodded, his determination returning. "Thanks, Wes. Let's get to work."

With Lucy

Lucy stepped into the station's parking lot, carrying the neatly packed warbags over her shoulder. KITT was parked in the designated spot, his sleek black exterior gleaming under the morning sunlight. As she approached, the car's voice module activated.

"Good morning, Officer Chen," KITT greeted warmly. "I assume you're ready for today's patrol?"

Lucy smirked, opening the back door and placing the warbags inside. "Morning, KITT. Yeah, we're ready, but I need you to switch to police mode."

"Understood," KITT replied. "Switching to police mode now."

The car's body shimmered as its nano-skin began to shift. The glossy black surface transitioned to a sharp black-and-white police cruiser design, complete with LAPD insignias on the doors. Red and blue lights emerged seamlessly from hidden compartments, and the sound of the siren briefly tested itself before going silent. The transformation was flawless, giving KITT the appearance of an official LAPD patrol vehicle.

Lucy stepped back, nodding in approval. "Looks good, KITT. You really know how to clean up."

KITT's voice carried a hint of humor. "I strive to be presentable, Officer Chen. Efficiency and appearance go hand in hand."

Lucy chuckled as she climbed into the driver's seat, adjusting her gear. "Alright, let's make sure everything's set. Lights, sirens, comms... the works."

"Allow me," KITT said, running a quick diagnostic. The dashboard lit up momentarily as he performed the checks. "All systems operational. Weapons and additional tactical features have been temporarily disabled to comply with LAPD regulations."

Lucy raised an eyebrow. "Weapons? Really, KITT? What exactly were you equipped for before you joined the LAPD?"

KITT responded in his usual composed tone. "My prior functionality included advanced defensive measures, but rest assured, I adhere strictly to departmental protocol in this role."

Lucy shook her head, half-amused. "Good to know. Last thing we need is you turning into a Transformer in the middle of a traffic stop."

"Noted, Officer Chen. Shall I assume primary navigation duties for today's patrol?"

"Yeah, you take the lead," Lucy replied, settling into her seat. "Just keep us out of traffic jams and steer clear of anything weird. It's been one of those mornings."

As Lucy finished securing her equipment, Wesley emerged from the station and walked toward the car, his expression a mix of focus and mild exasperation.

"You get everything set?" Wesley asked as he slid into the passenger seat.

"Everything's ready to go," Lucy confirmed, tapping the dashboard. "KITT's in police mode and fully operational."

"Good," Wesley said, leaning back slightly. "Let's hit the road. I've had enough paperwork and surprise credit score drama for one day."

"Understood," KITT said. "Shall I initiate the patrol route now, or would you prefer a detour for coffee first? Statistically, coffee increases officer alertness by 35% during morning shifts."

Lucy laughed as she started the engine. "You're not wrong, KITT, but let's stick to the route for now. We've got a job to do."

With that, KITT smoothly pulled out of the parking lot, the red and blue lights glinting briefly in the sun as Lucy and Wesley headed out to start their patrol.

Later

As Lucy and Wesley cruised through the city in KITT, the hum of the engine blending seamlessly with the quiet chatter of the radio, Lucy glanced over at Wesley, a playful smirk on her face.

"So," she began, her tone teasing, "have you decided where you're taking me for dinner? Just so you know, if it's too fancy, I might start thinking you're trying to show off."

Wesley raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "What?" he asked, feigning innocence.

Lucy chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "Come on, Wesley. You've got a reputation for going all out. I just want to make sure I'm not walking into some place with a dress code so strict I'd have to rent a gown."

Wesley shook his head, his grin growing. "First of all, I don't 'show off.' Second, maybe I just want to see you in a gown."

Lucy laughed, nudging his arm lightly. "Careful, Knight. You keep talking like that, and I'll expect a red carpet."

KITT's voice chimed in, his tone light but matter-of-fact. "If I may interject, Officer Chen, based on Michael's previous preferences, he has a tendency to select establishments that are a balance of elegance and comfort. Statistically, there's a high probability he's planned something thoughtful but not overwhelming."

Wesley smirked at KITT's input. "Thanks, buddy. Always got my back."

Lucy laughed again. "Alright, fine. I'll trust KITT on this one. But if there's a string quartet or gold-plated anything, I'm calling you out."

Wesley chuckled, glancing at her with an affectionate smile. "Noted. Just be ready for a good time."

Before Lucy could respond, KITT's voice chimed in again, calm and reassuring.

"Officer Chen, I assure you, Michael never plans anything without careful consideration of your preferences. He is consistently mindful of what you would enjoy and avoids anything he believes you wouldn't agree to."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, glancing at Wesley. "Wow, even your car knows you're a people-pleaser."

Wesley chuckled, a smile spreading across his face. "What can I say? KITT knows me pretty well."

Lucy leaned back in her seat, shaking her head with a grin. "Well, now I'm curious. You've got this AI backup vouching for you, so the bar's officially been raised. This better be good."

KITT interjected with a playful note in his voice. "I am confident Michael's plans will exceed your expectations, Officer Chen. He has an excellent track record of creating memorable experiences."

Wesley laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, KITT, you're making me sound way cooler than I actually am."

Lucy smirked, turning her attention back to the road ahead. "Don't let it go to your head, Knight. But I'll admit, I'm looking forward to seeing what you've got planned."

Wesley leaned back in his seat, his smile softening as he glanced at her. "You'll just have to wait and see. But trust me, you'll like it."

KITT added, "I must say, the anticipation is a significant part of the enjoyment, is it not?"

Lucy laughed. "You know what, KITT? You're not wrong."

The light banter filled the car, a perfect balance of humor and warmth as the trio continued their patrol, the city rolling by outside. Wesley's smile lingered, grateful not just for KITT's insight, but for the effortless connection he shared with Lucy.

As they cruised through the city streets, a comfortable silence settled over the car. The hum of KITT's engine was the only sound for a moment, punctuated occasionally by the distant chatter on the police radio.

Lucy turned her head to look at Wesley, who was focused on the road, his hands steady on the wheel. There was something about the way he carried himself—confident yet calm, playful yet deeply caring—that made her heart swell.

A small smile played on her lips as she softly said, "I love you, Michael Knight."

Wesley glanced at her, surprised but clearly moved. His grin widened, the kind that reached his eyes. "I love you too, Lucy Chen."

KITT's voice chimed in, ever the observer. "This is a statistically significant moment, Officer Chen. Michael has been experiencing elevated emotional responses in your presence for quite some time. It's gratifying to see this verbal acknowledgment reciprocated."

Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "Thanks for the analysis, KITT. Always helpful."

Wesley chuckled, his gaze flicking back to the road, though the warmth in his expression remained. "KITT, maybe you should add 'relationship counselor' to your list of functions."

"Noted, Michael," KITT replied. "However, I believe the two of you require minimal guidance. Your compatibility is evident."

Lucy rested her hand lightly on Wesley's arm, her smile softening. "Guess we've got the seal of approval from the smartest car on the planet."

"Guess we do," Wesley said, glancing at her briefly before focusing on the road again. "But I didn't need KITT to tell me that I'm the luckiest guy in the world."

Lucy felt her cheeks warm, her heart fluttering at his words. "You're not so bad yourself, Knight."

KITT's voice cut in once more, his tone ever so slightly amused. "This has been a most fulfilling interaction. Shall I log this as a highlight of the day?"

Both Wesley and Lucy burst into laughter, the moment light and full of joy as they continued their patrol, the city unfolding before them.

Wesley couldn't help but glance over at Lucy, his smile lingering as the light from the dashboard illuminated her face. She caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow, her playful smirk returning.

"What?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

Before Wesley could respond, KITT's voice interrupted, his tone matter-of-fact but tinged with humor. "Michael, while I understand your appreciation for Officer Chen, I must remind you to keep your eyes on the road. Prolonged visual attention on her rather than your driving could result in unnecessary risks."

Lucy laughed, leaning back in her seat. "See? Even KITT thinks you're distracted."

Wesley shook his head, chuckling. "I'm not distracted. I've got this under control."

KITT wasn't convinced. "Michael, my sensors indicate a notable increase in your heart rate and pheromone release levels. This suggests a strong sexual attraction toward Officer Chen. While this is biologically normal, it is not conducive to optimal driving performance."

Lucy's jaw dropped as she burst into laughter, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink. "Oh my God, KITT! You don't just say things like that!"

Wesley groaned, running a hand over his face, though he couldn't help but laugh along with her. "KITT, buddy, there are some things you don't need to analyze out loud."

KITT's tone remained unflappable. "My role is to ensure safety and efficiency, Michael. If your emotions are interfering with either, it is my duty to address them."

Lucy was still laughing, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. "Michael Wesley Knight, distracted driving due to pheromones. That's a new one."

Wesley shot her a mock glare, his grin betraying him. "Don't encourage him, Lucy. He's already smug enough."

KITT replied smoothly, "Smugness is not within my programming, Michael. However, I am always pleased to provide accurate observations."

Lucy shook her head, still smiling. "Well, KITT, thanks for keeping him in check. But don't worry, I'll make sure he focuses on driving."

"Much appreciated, Officer Chen," KITT responded.

Wesley sighed, his laughter fading into a warm smile as he returned his attention to the road. "You know, I was having a pretty good day until my car decided to psychoanalyze me."

Lucy rested a hand on his arm, her touch light and reassuring. "It's okay, Knight. At least KITT's on our side. And for the record..." She leaned in slightly, her voice soft and teasing. "The feeling's mutual."

Wesley glanced at her briefly, his grin returning. "Good to know."

"Eyes on the road, Michael," KITT reminded, his tone almost playful now.

Lucy's laughter filled the car again as they continued their patrol, the city lights twinkling outside while the bond between them grew even stronger.

Lucy's phone buzzed, and she glanced at the screen, seeing Rachel's name. She quickly accepted the call, putting it to her ear.

"Rach! Hey!" Lucy said, her tone warm and upbeat. "I was just thinking about you." Her expression shifted as she listened, concern flashing across her face. "Oh no, that's awful. Yeah... Yeah, don't worry, we're on it. We'll be there as soon as we can."

Ending the call, Lucy placed her phone back in her pocket and turned to Wesley, her brow furrowed. "Somebody broke into her dad's car and stole his suitcase."

Wesley raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. "And you told her we'd handle it?"

Lucy scoffed lightly, giving him a teasing smile. "Come on, this is the perfect opportunity for you to meet her dad. I'm sure he'll like you. Probably not as much as I love you, but I'm confident he'll actually like you."

Wesley smirked, shaking his head. "You're really using a car break-in as an excuse to introduce me to your friend's dad?"

Lucy grinned, leaning back in her seat. "You better believe it. Consider it multitasking—solving a crime and making a good impression. Win-win."

Wesley sighed, starting the car. "Alright, let's go play detective-slash-boyfriend of the year. But if he doesn't like me, you owe me dinner at that taco place I like."

"Deal," Lucy said with a laugh. "But trust me, you'll win him over in no time."

KITT's voice chimed in, always ready to assist. "Shall I map the most efficient route to Rachel's location, Officer Chen?"

"Yes, please, KITT," Lucy replied.

"Route calculated. Estimated time of arrival: eight minutes," KITT said smoothly as they pulled out onto the road.

Wesley glanced at Lucy, his smirk softening into a genuine smile. "You really think this is a good idea?"

Lucy looked at him, her eyes warm. "Wes, I know it is. You're gonna be great."

The reassurance hung in the air as they drove toward their next task, the playful banter easing any nerves as they worked together.

Wesley sighed, gripping the steering wheel. "Lucy, auto burglary cases have a point zero two percent solve rate. How is failing to recover your friend's dad's suitcase supposed to be my 'best way' to meet him?"

Lucy shrugged, glancing at him with a small, hopeful smile. "Because I thought you'd actually solve it. I mean, we do have the most advanced car in the world. Can't we... help?"

Wesley raised an eyebrow, his tone teasing but incredulous. "So, let me get this straight. You want me to waste KITT's cutting-edge capabilities to hunt down a stolen suitcase—because it happens to belong to your friend's dad?"

Lucy leaned back in her seat, groaning slightly. "Okay, when you put it like that, sir, it sounds... really stupid."

Wesley smirked, shaking his head. "Yeah, it kinda does."

KITT's voice chimed in, smooth and pragmatic as always. "Michael, while Officer Chen's request may seem unconventional, I must point out that my advanced scanning capabilities could significantly improve the likelihood of recovering the stolen item. Additionally, solving this case could positively impact your interpersonal relationships."

Lucy shot Wesley a triumphant look. "See? Even KITT thinks we should help."

Wesley sighed dramatically, though a small grin tugged at his lips. "Fine. We'll give it a shot. But if this ends with me being introduced as the guy who couldn't find a suitcase, I'm blaming you."

"Deal," Lucy said with a bright smile. "And for the record, I think you're gonna crush this."

"Yeah, yeah," Wesley muttered, shaking his head. "KITT, pull up Rachel's dad's location and start scanning for nearby activity."

"Already on it, Michael," KITT replied. "Activating localized crime detection protocols. I'll do my best to ensure this mission is a success."

Lucy leaned forward, tapping the dashboard affectionately. "Thanks, KITT. You're the real MVP."

Wesley rolled his eyes, though his grin stayed in place. "Let's just find this thing before I regret agreeing to this."

Later

Lucy and Wesley pulled up in KITT, parking behind a car where Rachel and her father, Colin Hall, were waiting. As the engine powered down, Lucy glanced at Wesley, offering him a reassuring smile before stepping out of the vehicle. Wesley followed her, his demeanor calm and professional.

Rachel approached them with a relieved expression. "Thanks for coming," she said, her tone warm but edged with stress.

Lucy smiled, walking toward her. "Of course. What are friends for?"

Colin's eyes lit up as he looked at Lucy. "Well, would you look at you in that uniform," he said, a touch of pride in his voice.

Lucy grinned, stepping closer. "It's so good to see you again."

Colin chuckled as he pulled her into a warm hug. "Yeah, it's been too long."

When they broke the hug, Colin's attention shifted to Wesley. His expression grew more measured as he gave the man a once-over. Wesley stepped forward, extending his hand.

"Michael Knight, sir," Wesley introduced himself, his tone polite but confident.

Colin shook his hand, his grip firm and his gaze scrutinizing. "Colin Hall," he replied, his eyes narrowing slightly as he seemed to size Wesley up.

Wesley chuckled, sensing the unspoken tension. "Just to clear the air—I'm not your daughter's boyfriend cop, if that's what you're thinking."

Colin blinked, caught off guard. "Oh," he said, releasing Wesley's hand.

Rachel sighed, crossing her arms. "I didn't tell him your name because I knew he'd overreact. And, well..." She gestured toward her father. "Look at what he did when he thought you were my cop boyfriend."

Colin glanced at Lucy, clearly trying to pivot the conversation. "So, if he's not Rachel's cop boyfriend, then—"

Lucy smiled gently, stepping forward. "Sir, Wesley's my fiancé."

Colin's demeanor shifted instantly, a broad smile spreading across his face. "Really? Well, congratulations, Lucy."

Lucy returned the smile, but it faltered as her voice softened. "We... we were having a baby. But after I was kidnapped and... hurt, I lost the baby."

The air grew heavy as Lucy's words landed. Colin's smile disappeared, replaced by a look of deep sympathy. "Oh, dear," he said quietly. "I'm so sorry to hear that."

Wesley looked down, his expression clouded as the mention of their stillborn child stirred emotions he tried to keep buried. Colin noticed the change in Wesley's demeanor and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You okay, son?" Colin asked gently.

Wesley shook his head, his voice low. "No, I..."

Lucy stepped closer, her voice tinged with regret. "I shouldn't have brought up the baby. He's still not over it."

Wesley looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mix of hurt and understanding. "Luce, I didn't mean it like that," he said softly.

Lucy reached out, resting a hand on his arm. "I know, but it's still hard for you, and I shouldn't have sprung it on you like that."

Wesley gave a faint nod, his voice steadying. "It's not something we'll ever be over, but... we're in it together."

Colin stepped back, giving them space, his voice kind but firm. "You two are stronger than you realize. And if there's anything I can do to help, just say the word."

Lucy smiled faintly, grateful for his words, while Wesley straightened, his resolve returning. "Thank you, sir," he said quietly.

Rachel, trying to lighten the mood, gestured toward the car. "So, uh... about the stolen suitcase?"

Wesley nodded, taking a deep breath. "Right. Let's get to work."

KITT's voice chimed in, calm and focused. "Michael, I've already begun scanning for suspicious activity in the area. There are several leads we can follow."

Lucy patted the roof of KITT affectionately. "See? We've got the best partner on the job."

With that, the group turned their attention to the case, the heavy moment giving way to determination as they worked together to make things right.

As Wesley and Lucy prepared to get to work, Colin's gaze shifted to KITT. His eyes narrowed as he pointed toward the sleek car. "Alright, I gotta ask—what's with the talking car?"

Before Wesley or Lucy could respond, KITT's voice module lit up, and his calm, precise voice filled the air. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Knight Industries Three Thousand, or KITT for short. I am an advanced AI-driven vehicle equipped with a wide array of technologies to assist in law enforcement and personal safety. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hall."

Colin blinked, visibly startled. "Wait, wait. The car is talking? Like, really talking? Not some pre-recorded voice or a joke?"

Rachel leaned in, her own curiosity piqued. "Dad, it's not a joke. This car is seriously high-tech. It's... like something out of a sci-fi movie."

KITT's voice remained polite but confident. "I assure you, my functionality is quite real, Mr. Hall. I operate as both a partner and a resource for Officers Knight and Chen, ensuring efficiency and safety in their duties."

Colin folded his arms, eyeing KITT skeptically. "So, what are you, some kind of fancy cop car?"

Wesley smirked, stepping in. "More like the fanciest cop car you'll ever see. KITT's not just tech—he's the most advanced AI on wheels. Think of him as a partner with turbo boost."

KITT added, "I must emphasize that my design prioritizes both operational excellence and the well-being of those I serve. Additionally, I possess unparalleled adaptability in high-stress scenarios."

Colin let out a low whistle, circling KITT slowly as he inspected the vehicle. "Well, I'll be. This is something else. Does it drive itself?"

"Yes, I can operate autonomously when required," KITT replied. "However, I defer to Officer Knight and Officer Chen's preferences for manual operation."

Rachel nudged her dad with a grin. "Told you this thing was amazing."

Colin chuckled, shaking his head. "Amazing doesn't even begin to cover it. You're telling me this thing is your patrol car?"

Lucy smiled, crossing her arms. "It's a bit more than just a patrol car, but yeah. KITT's with us on the job."

Colin looked at Wesley, then back at KITT. "Alright, Knight. I'll admit it—this is impressive. But you've got a lot to live up to, driving something like this."

Wesley chuckled. "Trust me, sir, KITT doesn't let me forget it."

KITT interjected, his tone tinged with humor. "It is my duty to ensure Michael performs at his best. A task that often requires reminders, encouragement, and occasional redirection."

Colin laughed, clapping Wesley on the shoulder. "Well, I guess you've got your hands full with this one. Better not let him down."

Wesley smirked, glancing at Lucy. "Oh, I don't plan to."

Wesley glanced at Colin, a friendly smile on his face. "Looks like you had a rough start to your trip here, sir."

Colin sighed, shaking his head. "Ah, it was my own fault. I saw a guy eyeing the car as I parked, but I was in a hurry. Good news is, I'd recognize him if I saw him again."

Wesley nodded but kept his tone realistic. "Unfortunately, LA averages about 17,000 auto burglaries a year. The odds of finding the guy—"

Colin interrupted, his tone firm but good-natured. "You know, back in Sweet Home, a good street cop would know every crook on his beat. We call it 'beat integrity.'"

Wesley raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "Sir, I've only been a cop in this city for about a year, so I don't know every crook yet. But isn't Sweet Home a small town? You know, one of those places where everyone knows everyone, and no one's too busy to stop and say howdy?"

Colin chuckled, catching the playful tone. "Fair point, son. Small town life is a little different, I'll give you that."

Lucy shook her head, trying to suppress a smile. "Sorry about him, sir. He's watched way too much Dukes of Hazzard."

Wesley's grin widened. "What? I am the real Bo Duke, okay? And you..." He turned to Lucy, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You're Daisy Duke."

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her amusement. "Sir, I don't wear Daisy Duke shorts."

Wesley leaned back slightly, his grin turning playful as he looked at her. "Maybe you should," he teased, his eyes sparkling with humor.

Lucy shot him a mock glare, though her cheeks tinted slightly. "You better focus on finding that suitcase, Bo Duke," she retorted, shaking her head with a smile.

Colin laughed, watching their banter with a knowing look. "You two make a good team. Even if you've got a bit of a small-town imagination, Knight."

Wesley chuckled, tipping an imaginary hat. "Thank you kindly, sir. Now, let's get to work."

Wesley gestured toward KITT with a small smile. "You know what? Why don't you hop in the shop? We'll drive around, do a little hunting. See if we get lucky."

Colin hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "If you insist."

Lucy chuckled, stepping forward to guide him. "Alright, come on. You can sit in the front, sir. It's quite the ride."

She opened the passenger door, gesturing for Colin to climb in. He took a moment to admire KITT's interior before settling into the seat.

Rachel approached with a grateful smile, her relief evident. "Thank you. Seriously, thank you so much. I've got to get back to work, but I owe you and Lucy big time."

Wesley waved her off with a kind smile. "Don't worry about it. Just stay safe on your way to work, okay?"

Rachel nodded, her gratitude still apparent. "You got it." With a quick wave, she turned and headed off, leaving them to their task.

As Wesley turned back toward KITT, Lucy stepped up beside him, letting out a small sigh. "I know this isn't exactly how you planned your day, but try to stay positive, okay?"

Wesley gave her a mock serious look. "You owe me, Officer Chen."

Lucy smirked, her eyes glinting with playful mischief. "Wesley, I owe you all the time. Maybe I want it that way."

Wesley shook his head, a grin spreading across his face as he opened the driver's door. "You're impossible, you know that?"

Lucy laughed, sliding into the back seat. "And yet, here you are, still putting up with me. Guess that makes you the impossible one."

KITT's voice chimed in as Wesley started the engine. "If I may interject, you are both equally impossible—yet remarkably effective as a team. Shall we begin our search?"

Wesley smirked, glancing at Lucy in the rearview mirror. "Let's do it, partner."

With that, KITT smoothly pulled out onto the road, ready to begin their search, the trio determined to turn their luck around.

Later

Wesley was driving KITT through the streets, Colin sitting in the front seat while Lucy relaxed in the back. The quiet hum of the engine filled the car, and Wesley's mind wandered. He wished he could reach back and hold Lucy's hand, but he knew that moment would have to wait.

Breaking the silence, KITT's calm voice spoke up. "Michael, are you all right? Your vitals indicate slight stress."

Wesley glanced at the dashboard, his lips twitching into a faint smile. "I'm fine, pal. Don't worry about me."

KITT's tone turned softer, almost reassuring. "But I always worry about you, Michael. That's what partners do."

Wesley's smile grew as he replied, "You're right about that, KITT. Just like when I caught you watching that cowboy movie the other night."

KITT paused for a moment before replying, his tone tinged with sincerity. "I am still learning the complexities of friendship, but I would be honored to count you as mine, Michael."

Wesley chuckled, the warmth in his voice evident. "You got it, buddy. Every cowboy needs a good sidekick."

KITT responded matter-of-factly, "I would not sell yourself short, Michael. You are far more than a horse."

Wesley smirked, shaking his head. "Hey, look at that. Sense of humor. I was starting to wonder if you had one."

KITT replied with subtle amusement. "I prefer to deploy it sparingly for maximum impact."

From the back seat, Lucy stifled a laugh, leaning forward slightly. "You two are like an old married couple. It's kind of adorable."

Wesley glanced at her in the rearview mirror, his grin widening. "Careful, Chen. You might make KITT jealous."

KITT interjected smoothly, "Rest assured, Officer Chen, I have no need for jealousy. My admiration for Michael is purely platonic and professional."

Lucy burst into laughter, shaking her head. "Well, I'm glad we cleared that up."

Colin, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up, a chuckle in his voice. "You guys sure have an interesting dynamic. This car's more alive than most people I know."

Wesley glanced at him, still smiling. "That's KITT for you. Keeps me on my toes."

"And out of trouble," KITT added, his tone as steady as ever.

"Most of the time," Wesley quipped, earning another round of laughter from Lucy as the trio continued down the road, the mood light yet full of camaraderie.

Colin glanced at the dashboard, the soft glow of KITT's interface catching his attention. After a moment of silence, he asked, "So, how long have you been partnered with this... KITT?"

Wesley smiled, keeping his eyes on the road. "It's been over a year now," he replied, his tone thoughtful. "And honestly, it feels like it was meant to be. Each day, it's like I've found something I didn't even know I was missing... a best friend to have by my side."

KITT's voice chimed in, calm yet filled with sincerity. "The sentiment is mutual, Michael. You have provided me with purpose and companionship beyond my original programming. I value our partnership greatly."

Colin raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "A best friend, huh? That's a pretty big compliment for a car."

Wesley chuckled, glancing at Colin. "KITT's more than just a car. He's loyal, reliable, and smarter than most people I know. He's always got my back, and that's not something you take for granted—especially in this job."

KITT interjected gently, "It is my duty and privilege to ensure your safety, Michael. And if I may say, you have also taught me much about loyalty, humor, and the complexities of human connection."

Lucy leaned forward from the back seat, resting her arms on the front seats. "Honestly, Colin, they're like two peas in a pod. KITT keeps him grounded, and Wesley keeps KITT... well, human."

Colin let out a soft laugh, shaking his head. "You talk about this car like he's one of the guys."

Lucy smirked. "He is one of the guys. Sometimes, I think KITT understands Wesley better than anyone."

Wesley grinned, glancing at the rearview mirror to catch Lucy's gaze. "That's because KITT listens and doesn't interrupt."

Lucy rolled her eyes with a laugh. "Careful, Knight. I might start taking notes."

Colin leaned back, clearly intrigued. "Well, I've got to admit, this is something else. Back in my day, your partner was just the guy riding next to you in the squad car. Now you've got an AI partner that can talk, think, and, apparently, crack jokes."

KITT's voice took on a slightly playful tone. "I am honored to be compared to such esteemed partnerships, Mr. Hall. I assure you, my humor is still evolving, though I strive to keep it tasteful."

Wesley smirked. "Don't let him fool you. He's a work in progress."

Colin laughed, shaking his head. "Well, Knight, I can see why you call him a best friend. Seems like you two make a hell of a team."

Wesley nodded, his smile softening. "We do. And every day, I'm grateful for it."

The atmosphere in the car lightened further, a sense of camaraderie settling over them as they continued their drive, the partnership between man and machine as natural as any great friendship.

Lucy leaned forward from the back seat, a more serious tone replacing her earlier lightheartedness. "You know, Colin, there was this one time KITT got badly damaged. It was... tough, especially for Wesley."

Colin looked intrigued, glancing between Lucy and the dashboard. "Damaged? How does a car like this even get damaged? And by what?"

Lucy sighed. "By someone—or something—called KARR. He's basically KITT's evil twin, built with similar tech but none of the morals. KARR doesn't care about people, only about power and self-preservation. He's unpredictable, dangerous, and ruthless."

KITT's voice interjected, steady but with a hint of gravity. "KARR was my predecessor, a prototype designed without ethical safeguards. His programming malfunctioned, making him a threat to anyone and everyone. It is my mission to ensure he is neutralized whenever our paths cross."

Colin's eyebrows rose. "So, you're saying there's another car out there like you, but... evil?"

"Pretty much," Lucy said. "During their last encounter, KARR ambushed KITT. It was bad—KITT was damaged so badly he had to be taken offline for repairs."

Colin glanced at Wesley, noticing his tight grip on the steering wheel. "And I'm guessing that didn't sit well with you."

Lucy answered before Wesley could. "Not at all. Wesley wasn't himself the entire time KITT was out of commission. He was distant, grumpy, even more reckless than usual. It was like losing KITT had taken a piece of him."

KITT added gently, "I am grateful for Michael's loyalty. The connection we share is more than functional—it is one of trust and mutual respect."

Lucy nodded, her tone softening. "The moment KITT was fully repaired and back online, it was like night and day. Wesley's attitude flipped. He was himself again—calm, focused, and happy. Having KITT back wasn't just about having his partner in the field. It was about having his friend back."

Wesley finally spoke, his voice quieter but filled with conviction. "It's true. KITT's not just a car to me, Colin. He's family. Losing him, even temporarily, was... hard. I didn't realize how much he'd become part of my life until he wasn't there."

Colin nodded slowly, absorbing everything. "I get it. Losing a partner, even for a little while, can mess with your head. But the fact that you care so much—it says a lot about you, Knight. And about this... KITT."

KITT's tone turned slightly lighter. "I am honored to be included in Michael's family. It is a privilege I do not take lightly."

Lucy smiled, her gaze warm as she looked at Wesley. "And you know what? That bond is what makes the two of you so damn good at what you do."

Wesley glanced at Lucy in the rearview mirror, his smile returning. "Thanks, Luce. Couldn't do it without you, either."

Colin let out a low whistle. "You know, I came here thinking I'd just meet some LAPD officers and get help with a stolen suitcase. Instead, I'm hearing about talking cars, evil twins, and this whole... bond you've got. I've got to say, it's impressive."

Wesley smirked, his confidence creeping back. "Stick around, sir. We'll make a believer out of you yet."

Lucy chuckled. "Don't worry, Colin. You'll get used to it. Trust me, I did."

With that, the trio fell into a comfortable rhythm again, the weight of the story they shared adding depth to the bond between them as they continued their search for the missing suitcase.

Lucy leaned forward again, her voice taking on a more serious tone as she continued the story. "Colin, you don't know the half of it. When KITT was offline for repairs... Wesley almost got himself killed."

Colin straightened in his seat, his expression turning sharp. "What do you mean, 'almost got himself killed'?"

Lucy hesitated, glancing at Wesley, who stayed quiet but kept his hands tightly on the wheel, his jaw tightening. "He was working a case without KITT's backup. A suspect blindsided him, and if the guy hadn't fumbled with his gun..." She swallowed hard. "Wesley was nearly shot in the back of the head."

Colin's eyes widened, his concern evident. "Jesus. And you were out there doing this without your partner? What were you thinking, Knight?"

Wesley exhaled through his nose, his voice calm but tinged with regret. "I wasn't thinking, sir. I was angry, frustrated. KITT wasn't there, and I felt... vulnerable. I thought pushing harder, faster, would make up for it. Instead, I almost paid for it with my life."

Lucy chimed in, her tone soft but firm. "It scared the hell out of all of us. I chewed him out afterward, and so did Grey. But the truth is, Wesley wasn't himself without KITT. He's good—one of the best—but KITT gives him that edge, that extra layer of safety he doesn't always admit he needs."

KITT's voice entered the conversation, calm and steady. "Michael, while your bravery is commendable, I must agree with Officer Chen. Recklessness is not a substitute for preparation. I regret that I was unable to support you during that time."

Wesley sighed, his grip on the steering wheel relaxing slightly. "You're right, KITT. I learned my lesson the hard way. I got lucky that time, but it's not a risk I'll ever take again."

Colin leaned back in his seat, shaking his head. "Well, Knight, I've got to hand it to you. You've got guts—maybe too much for your own good. But it sounds like this car of yours is more than just a fancy gadget. He's keeping you alive."

Wesley smiled faintly. "That's the idea. KITT's saved my ass more times than I can count. That's why I said he's family. Because without him..." He trailed off, glancing briefly at Lucy in the rearview mirror before turning back to the road. "Let's just say I don't take him for granted."

Lucy nodded, her expression softening. "And we don't take you for granted, either, Wesley. We're a team, and that means looking out for each other. Even when you're being stubborn."

KITT's voice carried a touch of humor. "Michael's stubbornness is one of his defining traits. However, it is also part of what makes him an effective officer."

Colin let out a dry laugh. "Well, I'll give you this—you've got one hell of a setup here. A car that's practically a guardian angel and people who have your back no matter what. That's something special, Knight."

Wesley smirked, his confidence creeping back. "Yeah, it is. And trust me, I don't take any of it lightly."

The atmosphere in the car grew lighter again, the weight of the story lingering but tempered by the shared understanding between them. The trio pressed on, determined to turn the day around and make a difference.

Lucy leaned forward again, a small smile tugging at her lips as she shifted the tone. "Colin, you think that's impressive? Let me tell you about the time some guys were pretending to be cops, and KITT literally saved both of our lives."

Colin's eyebrows rose. "Pretending to be cops? What happened?"

Lucy nodded, settling into her story. "We were responding to what we thought was a routine backup call. Turns out, it was an ambush. A group of armed guys had stolen uniforms and a squad car, trying to lure real officers into a trap. The moment we showed up, they opened fire on us."

Colin's expression darkened. "And you two were caught in the middle of that?"

"Yep," Lucy said. "They had us pinned down, nowhere to take proper cover. But then KITT—" She paused, gesturing toward the dashboard with a grin. "KITT told us to get behind him. And before we could argue, he rolled right into the line of fire and took every bullet they shot at us."

Colin blinked, looking at KITT in disbelief. "This car took the bullets?"

KITT's voice chimed in, calm and confident. "Correct, Mr. Hall. My nano-skin technology renders me impervious to most ballistic weaponry. It was the most effective way to protect Officers Knight and Chen in that scenario."

Lucy chuckled, nodding. "And let me tell you, it worked. Those guys emptied their magazines, thinking they could take KITT down. When they realized their bullets weren't doing anything, they panicked. That gave us the opening we needed to take them down."

Colin let out a low whistle, his admiration clear. "So, this car is bulletproof too? And smart enough to jump into the line of fire? That's... that's incredible."

Wesley glanced at Colin, his tone serious but proud. "It wasn't just incredible—it was life-saving. Without KITT, that situation could have gone south fast."

KITT interjected, his tone as composed as ever. "Protecting my partners is my primary directive. It is my purpose, and I will always prioritize their safety above all else."

Lucy smiled warmly, patting the back of KITT's seat. "And we trust you with our lives, KITT. Always."

Colin shook his head in amazement. "I've seen a lot in my time, but this... this is something else. You're lucky to have him, Knight."

Wesley nodded, his expression softening. "Trust me, sir, I know. Every day with KITT and Lucy by my side reminds me how lucky I am."

KITT added with a hint of dry humor, "And I must admit, Michael, your occasional recklessness ensures I am never without purpose."

Lucy laughed from the back seat. "Translation: You keep him busy."

Wesley smirked, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "Well, I've got to give him something to do, don't I?"

Colin joined in the laughter, shaking his head. "I've got to say, Knight, between you, this car, and your partner back there, you've got a hell of a team. I'm glad I got to see it firsthand."

Wesley smiled, his hands steady on the wheel. "We're glad you did too, sir. Now let's see if we can track down that stolen suitcase and turn this day around."

KITT's voice chimed in with precision. "Scanning for suspicious activity in the vicinity. Multiple leads detected. Shall I direct us to the most promising one, Michael?"

"Let's do it, KITT," Wesley replied, determination in his voice.

With that, the trio continued their search, the bond between them reinforced by the shared stories of trust, bravery, and loyalty.

Wesley glanced at Colin, his tone measured but firm. "Look, Colin, there are nearly 4 million people in Los Angeles. The odds of finding one guy out of all that? They're not great."

Colin leaned forward, crossing his arms. "But all 4 million aren't breaking into cars in this neighborhood, are they?"

Wesley sighed, shaking his head. "No, sir."

Colin smirked, his confidence growing. "See? We've already narrowed it down."

Lucy joined in, leaning slightly between the front seats. "The problem is, if he's smart, he probably hit as many cars as he could in 10 minutes and jumped on the freeway. For all we know, he's halfway to Barstow by now."

Colin raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with skepticism. "'If he's smart'? Since when have criminals been known for their smarts? He's probably around here somewhere, taking a break, having tacos with extra cheese and salsa."

Wesley's eyes scanned the street as they drove past a taco truck parked near the curb. He gestured toward it. "That your guy?"

Colin leaned closer to the window, squinting. His face lit up. "That's him, Knight."

Wesley didn't waste a second, pulling KITT into the parking lot smoothly and parking near the taco truck. He glanced at Colin. "Stay in the car, sir."

Wesley and Lucy stepped out, keeping their movements casual as they approached the area. Near the trash can, a man matching Colin's description was finishing his food. As he threw his trash away, Wesley closed the distance, his voice calm but commanding. "I'm gonna need you to put your hands on the van and spread your legs."

The man froze for a split second, his eyes darting to Wesley before bolting toward the other side of the lot. Wesley started after him, but the man skidded to a stop when he saw Lucy blocking his path.

Lucy stood firm, her hand hovering near her holstered weapon. "Hey. Don't even think about it."

The man hesitated, but before he could respond, movement from the corner of Wesley's eye caught his attention. Another man emerged from behind the van near Lucy, rushing toward her with his fists raised.

"Lucy!" Wesley shouted, closing the distance in a heartbeat.

Without hesitation, Wesley grabbed the man mid-charge, using the momentum to lift him off the ground and flip him over his back. The attacker hit the ground hard, groaning as Wesley planted a knee on his back to keep him subdued.

Wesley glanced up, his voice sharp. "KITT, go after the suspect that ran!"

KITT's lights flickered as his engine roared to life. "Affirmative, Michael. Beginning pursuit."

The sleek car accelerated, weaving expertly through the parking lot and out onto the street, locking onto the fleeing man with his advanced sensors.

Meanwhile, Wesley secured the man on the ground, pulling out his cuffs. Lucy stepped forward, keeping her eyes on the first suspect who had now raised his hands in surrender.

"Smart move," Lucy said, her tone firm as she approached.

Wesley glanced up at her with a grin. "Nice work, Daisy."

Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Focus, Bo."

The pair worked quickly to restrain the suspects, waiting for KITT's return as the taco truck lot returned to its usual hum of activity.

As Wesley secured the cuffs on the man he had flipped, the suspect groaned, wincing from the hard landing. "What the hell, man?" he muttered, his tone a mix of pain and indignation. "You didn't have to flip me like that. That was excessive! Police brutality!"

Wesley straightened up, his expression calm but firm as he stared down at the man. "You made a big mistake," he said, his voice low and deliberate.

The suspect looked up at him, confusion crossing his face. "What're you talking about?"

Wesley leaned in slightly, his tone icy. "You came at Lucy. You tried to hurt her. And that was the dumbest decision you've made all day, because she's my fiancée."

The man's eyes widened as realization dawned, and he glanced toward Lucy, who stood nearby, her arms crossed and her expression unamused.

"Your... fiancée?" the man repeated, his bravado fading.

"Yeah," Wesley said, his voice unwavering. "So let me be clear. You can call it whatever you want—excessive, over the top—but I don't care. You come at her, and I'll take you down every single time. You're lucky I just flipped you."

Lucy stepped closer, her tone calm but sharp. "If you're going to make excuses, don't. You rushed me. You tried to hurt me. That's on you."

The suspect looked between them, deflating further under their combined presence. "Alright, alright," he muttered. "I screwed up, okay? Just... go easy on me."

Wesley smirked faintly, stepping back. "Too late for that, pal. You made your bed. Now you get to lie in it."

At that moment, KITT's engine purred as he pulled back into the lot, his headlights flashing briefly. "Michael, I have successfully intercepted the fleeing suspect. He is secured in the backseat."

Lucy glanced toward KITT, a satisfied smile crossing her face. "Good work, KITT."

"Thank you, Officer Chen," KITT replied smoothly.

Wesley grabbed the man he had arrested by the arm and guided him toward the squad car parked nearby. "Let's get you and your buddy downtown. You've got plenty of time to think about what a bad day you've had."

As Wesley loaded the man into the back of the car, Lucy glanced at him knowingly. "You handled that well," she said softly.

Wesley shrugged, a small grin playing on his lips. "What can I say? Nobody messes with you and gets away with it."

Lucy smirked, giving him a playful nudge as they turned to finish securing the scene.

Later

Backup arrived at the scene, officers quickly securing the area and processing the suspects. Lucy turned to Colin with a small smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, that was... somewhat easy. Looks like you've still got it, Colin."

Colin chuckled, adjusting his jacket. "Easy? Back in Sweet Home, we didn't do this whole partner thing. One cop per cruiser—that's how we rolled. If you couldn't take down a suspect alone, well, you probably shouldn't be on the job."

Wesley smirked, leaning against KITT. "I used to take down a lot of people by myself."

Colin raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Yeah? What'd you do before you became a cop?"

Wesley's expression tightened slightly, his usual playful demeanor giving way to something more reserved. "You don't want to know," he said, his voice quieter but firm.

Colin tilted his head, his curiosity undeterred. "No, I'm serious. I've seen a lot of things in my time. Whatever it is, I'm not gonna judge. Everybody's got a past."

Wesley hesitated, his gaze dropping for a moment as he sighed. Finally, he looked back at Colin, his voice steady but laced with honesty. "I used to be an assassin."

The air seemed to still for a moment, the weight of Wesley's words hanging between them. Colin blinked, clearly caught off guard. "An... assassin?" he repeated, his tone incredulous.

Wesley nodded slowly. "Yeah. It's not something I'm proud of, but it's the truth. That was my life before this—before I decided to change."

Colin studied him for a moment, his expression a mix of surprise and respect. "And now you're out here wearing a badge. That's one hell of a turnaround, son."

Lucy stepped closer, her voice soft but firm. "It is. And trust me, Colin, he's one of the good ones now. He's worked hard to leave that life behind and make a difference."

Wesley glanced at her, a small, appreciative smile crossing his face. "I figured if I could take lives, I could save them too. It's why I became a cop. I needed to make things right."

Colin nodded, his tone thoughtful. "Takes guts to own up to something like that—and even more to change the path you were on. I respect that."

Wesley straightened, his smirk returning faintly. "Thanks, Colin. I appreciate it."

Colin grinned, the tension breaking as he gestured toward the suspects being loaded into patrol cars. "Well, looks like you're doing a damn fine job at it. Let's just hope your aim with the law is as good as it was with... whatever else you were doing."

Wesley chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't worry, sir. I'm on target these days."

Lucy exchanged a quick smile with Wesley before turning back to the scene. The weight of the moment gave way to a renewed sense of camaraderie as they wrapped up the case.

As the last of the suspects were loaded into patrol cars, Colin turned back to Wesley, his curiosity still piqued. "I've got to ask, Knight... if you were an assassin, doesn't that mean you were... you know, wanted by the cops at some point?"

Wesley's jaw tightened slightly, but he met Colin's gaze head-on. "Yeah, I was."

Colin blinked, his surprise clear. "Really? So, what'd they call you? Assassins usually have some kind of code name or something, right?"

Wesley let out a slow breath, his voice steady but heavy. "In Chicago, they called me The Killer."

Colin's eyes widened, recognition flashing across his face. "Wait a second. The Killer? The one they talked about on the news a few years back? That was you?"

Wesley gave a small nod, his expression unreadable. "Yeah. That was me."

Colin took a step back, crossing his arms as he processed the revelation. "Damn... I remember hearing about that. Everyone thought you were some kind of ghost—there one minute, gone the next. They never caught you, though. How'd you pull that off?"

Lucy stepped in, her voice firm but protective. "It's a long story, Colin. And honestly, it's one Wesley doesn't share lightly."

Wesley glanced at her, appreciating her support, before turning back to Colin. "Let's just say I had my reasons for disappearing. But when I decided to leave that life behind, I made sure no one could trace me. I faked my death and started over."

Colin shook his head, clearly trying to wrap his mind around it. "And now you're a cop? Walking around with a badge and everything?"

"That's right," Wesley said. "Because I wanted to make up for what I'd done. I couldn't change the past, but I could try to make a difference moving forward."

Colin studied him for a moment, his expression softening. "Well, I'll be damned. You're one hell of a story, Knight. I've got to admit, I wasn't expecting this when I got in your car."

Wesley smirked faintly. "Most people don't. But that's the thing about starting over—you don't have to be who you were. You just have to be better than the person you used to be."

Colin nodded, his tone thoughtful. "Fair enough. And from what I've seen today, you're doing a damn good job of it."

Lucy smiled, resting a hand on Wesley's arm. "He is. And for the record, Colin, he's not just a great cop—he's a great partner, too."

Wesley glanced at her, his smirk softening into a genuine smile. "Thanks, Luce."

Colin chuckled, shaking his head as he gestured to the patrol cars pulling away. "Well, Knight, looks like you've come a long way from your assassin days. And from where I'm standing, I'd say the LAPD is lucky to have you."

Wesley nodded, his voice steady. "I appreciate that, Colin. And for what it's worth, I'm glad I got to prove it to you today."

The trio stood together for a moment, the weight of Wesley's revelation lingering but tempered by mutual respect and understanding.

Colin leaned against the side of the car, his curiosity still evident as he crossed his arms. "So, Knight, I've got to ask—what changed you? What made you walk away from being The Killer?"

Wesley paused, his gaze drifting for a moment as he considered the question. His voice was quieter when he answered. "It was when I found out I had a half-brother."

Colin's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "A half-brother? Really? Who's the guy?"

Wesley glanced at Lucy, who gave him an encouraging nod, before turning back to Colin. "John Nolan. He's a cop, too."

Colin blinked, taken aback. "John Nolan? Wait, the name sounds familiar. Isn't he the rookie who joined up later in life?"

Wesley smirked faintly. "That's him. I didn't know about him until a few years ago. My father... he wasn't exactly the family man type. Kept his secrets well."

Lucy stepped closer, her voice soft but firm. "When Wesley learned about John, it hit him hard. Finding out you've got a brother—especially one like John—changes things."

Wesley nodded, his tone thoughtful. "It wasn't just that I had a brother. It was who he was. John's the kind of guy who always tries to do the right thing, no matter how hard it is. Seeing him... it made me realize I wanted to be better. Not just for myself, but for the people around me."

Colin nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "So, finding him gave you a second chance—something worth changing for."

"Exactly," Wesley said. "When I saw how much he put into this job, how much he cared about people, I knew I couldn't keep living the way I was. I wanted to build something better, even if it took time."

Lucy smiled, her voice filled with pride. "And he's done exactly that. Wesley's not just a great cop—he's a great man. John helped inspire that, but everything since? That's all him."

Wesley chuckled softly, glancing at Lucy. "You're not too bad yourself, Chen."

Colin let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Well, I've got to say, Knight, finding out you've got a brother like that? Sounds like it was the wake-up call you needed."

"It was," Wesley said firmly. "John gave me a reason to walk away from the past and start over. And now, I've got a family—not just him, but Lucy, KITT, and the people I work with every day. That's worth fighting for."

Colin smiled, extending a hand. "You've earned my respect, Knight. Not many people get a second chance, let alone do something meaningful with it. You've done both."

Wesley shook his hand, his grip firm. "Thanks, Colin. That means a lot."

Lucy glanced between the two men, her smile softening. "Alright, now that we've all had our heartfelt moment, can we get back to work? There's still plenty of city left to patrol."

Colin laughed, stepping back. "You got it, Officer Chen. Lead the way."

Wesley smirked, motioning toward KITT. "Alright, partner. Let's see what else the day's got in store for us."

With that, they climbed back into the car, the weight of the conversation giving way to a renewed sense of purpose as they continued their patrol.

As they settled back into KITT and continued their patrol, Colin leaned forward, his curiosity still piqued. "Alright, Knight, you've told me a lot today, but I've got one more question for you. How'd you and Lucy meet?"

Lucy smiled, glancing at Wesley before answering. "We met at the Police Academy. Wesley and I were in the same class." She leaned back with a teasing grin. "Though I've got to say, at first, he wasn't exactly Mr. Charming."

Wesley chuckled, shaking his head. "I was focused on making it through the Academy, not winning popularity contests."

Lucy smirked. "Sure, but it didn't stop you from falling for Captain Zoe Andersen."

Colin's head snapped toward Wesley, his eyes widening. "Wait a second—the Captain Zoe Andersen? The late Captain Andersen?"

Wesley's smile softened, and he nodded. "Yeah, that's the one. She was my first real love."

Colin whistled, his expression thoughtful. "She was a legend. Everyone talked about how sharp she was—how much she cared about the people under her command. So, what happened between you two?"

Wesley hesitated for a moment, then spoke, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "We had a complicated relationship, but it was real. And out of it, we had two incredible kids—my twins, Nora and Mason."

Colin blinked, clearly caught off guard. "You have kids with her?"

Wesley nodded, a proud smile creeping onto his face. "Yeah. They're the best thing that ever happened to me. Nora and Mason are one year old now. They're still figuring out the whole talking thing, but they've already got more personality than I know what to do with."

Lucy chimed in, her tone warm. "They're adorable. And for the record, Wesley's a great dad. Those kids absolutely adore him."

Colin leaned back, processing everything. "Well, damn, Knight. You've got a hell of a story. From assassin to cop, from falling for Captain Andersen to raising twins. I don't even know what to say."

Wesley smiled, glancing at Colin. "It's a lot, I know. But all of it—the good, the bad, the messy—it's made me who I am today. And I wouldn't trade any of it."

Colin nodded, a newfound respect clear in his expression. "Well, I'll say this—you've lived more lives than most people ever will. And it looks like you've come out stronger for it."

Lucy leaned forward, her voice playful. "He has, but let's not give him too much credit, Colin. I like to think I keep him grounded."

Wesley smirked, glancing at her in the rearview mirror. "Oh, absolutely, Officer Chen. I'd be lost without you."

KITT chimed in, his voice as steady as ever. "If I may add, I also play a significant role in keeping Michael grounded."

Colin burst out laughing, shaking his head. "You know, I've met a lot of cops in my day, but I've never seen a team like this. You've got something special here, Knight. Don't screw it up."

Wesley grinned, his tone light. "I don't plan to, sir. Not for a second."

With that, the trio continued their patrol, the bond between them growing stronger with every shared story and laugh, the city sprawling out before them.

As they cruised down the city streets, Colin leaned back in his seat, his expression thoughtful. After a moment, he broke the comfortable silence. "Knight, if it's alright for me to ask... are you and Lucy thinking about trying again? You know, for another baby?"

Wesley's hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel, and his jaw shifted. He glanced in the rearview mirror, locking eyes with Lucy, who gave him a small, reassuring smile.

Lucy spoke first, her voice soft but steady. "It's something we've talked about. Losing the baby... it was hard. Harder than I ever thought it would be." She paused, her gaze flicking to Wesley. "But we've also learned how strong we are together. And yeah, we want to try again someday."

Wesley exhaled slowly, his voice carrying a mixture of resolve and vulnerability. "When Lucy got hurt, and we lost the baby, it felt like the world just stopped. I blamed myself for not protecting her better—for not being there when it mattered most."

Lucy reached forward, her hand brushing his shoulder gently. "Wes, we've been over this. What happened wasn't your fault."

"I know," Wesley said, his voice quieter now. "But it took me a long time to believe that. And honestly, thinking about having another baby... it scares the hell out of me. But at the same time, I want it. I want to try again, because if there's one thing that's stronger than the fear, it's knowing we'd make it work."

Colin nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I've seen couples go through things like this before, and I've got to say, the way you two talk about it... it sounds like you've got a solid foundation. That's what matters most."

Lucy smiled, her voice warm. "Thanks, Colin. We're taking things one step at a time, but yeah, we're not giving up on the idea of having a family. We've got the twins, and they've brought so much joy into our lives. But we also know there's room for more."

Wesley glanced at her, his smile softening. "We'll get there, Luce. One day at a time."

Colin gave a small chuckle, leaning back. "Well, if you ever do, I'd put money on that kid being just as tough as the two of you. Probably smarter, too, if they've got KITT around."

KITT's voice chimed in, ever calm and supportive. "I would gladly assist in providing a nurturing and educational environment for any future children, Michael and Officer Chen. It would be a privilege."

Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "Thanks, KITT. We'll keep that in mind."

Wesley smirked, the tension in his posture easing. "See? We've already got the ultimate babysitter lined up."

Colin laughed, shaking his head. "You two are something else. Whatever happens, I think you've got what it takes to make it work."

Wesley glanced at Colin, his voice steady and sure. "Thanks, Colin. That means a lot."

The car fell into a comfortable silence again, the weight of the conversation giving way to a renewed sense of hope as they continued their patrol, the city sprawling out ahead of them.

Later

Wesley pulled KITT up to Colin's car, parking smoothly. The three of them stepped out, walking Colin over to his vehicle.

Lucy smiled warmly at Colin as they reached his car. "It was really good to see you again, Mr. Hall."

Colin's face lit up with pride. "Aww! Alright. I'm so proud of you, Lucy. You've come a long way."

Lucy's smile softened. "Thank you. That means a lot."

Meanwhile, Wesley retrieved Colin's suitcase from KITT's trunk and placed it carefully in the back of Colin's car before closing the door. As Lucy started walking back toward KITT, Wesley lingered for a moment, exchanging a look with Colin.

Colin gestured for Wesley to come closer, his tone serious. "Knight, before I go, I need you to promise me something."

Wesley leaned casually against Colin's car, crossing his arms. "What's that, sir?"

Colin's eyes met Wesley's, a mix of earnestness and concern in his expression. "I need you to try and have another baby with that wonderful girl of yours."

Wesley's body tensed, his hand gripping the edge of his pants tightly. His heart began to race, and his breathing quickened as if the weight of Colin's words triggered something deep inside.

Colin noticed the shift immediately, his voice softening. "Look, son, I know this is a hard thing to think about. You probably don't want to go there yet, especially after what happened with the last baby."

Wesley's voice was tight, his eyes hard as he straightened up. "We didn't 'lose' anything, sir. That baby was taken from us."

Colin's expression turned sympathetic but steady. "Wes..."

Wesley's voice grew more strained as his emotions rose to the surface. "Lucy was kidnapped. She got hurt because of him. Caleb. He hurt her, and because of that... we lost our baby."

Colin took a step closer, his voice calm and grounding. "I hear you, son. I do. That anger, that pain—it's a lot to carry. But listen to me. You and Lucy... you've got something special. You've got strength most people only dream of. Don't let what he did take away your future, too."

Wesley looked away, his jaw tightening as he processed Colin's words.

"You don't have to decide anything today," Colin continued gently. "But when you're ready, don't let fear or anger stop you from building the life you both deserve."

Wesley let out a slow breath, nodding slightly. His voice was quiet but steady. "Thanks, Colin."

Colin clapped him on the shoulder, his tone lighter now. "Anytime, Knight. You've got this."

Wesley stepped back, watching as Colin got into his car and started the engine. As the older man drove off, Wesley turned and saw Lucy standing by KITT, watching him with quiet understanding.

He walked back toward her, his heart still heavy but his resolve beginning to strengthen. Lucy met his gaze, her smile soft and reassuring.

"Ready to head out?" she asked gently.

Wesley nodded, his voice firm but calm. "Yeah. Let's go."

As they got back into KITT and pulled away, the conversation lingered in Wesley's mind—a reminder of the challenges they'd faced, but also of the hope that still lay ahead.

Back at the station

Wesley sat at his desk at the station, absentmindedly flipping through paperwork. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Lucy and Tim talking near the breakroom. A subtle wave of jealousy crept up on him. He took a deep breath, reminding himself of Lucy's words: "Never be jealous. It's you I care about, and I love how much you care for me."

Still, curiosity gnawed at him. He pushed back his chair, stood up, and walked over just as Lucy's voice reached his ears.

"Huntington's disease is a fatal genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain," Lucy was saying, her tone serious.

Tim asked, "And you had no idea Rachel might have it?"

Wesley frowned as he approached. "What?"

Lucy turned to him, her expression softening. "Hi, honey."

"Rachel has that?" Wesley asked, his tone sharp with concern.

Lucy exchanged a glance with Tim, who explained, "We don't know for sure. From what her dad told me, she won't get tested."

Lucy shook her head, her frustration evident. "She never told me. I don't understand. I swear, this is so cra—"

Before she could finish, a voice interrupted. "Hey."

The three of them turned to see Rachel standing in the doorway, her arms crossed. Her expression was guarded, but there was a flicker of hurt in her eyes. "Did something happen with my dad? He's been acting weird ever since you got his bag back."

Lucy stepped forward, her voice tinged with guilt. "Rachel, I'm so sorry. Just—"

Rachel cut her off, her gaze shifting to Tim. "He told you, didn't he? I can't believe him."

Tim raised his hands slightly in defense. "Rachel, we're just worried—"

"Worried?" Rachel said, her voice rising. "This is none of your business, Tim."

Tim tried again, his tone gentle. "Rachel, I—"

But she didn't let him finish. "This is my life," she said firmly. "Not my father's. Not yours. Mine."

Without another word, she turned and walked away, her steps quick and deliberate.

Lucy sighed, rubbing her temples as the tension in the room hung heavy. Wesley placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice low. "Give her time, Luce. This isn't easy for her."

Tim nodded, his expression conflicted. "She's scared. I just... I didn't mean to push her."

Lucy looked at them both, her resolve hardening. "I need to talk to her. But when she's ready."

Wesley gave her a reassuring squeeze. "We'll figure it out. Together."

The group fell into a thoughtful silence, the weight of the conversation lingering as they returned to their tasks, each of them quietly hoping Rachel would find the courage to face the truth.

Wesley waited until the tension in the room had settled before he turned to Lucy, his voice soft but serious. "Hey, Luce... you think we could step outside for a bit? Just to talk."

Lucy glanced at him, sensing the weight behind his words. She nodded. "Of course. Let's go."

The two made their way to a quieter area outside the station, the hum of city life providing a distant background noise. Wesley leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, as Lucy stood beside him, her expression curious and slightly concerned.

"What's on your mind?" she asked gently.

Wesley took a deep breath, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "I've been thinking... about us. About the future." He glanced at her, his voice quieter. "How long did the doctor say we'd need to wait before we could... try to have another baby?"

Lucy's eyes softened, and she reached out to take his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "Wes..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "They said physically, I'd be fine in a few months. But they also said it's not just about my body—it's about when we're ready. Emotionally."

Wesley nodded slowly, his gaze dropping to their intertwined hands. "I know. It's just... I want this, Luce. I want us to have that chance again. But at the same time, I'm scared. Scared that something could go wrong, that I wouldn't be able to protect you or our baby."

Lucy stepped closer, her voice steady and filled with love. "Wes, I know you're scared. I am too. But we've been through so much already, and we've come out stronger every time. When we're ready—both of us—we'll know. And we'll face it together."

Wesley looked up at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "I just don't want to lose you again. Or feel like I failed you."

"You didn't fail me," Lucy said firmly. "What happened wasn't your fault. It wasn't anyone's fault except the man who hurt me. And he's not going to define our future, Wes. We are."

Wesley exhaled, her words grounding him. He nodded, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. "You're right. I just... I needed to hear it from you."

Lucy smiled, leaning in to rest her forehead against his. "And I'll keep saying it as many times as you need to hear it. We'll get through this, Wes. And when the time is right, we'll try again."

Wesley closed his eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of her presence calm the storm in his mind. "I love you, Luce."

"I love you too," she whispered.

The two stood there for a while, finding comfort in each other's presence as the city buzzed quietly around them, the future uncertain but filled with hope.

After a moment of silence, Wesley pulled back slightly, his eyes searching Lucy's. "Thank you, Luce. For... everything. For being patient with me, even when I let the fear get to me."

Lucy gave him a soft smile, brushing a hand lightly against his cheek. "Wes, you don't have to thank me. We're in this together. That's what being a team—and being a family—means."

He nodded, his resolve strengthening. "I know. And I'm ready to be that guy—the one you and the twins deserve. I don't want to let the past hold me back anymore."

Lucy's smile widened, and she leaned up to press a gentle kiss to his lips. "You already are, Wes. You've been that guy from the start. But you don't have to do it alone. You've got me, the twins, and KITT—your whole family behind you."

Wesley chuckled, the sound lighter than it had been in days. "You're right. Even KITT keeps me in line."

Lucy laughed, her eyes sparkling. "Exactly. And when we're ready to take that next step, we'll do it on our terms, not because anyone else expects it of us."

Wesley took a deep breath, letting her words settle into his heart. "You're right. We'll take it one step at a time." He hesitated, then added, "But I do want to do something. Something to remind us of how far we've come."

Lucy tilted her head, intrigued. "Like what?"

He smiled softly, his gaze steady. "Let's plan a day just for us—no work, no stress. Just you, me, and maybe a quiet spot where we can talk about the future. About what we want and how we're going to get there."

Lucy's smile turned radiant. "I'd love that. It's been a while since we've had a day to just... be us."

"Then it's a date," Wesley said, his tone lighter but filled with determination.

As they shared a quiet moment, the buzz of Wesley's radio interrupted them. KITT's voice chimed in through his earpiece, calm and efficient. "Michael, I've just received a dispatch update regarding a potential lead near your location. Shall I provide the details?"

Wesley sighed, glancing at Lucy. "And there's reality, pulling us back in."

Lucy smirked, giving his arm a playful squeeze. "Reality can wait for a few more seconds."

They shared one last look, their connection stronger than ever, before heading back inside to tackle whatever challenges the day had in store—together.

Later

At night

Wesley and Lucy were driving in KITT under the cover of night, the city lights streaking past them in a blur of color. The calm was abruptly shattered by a voice crackling over the radio.

"7-Adam-15 in pursuit of a black SUV, southbound on Santa Fe. Requesting backup and airship," Nolan's voice came through, urgent and clipped.

"Shit!" Wesley muttered, immediately grabbing the wheel. He flipped KITT into manual mode, overriding the AI, and spun the car in a sharp 180-degree turn. The tires screeched as KITT's sleek frame pivoted effortlessly to face the opposite direction.

Wesley shifted gears with precision, the engine roaring as KITT accelerated down the street.

Lucy braced herself, glancing at Wesley. "Wes, take it easy. Nolan's fine."

Wesley's jaw tightened, his eyes focused on the road. "You don't know that," he shot back, shifting gears again to push KITT faster.

Dispatch's voice crackled over the radio. "7-Adam-15, Airship 1 arriving on scene."

Another voice followed, calm but firm—it was Harper. "7-Adam-15. Vehicle is stopped just north of the Amtrak Maintenance Yard."

Wesley's grip on the wheel eased slightly, but his expression remained tense. "KITT," he said, his voice sharp. "Switch to Attack Mode."

"Initiating Attack Mode," KITT replied smoothly, his screen lighting up with a series of diagnostic beeps.

Lucy glanced at Wesley, raising an eyebrow. "Do you really need Attack Mode for this?"

Wesley didn't take his eyes off the road. "Better to be prepared."

KITT's nano-skin began to shimmer and shift, the black paint darkening further as the car's frame transformed. Double spoilers emerged from the rear, the body adopting a more aggressive, aerodynamic profile. As the final adjustments clicked into place, KITT's voice chimed in.

"Transformation complete," KITT announced, his tone as composed as ever.

The now-intimidating vehicle roared down the street, its enhanced systems primed for action.

Lucy glanced at the dashboard and then at Wesley, her voice quieter. "I get it, Wes. You're worried about him. But he's not alone out there. Harper's with him, and now so are we."

Wesley nodded slightly, his grip steadying on the wheel. "I just need to see it for myself. That's all."

KITT's calm voice broke the silence inside the car. "Michael, we are approximately four minutes away from the Amtrak Maintenance Yard."

Wesley tightened his grip on the wheel, his tone sharp and focused. "KITT, run a full diagnostic on your nano-skin. I need to make sure it's functioning at 100%—that you can still take bullets and repair yourself if necessary."

"Understood, Michael," KITT replied, his dashboard lights flickering as he initiated the check. "Performing nano-skin diagnostic. Current integrity at 100%. Bullet resistance and self-repair systems are fully operational."

Lucy glanced at Wesley, her tone half-teasing, half-concerned. "You expecting this to turn into a shootout?"

Wesley didn't look away from the road. "You never know. If things go south, I need to make sure KITT can take the heat—and keep us alive."

KITT's voice carried a hint of reassurance. "Michael, my systems are fully prepared to handle any high-risk scenarios. Rest assured, I will prioritize the safety of all occupants."

Lucy sighed, leaning back in her seat. "I'll never get used to a car being more prepared than half the officers I've worked with."

Wesley smirked faintly, glancing at her briefly. "That's because KITT isn't just a car. He's the best partner we've got."

KITT's voice chimed in, smooth as ever. "I appreciate your confidence, Michael. I assure you, I will not disappoint."

As they raced through the dark streets toward the scene, the atmosphere inside KITT remained charged, a mix of calculated preparation and unspoken trust.

A little bit later

As KITT sped through the city streets, Lucy glanced at the dashboard, watching the flickering lights as KITT continued running diagnostics and adjusting his systems. She smirked, leaning forward slightly. "KITT, do you ever get tired of Wesley asking you to run diagnostics every five minutes?"

KITT responded promptly, his tone polite but with a faint hint of amusement. "Not at all, Officer Chen. Michael's frequent checks reflect his commitment to ensuring my optimal performance. I consider it a sign of trust and partnership."

Wesley smirked, keeping his eyes on the road. "See? KITT gets me. Unlike someone who likes to roll her eyes every time I double-check things."

Lucy rolled her eyes dramatically, but her smile gave her away. "It's not the checks, Wes. It's the paranoia. KITT is literally built to be perfect. I'm pretty sure he's more prepared than both of us combined."

KITT chimed in again, his voice smooth and measured. "While I strive for precision and reliability, Officer Chen, I must humbly point out that my effectiveness is enhanced by the human element you and Michael bring. Your instincts and adaptability are invaluable."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Wow, KITT. You're really good at flattery, you know that?"

"Not flattery, Officer Chen," KITT corrected. "Merely an observation based on empirical evidence."

Wesley chuckled, shifting gears as KITT smoothly navigated a sharp turn. "He's right, though. For all the tech and smarts, it's us in the driver's seat that makes the difference."

Lucy smirked, leaning back in her seat. "Okay, I'll give you that. But don't let it go to your head, Knight."

KITT interjected with a playful tone. "I will ensure that Michael's ego remains within reasonable limits, Officer Chen."

Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "Thanks, KITT. You're the real MVP here."

"Your appreciation is noted, Officer Chen," KITT replied smoothly. "And I must say, the dynamic between you and Michael is one of mutual benefit and efficiency. It's fascinating to observe."

Wesley raised an eyebrow, his voice teasing. "Fascinating? What, are you writing a book on us now, KITT?"

KITT's tone remained even but carried a faint note of humor. "Not a book, Michael. Merely cataloging behavioral patterns for future analysis. Your interactions provide valuable insight into effective partnerships."

Lucy burst out laughing, pointing at Wesley. "See? Even KITT thinks you're a case study!"

Wesley shook his head, grinning despite himself. "Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up, Chen. Just remember who's driving this thing."

As the banter filled the car, the tension of their mission eased slightly, replaced by the comfortable camaraderie that had become the foundation of their partnership.

"Michael," KITT interrupted, his tone turning serious. "We are now two minutes from the Amtrak Maintenance Yard. I recommend preparing for potential engagement scenarios."

Wesley's grin faded as his focus snapped back to the task at hand. "Got it, KITT. Stay sharp."

Lucy's smile softened as she adjusted her seatbelt. "Let's go show them what a real team looks like."

With that, the car hurtled toward their destination, the dynamic trio ready for whatever lay ahead.

As the glowing lights of the Amtrak Maintenance Yard appeared in the distance, the atmosphere in the car remained charged, though the familiar rhythm of their banter kept the tension manageable.

"KITT," Lucy said, glancing at the dashboard, "give us a rundown of what to expect when we arrive. Any heat signatures or unusual activity?"

"Scanning the area now, Officer Chen," KITT replied, his voice calm and focused. "There are currently three vehicles in the vicinity, two of which appear to be civilian. The black SUV matching the description of the suspect vehicle is parked near the south end of the yard. Four heat signatures are detected around the vehicle, two inside and two outside. Their movements suggest they may be preparing to flee."

Wesley nodded, gripping the wheel tightly. "Good work, KITT. Keep an eye on them and update us if anything changes."

"Of course, Michael," KITT responded.

Lucy leaned forward, her expression serious now. "Do you see any weapons, KITT? Are they armed?"

KITT's voice came through a moment later. "Thermal scans indicate the presence of at least two firearms. Based on their positioning, I estimate they are being carried by the individuals outside the vehicle."

Wesley let out a low whistle. "Great. Armed and probably ready to make this complicated."

Lucy smirked faintly, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, good thing we've got you, Bo Duke."

Wesley rolled his eyes, a small smile tugging at his lips. "And good thing we've got KITT. I'll take an indestructible car over jumping creeks in a General Lee any day."

KITT interjected, his tone tinged with a hint of pride. "I assure you, Michael, I am far superior to any vehicle featured in 1980s television programs."

Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "No offense to the Duke boys, but I think I'm with KITT on this one."

Wesley smirked as they neared the yard, his focus sharpening. "Alright, let's get serious. KITT, position the external cameras for full coverage and engage thermal overlays. I want to know where everyone is at all times."

"Done, Michael," KITT replied instantly. "The area is now mapped. I will provide real-time updates as the situation develops."

Lucy adjusted her gear, checking her weapon and glancing at Wesley. "You ready for this?"

Wesley nodded, his confidence returning. "Always. You?"

"Ready as ever," Lucy replied, her tone steady. She gave him a small smirk. "Let's see if we can finish this without you flipping anyone over your back this time."

Wesley chuckled, his grip on the wheel relaxing just slightly. "No promises, Chen. If they take a swing at you, all bets are off."

KITT's voice chimed in, calm as always. "I will ensure you have the opportunity to protect Officer Chen, Michael. However, I must remind you to prioritize de-escalation where possible."

Lucy grinned, leaning back slightly. "See? Even KITT's keeping you in check."

"Yeah, yeah," Wesley muttered, shaking his head. "Let's just focus on getting these guys before they slip away."

As they pulled into the maintenance yard, the tension in the car thickened, but the unshakable bond between the trio gave them the confidence they needed. With KITT's advanced systems guiding them, Wesley and Lucy prepared to face whatever awaited them in the shadows of the sprawling yard.

Wesley pressed down on the accelerator, pushing KITT to close the distance quickly as the police cruiser and SUV came into view. Spotting Nolan and Harper by the fence, Wesley narrowed his eyes, gripping the wheel tightly.

With a sharp turn of the wheel, Wesley pulled the handbrake, sending KITT into a controlled slide across the road. The sleek car came to a smooth stop, its precision highlighting the seamless partnership between driver and vehicle.

Wesley tapped the dashboard. "KITT, keep your scanners active. I want eyes everywhere."

"Understood, Michael," KITT replied, his voice calm and steady as his systems began their work.

Wesley and Lucy jumped out of the car, the tension in the air thick. Wesley quickly approached Nolan and Harper, his voice firm. "What do we got?"

Nolan gestured toward the SUV, his expression grim. "They cut off our suspect's hand. We were tracking him with a watch."

"What?" Wesley exclaimed, his eyes narrowing. "What the hell happened here?"

Harper crossed her arms, her tone sharp. "Yeah, they left the hand in the back of the SUV as a message. We were just about to split up and search the area."

Wesley glanced toward the vehicle, catching sight of the blood-streaked interior through the open door. His jaw tightened as he turned back to the group. "Splitting up won't do us any good if we don't know where they're headed."

He stepped back toward KITT, raising his voice. "KITT, I need a full scan of the area. Check for any heat signatures or unusual activity that could point us in their direction."

KITT's dashboard lit up, his voice calm and methodical. "Initiating area scan, Michael. One moment."

Lucy exchanged a look with Harper, her voice low. "These guys aren't playing around. If they're leaving body parts behind, they're trying to send a message."

Harper nodded, her expression hard. "We need to shut this down before they escalate further."

Wesley glanced back at the group, his voice steady but filled with urgency. "We will. Let's see what KITT turns up first. If they're still nearby, we'll find them."

As KITT's scanners hummed, the team waited, the quiet intensity of the moment underscoring the danger they were up against.

KITT's voice cut through the quiet, calm and authoritative. "I suggest splitting up. Two of you head west, and the other two go south. This will maximize our chances of locating the suspects."

Harper nodded, glancing at Lucy. "Alright, Mrs. Knight, you're with me. We'll take the south side."

Wesley gave a small nod. "Fine. Nolan and I will head west."

Before splitting up, Wesley turned to Lucy, his expression softening. "Stay safe, Luce."

Lucy gave him a warm smile, her voice steady. "I will. You stay safe, too."

Harper smirked, already heading off. "Don't worry, Mrs. Knight's in good hands. Come on, we've got a job to do."

Lucy rolled her eyes at Harper's usual nickname but followed with a grin. She glanced back at Wesley one last time. "See you soon, Babe."

Wesley nodded, his voice firm. "Count on it."

As the team split into their groups, the air was thick with determination, each pair focused on their part of the hunt.

The group split up, and Wesley and Nolan moved together, carefully navigating the dimly lit area. As they approached a row of abandoned vehicles, Nolan suddenly stopped, pointing ahead. "I see the suspect—with the guy who kidnapped him," he whispered, nodding toward two men slipping into a nearby warehouse.

Wesley frowned, his tone skeptical. "We're rescuing a suspect now? Why?"

Nolan glanced at him, keeping his voice low. "He stole money from this guy—money that was mine, too."

Wesley raised an eyebrow. "So, you've figured out your financial troubles, huh?"

Nolan nodded, motioning for Wesley to follow him. "Yeah. Long story, but this guy's part of it."

The two brothers crept closer, staying in the shadows as the suspects disappeared inside. Nolan gestured toward a hanging vehicle, its frame suspended by chains. "Over here," he whispered, ducking behind it.

Wesley followed, staying low as they made their way to a staircase that led beneath the warehouse floor. The air grew cooler, the sound of faint footsteps echoing through the tunnel-like space.

As they descended, a voice suddenly crackled through Wesley's earwig. "Officer, on your 6:00!"

Wesley froze mid-step, his heart racing as his hand instinctively moved to his holster. For a moment, his breath caught in his throat, panic flaring in his eyes.

Nolan noticed, turning back to him. "Wes? What's wrong?"

Wesley's voice was tight, his jaw clenched. "Lucy and Harper..." He placed a finger against his earwig, his mind racing.

Before Nolan could respond, another update came through the earwig. "7-Adam-100. Two in custody, two outstanding. Thank you for the assist."

Wesley let out a long, shaky breath, his shoulders relaxing as he exhaled the tension. It was as if he'd been holding his breath the entire time.

Nolan placed a hand on Wesley's arm, his tone reassuring. "Wes, they're fine. You heard it—they've got two suspects already. But we've got a job to do here."

Wesley nodded, his expression firming up as he pushed the worry aside. "You're right. Let's finish this."

The two continued down the tunnel, their focus sharpening as the faint sound of voices ahead grew louder.

Nolan and Wesley crouched in the shadows as they listened to the suspect, Jordan, arguing with the kidnapper.

"You didn't have to c-cut off my hand!" Jordan stammered, his voice trembling with pain.

The kidnapper's tone was cold and matter-of-fact. "They were tracking your watch."

Jordan groaned, frustration lacing his words. "There are easier ways to take off a watch, dude!"

Wesley and Nolan exchanged a glance before moving quietly up the open side of the area. They climbed onto a platform next to an idle train, staying low to avoid detection.

Nolan took the lead, spotting the kidnapper standing a few feet away, his back turned. Without hesitation, Nolan stepped forward. "Hey, big guy," he said, his voice calm but firm.

The kidnapper spun around, surprised, but before he could react, Nolan raised a canister and sprayed him with pepper spray.

"Aaah!" the kidnapper screamed, clutching at his burning eyes.

Before Nolan could press further, the kidnapper wildly swung a machete in their direction. Wesley acted instantly, pulling Nolan back out of harm's way.

"Watch it!" Wesley barked, stepping in.

The kidnapper staggered, still disoriented from the pepper spray, but swung again, narrowly missing Wesley. Moving quickly, Wesley grabbed the man from behind and delivered a swift strike to the back of his head. The kidnapper collapsed to his knees with a grunt.

Wesley didn't let up, grabbing the man and forcing him onto the ground. Pinning him down, he snapped, "Don't move!" as he pulled out his cuffs and secured the man's hands behind his back.

Meanwhile, Nolan rushed over to Jordan, who was slumped against the wall, pale and weak from blood loss.

"You okay?" Nolan asked urgently.

Behind them, the kidnapper groaned, still writhing on the ground. "My eyes are on fire!"

"Not you," Nolan muttered, ignoring him as he focused on Jordan. He quickly pulled out his radio, speaking into it while keeping his other hand on Jordan to steady him. "7-Adam-15. Code 4. I have an adult male, severed left hand, severe blood loss, unconscious but breathing. Requesting an RA unit to my location."

Wesley glanced at Nolan, his frustration boiling over. "Screw that. KITT!"

The kidnapper, still squirming on the ground, sneered through his discomfort. "What the hell are you talking about? I think you're losing it, pal."

Wesley snapped his head toward the man, his voice icy. "Shut up!"

KITT's voice came through Wesley's earpiece immediately. "Michael, I have already locked onto your location. Shall I approach with medical assistance equipment?"

"Yes, now!" Wesley barked, his focus shifting back to Jordan, who was rapidly losing consciousness.

The hum of KITT's engine grew louder as the car approached, the sleek vehicle ready to assist in saving a life. The urgency in the air was palpable as Wesley and Nolan prepared to stabilize Jordan until help arrived.

A few tense moments later, KITT pulled up smoothly, his sleek frame coming to a precise stop near the platform. The hum of his engine faded as his systems prepared to assist.

Wesley wasted no time. He stood up and rushed to KITT's passenger side, his voice firm and urgent. "KITT, we need medical supplies—something for a severed hand. We have to stabilize Jordan until we can get him to a hospital."

KITT's voice responded immediately, calm but focused. "Acknowledged, Michael. Deploying trauma kit now."

With a soft mechanical whir, a compartment in KITT's passenger side door opened, revealing a neatly organized medical kit. Inside were compression bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a specialized sealant designed for severe injuries.

Wesley grabbed the kit and turned back to Nolan, who was still kneeling beside Jordan. "Hang tight, Jordan. We've got you."

Wesley rushed back to Nolan and Jordan with the trauma kit in hand. Dropping to his knees beside them, he quickly opened the kit, pulling out compression bandages and the specialized sealant.

"Alright, let's stop the bleeding," Wesley said, his tone calm but focused.

Nolan steadied Jordan, keeping him upright as Wesley worked. "Jordan, hang in there, okay? We're not letting you go anywhere."

Jordan groaned weakly, his face pale and damp with sweat. "Hurts... so bad," he mumbled, barely coherent.

"I know," Wesley said, his voice softening for a moment. "But we're going to take care of you. Just keep breathing."

He first wiped away some of the blood with antiseptic wipes, exposing the gruesome stump where Jordan's hand had been severed. Nolan winced but kept his grip steady.

"Okay, here we go," Wesley said, tearing open the compression bandages. He wrapped them tightly around the wound, applying firm pressure to slow the bleeding. Jordan flinched, letting out a weak cry of pain.

"I know it hurts, but I've got to stop the bleeding," Wesley said firmly.

Once the bandages were secure, Wesley grabbed the sealant from the kit. "This is going to sting, but it'll keep the wound sealed until we get you to the hospital."

Nolan nodded, helping steady Jordan's arm. "Do it."

Wesley applied the sealant carefully, his hands steady despite the gravity of the situation. Jordan let out another weak cry, but the bleeding slowed significantly as the sealant took effect.

"That's it," Wesley said, finishing the wrap with another layer of bandage to secure the wound. "The bleeding's under control."

Nolan sighed in relief, looking at Wesley. "You've done this before, haven't you?"

Wesley glanced at him, his face unreadable. "Yeah. Too many times."

He stood up, grabbing his radio. "7-Adam-100. Patient stabilized at the scene. We're ready for transport when the RA unit arrives."

KITT's voice chimed in, calm as always. "Michael, I have detected an ambulance three minutes away. I will monitor their progress to ensure a prompt arrival."

"Thanks, KITT," Wesley said, looking down at Jordan. "You're going to be fine. Just hold on a little longer."

Jordan gave a weak nod, his breathing shallow but steady. Nolan stayed by his side, keeping him calm as Wesley stood to take a quick scan of their surroundings, ensuring no further threats were nearby.

"Good work, Wes," Nolan said, his tone genuine.

Wesley nodded, his expression still serious. "Let's just get him out of here alive."

The sound of sirens in the distance brought a glimmer of hope to the tense scene, signaling that help was almost there.

The night's tension began to fade as the ambulance left the scene, taking Jordan to the hospital under the watchful eyes of Nolan and Harper. Wesley and Lucy, now off-duty and dressed in their casual clothes, climbed into KITT, ready to head home.

Wesley leaned back in the driver's seat, loosening his shoulders as he started KITT. "Finally, a quiet ride. We earned this."

Lucy smirked, pulling her jacket tighter around her. "I don't know about quiet. With you driving and KITT chiming in, it's never completely quiet."

KITT's voice joined in, his tone light and playful. "I take pride in providing stimulating conversation, Officer Chen."

Lucy chuckled, shaking her head. "See? Even KITT agrees."

Wesley rolled his eyes with a small grin, glancing at Lucy. "Fine. But let's not pretend you don't love the banter."

Lucy leaned back in her seat, smiling. "I do. It's kind of our thing now."

As KITT smoothly navigated the city streets, his calm voice broke the silence. "Michael, you appear fatigued. Would you like me to engage autonomous mode so you can rest?"

Wesley waved a hand. "I'm good, KITT. Just taking it easy. Besides, I like driving you myself. Feels more... grounded."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, amused. "Grounded? Is that your way of saying you're too stubborn to let KITT do the work?"

Wesley smirked. "Maybe. But after the night we've had, I think I've earned a little control."

Lucy laughed softly, turning to look at him. "Fair enough. I'll allow it."

KITT's voice chimed in again, his tone tinged with amusement. "Your dynamic is fascinating to observe. Your compatibility as a team is admirable."

"Thanks, KITT," Lucy said with a smile. "But I think it's less about compatibility and more about putting up with each other's quirks."

Wesley feigned offense. "Hey, I don't have quirks."

Lucy tilted her head, her smile widening. "Oh, you absolutely do, Mr. Knight. But lucky for you, I happen to like them."

Wesley's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "Good. Because you're stuck with me."

As the city lights blurred past, the atmosphere in KITT was warm and relaxed, a welcome contrast to the chaos of earlier. For the first time that night, they both felt a sense of peace.

"Michael," KITT said after a moment, his voice calm, "shall I take the scenic route home? It may help you both unwind."

Wesley glanced at Lucy, who gave him a small nod. "Yeah, KITT. Let's take the long way. No rush."

"Understood, Michael," KITT replied smoothly, adjusting their route.

As KITT glided down the quieter streets, Wesley reached over and took Lucy's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks for having my back tonight," he said softly.

Lucy squeezed his hand in return, her voice just as tender. "Always."

And with that, the two of them settled into the ride, the hum of KITT's engine and the quiet city around them a reminder that, no matter what challenges they faced, they had each other to lean on.

Later

The night's tension began to fade as the ambulance left the scene, taking Jordan to the hospital under the watchful eyes of Nolan and Harper. Wesley and Lucy, now off-duty and dressed in their casual clothes, climbed into KITT, ready to head home.

Wesley leaned back in the driver's seat, loosening his shoulders as he started KITT. "Finally, a quiet ride. We earned this."

Lucy smirked, pulling her jacket tighter around her. "I don't know about quiet. With you driving and KITT chiming in, it's never completely quiet."

KITT's voice joined in, his tone light and playful. "I take pride in providing stimulating conversation, Officer Chen."

Lucy chuckled, shaking her head. "See? Even KITT agrees."

Wesley rolled his eyes with a small grin, glancing at Lucy. "Fine. But let's not pretend you don't love the banter."

Lucy leaned back in her seat, smiling. "I do. It's kind of our thing now."

As KITT smoothly navigated the city streets, his calm voice broke the silence. "Michael, you appear fatigued. Would you like me to engage autonomous mode so you can rest?"

Wesley waved a hand. "I'm good, KITT. Just taking it easy. Besides, I like driving you myself. Feels more... grounded."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, amused. "Grounded? Is that your way of saying you're too stubborn to let KITT do the work?"

Wesley smirked. "Maybe. But after the night we've had, I think I've earned a little control."

Lucy laughed softly, turning to look at him. "Fair enough. I'll allow it."

KITT's voice chimed in again, his tone tinged with amusement. "Your dynamic is fascinating to observe. Your compatibility as a team is admirable."

"Thanks, KITT," Lucy said with a smile. "But I think it's less about compatibility and more about putting up with each other's quirks."

Wesley feigned offense. "Hey, I don't have quirks."

Lucy tilted her head, her smile widening. "Oh, you absolutely do, Mr. Knight. But lucky for you, I happen to like them."

Wesley's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "Good. Because you're stuck with me."

As the city lights blurred past, the atmosphere in KITT was warm and relaxed, a welcome contrast to the chaos of earlier. For the first time that night, they both felt a sense of peace.

"Michael," KITT said after a moment, his voice calm, "shall I take the scenic route home? It may help you both unwind."

Wesley glanced at Lucy, who gave him a small nod. "Yeah, KITT. Let's take the long way. No rush."

"Understood, Michael," KITT replied smoothly, adjusting their route.

As KITT glided down the quieter streets, Wesley reached over and took Lucy's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks for having my back tonight," he said softly.

Lucy squeezed his hand in return, her voice just as tender. "Always."

And with that, the two of them settled into the ride, the hum of KITT's engine and the quiet city around them a reminder that, no matter what challenges they faced, they had each other to lean on.

As KITT glided smoothly through the streets, the tension from earlier melted away, replaced by the comforting hum of the engine and the warmth between Wesley and Lucy. The city lights reflected off KITT's sleek exterior, casting faint shadows inside the car.

Lucy glanced out the window for a moment before turning back to Wesley. "You know, tonight was... intense. But seeing you work, seeing how you handle everything—it reminds me why I fell for you in the first place."

Wesley looked at her, his expression softening. "Is that so? What was it? The adrenaline, the charm, or my impeccable ability to keep calm under pressure?"

Lucy laughed, her eyes sparkling. "More like your stubbornness and how you'll do whatever it takes to keep people safe. Even when you don't have to. It's... admirable."

Wesley smirked, his hand still holding hers. "Well, don't give me too much credit. I'm just trying not to mess up the whole 'good guy' thing."

Lucy leaned closer, her voice softer. "You're more than just a good guy, Wes. You're my guy. And you've proven time and time again that you'll do whatever it takes—not just for the city but for me. That means everything."

Wesley's smirk faded into a genuine smile. "And you mean everything to me, Luce. I know I don't always say it, but... you're my anchor. When things get crazy, you're what keeps me grounded."

KITT's voice chimed in gently, breaking the moment but not the mood. "Michael, I believe it's worth noting that your compatibility as a couple is statistically exceptional. You balance each other remarkably well."

Lucy chuckled, shaking her head. "Thanks, KITT. Always nice to have your seal of approval."

Wesley grinned, glancing at the dashboard. "See? Even KITT knows we're perfect together."

KITT continued, his tone almost playful. "Indeed, Michael. Statistically, you and Officer Chen are an exemplary partnership. Emotionally, however, it's clear there's more to your connection than numbers."

Lucy raised an eyebrow, amused. "KITT, are you trying to play matchmaker?"

"Not at all, Mrs. Knight," KITT replied smoothly. "Simply an observation based on empirical data and consistent patterns of behavior."

Wesley laughed, shaking his head. "KITT, you're one of a kind, you know that?"

"Thank you, Michael," KITT said, his tone even. "I strive to be as effective a partner as possible."

As the car continued along the quiet, scenic route, Lucy rested her head on Wesley's shoulder, her eyes drifting to the city lights. "You know, I wouldn't trade this—any of it—for the world. The chaos, the quiet moments, all of it... it's ours."

Wesley kissed the top of her head, his voice low but filled with warmth. "Me neither, Luce. This is exactly where I'm meant to be—here with you."

The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, the hum of KITT's engine and the rhythm of the road lulling them into a rare moment of peace. In the safety of their bond, the night felt endless, the challenges of the day fading away as they simply enjoyed being together.

Wesley glanced down at Lucy, who was resting her head on his shoulder, her eyes closed but a soft smile lingering on her lips. The peaceful moment stretched between them, and Wesley felt a sudden rush of certainty, a sense that this was exactly where he was meant to be.

"Luce," he said softly, his voice breaking the quiet.

"Hmm?" Lucy murmured, her eyes fluttering open as she tilted her head to look up at him.

Wesley hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "What if we got married? Like... next week?"

Lucy blinked, sitting up slightly to study his face. "Next week? Wes, where's this coming from?"

He shrugged, his smile turning a bit sheepish. "I mean, we're already engaged. We know we want to spend the rest of our lives together. So why wait? Let's just do it. Something small, just us, family, and close friends. Nothing fancy—just... us."

Lucy's eyes softened, her lips curving into a radiant smile. "You're serious?"

"Completely," Wesley said, his voice steady now. "I don't need a big wedding or months of planning. I just need you. And if I've learned anything from what we've been through, it's that life's too short to wait for the perfect time."

Lucy reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly. "I love you, Wes. And... yeah, let's do it. Let's get married next week."

Wesley's grin widened, relief and excitement flooding his face. "Yeah?"

Lucy nodded, her eyes shining. "Yeah. It's not about the wedding—it's about us. And we're ready."

KITT's voice interrupted gently, his tone as smooth as ever. "Michael, may I suggest a few local venues that could accommodate a ceremony within the next seven days? I am also equipped to provide logistical support, including guest coordination and scheduling."

Lucy laughed, leaning back against the seat. "Of course KITT has wedding planning in his database."

Wesley chuckled, shaking his head. "You're full of surprises, buddy."

"Thank you, Michael," KITT replied evenly. "I take pride in being prepared for all contingencies, including matrimonial celebrations."

Lucy squeezed Wesley's hand again, her smile softening. "Alright, then. Let's do this. Next week, I'm officially becoming Mrs. Knight."

"You already are," Wesley said, his voice warm and full of love. "But yeah... let's make it official."

As KITT continued down the quiet streets, the two of them exchanged a look filled with excitement and certainty, ready to take this next step in their journey together.

Wesley and Lucy arrived home, the warmth of their decision still fresh in their hearts. KITT parked smoothly in the driveway, and as the engine hummed to a stop, Wesley leaned back for a moment, smiling.

"You ready for the chaos?" he asked, glancing at Lucy.

Lucy grinned. "I've been ready since the day they were born."

They stepped out of the car and headed toward the door. As soon as Wesley unlocked it and pushed it open, the sound of soft giggles filled the air. Melissa, their babysitter, appeared in the living room, holding Mason, while Nora sat on the floor playing with a colorful stacking toy.

"Hey, you two!" Melissa greeted with a bright smile. "Perfect timing—these two were just starting to wind down."

Nora looked up at the sound of their voices and let out an excited squeal. "Mama! Dada!"

Wesley's face lit up as he bent down to scoop her up, lifting her into the air with ease. "Hey, sweetheart! Were you being good for Melissa?"

Nora giggled, her tiny hands reaching to pat his face. "Good!"

Lucy walked over to Melissa and Mason, gently taking their son from her arms. Mason let out a soft coo as Lucy kissed his forehead. "Thank you for watching them, Melissa. We really appreciate it."

"Of course," Melissa said, grabbing her bag from the couch. "They were angels as usual—well, mostly." She smirked. "Nora did try to convince me she needed cookies before dinner, but I held firm."

Lucy laughed, bouncing Mason gently. "Classic Nora. She's already learning how to negotiate."

Wesley chuckled, setting Nora back on the floor. "She's going to be a handful when she gets older, isn't she?"

"Absolutely," Melissa said with a grin. She looked at the two of them and tilted her head slightly. "You both look... lighter tonight. Did something good happen?"

Lucy and Wesley exchanged a quick look, their smiles widening. Wesley was the first to answer. "We decided to get married next week."

Melissa's eyes widened. "Next week? That's amazing! Congratulations!"

Lucy smiled warmly. "Thank you. It's going to be small, but it's exactly what we want."

Melissa clapped her hands together. "Well, if you need any help, let me know. I'm more than happy to wrangle these two during the big day."

Wesley smirked. "You're a lifesaver, Melissa."

Melissa waved him off with a laugh. "Alright, I'll let you two enjoy your night. See you tomorrow!"

As she left, Wesley and Lucy sat on the floor with Nora and Mason, the twins babbling happily as they played. Wesley leaned over, gently touching Mason's tiny hand.

"You know," he said softly, "this is exactly why I wanted to get married so soon. Our family feels... complete."

Lucy looked at him, her eyes filled with love. "It does. And I can't wait to see Nora and Mason there with us on our wedding day."

Wesley smiled, leaning over to kiss her temple. "Next week, Mrs. Knight. Next week."

They stayed there together, surrounded by the joy of their little family, savoring the quiet moments before the whirlwind of wedding preparations began.

To be continued...