Contains: SFW Age Regression, diapers, pacifiers, etc.
I've wanted to write Little!Tim for a long time and today was finally the day. This is truly an example of "tough, grumpy man just needs to be babied and all his problems will be solved". Except, obviously, trauma is trauma. But at least for a bit, he has someone.
This takes place in S1. There is sprinklings/hints of Chenford here, but it 99% Angela and Tim.
I don't have plans to expand this for now, but I may write more Little!Tim because I just want to squish him half the time. Grumpy lil babe.
Angela Lopez has been trained to notice the smallest of details. It's something she's stuck by her entire career, both on and off duty.
So, when she stands in the locker room changing into her street clothes, she can sense Lucy Chen staring at her. Even if the rookie thinks she's being slick hiding behind a locker.
"Honey, if you want a show, I can point you in the direction of about half a dozen clubs in the area," she says.
There's a small clang against the lockers. "No, um, I'm sorry." Angela pulls her blouse on and turns around. Lucy's cheeks are bright pink. "I just…you're close to Officer Bradford, correct? Like, you're his best friend?"
Angela hesitates. "Listen, I understand Tim is a bit of a hard ass but I am not the one to convince him to go softer. He has a method to his madness…"
"No, no, it's not that, ma'am."
"Chen, you're barely younger than me, please, please do not call me ma'am."
Lucy smiles just a bit. "Sorry. Anyway, I would never ask you to talk to him about that. In fact, I'd appreciate if you didn't tell us we had this conversation at all. The truth is, I'm worried about him."
Angela tilts her head. There is clear anxiety written in the rookie's dark eyes. Most fear Tim. There's very few that can see past that. Then, most don't know who he was before everything happened. Lucy has no reason at all to give a crap about him after all Tim has done to her. Yet, there they stand. Lucy coming to one of the few people Tim actually trusts.
"What's going on?" Angela asks, settling onto the bench and patting the spot next to her.
Lucy hesitates. "You have to promise me you won't tell anyone else."
"Scout's honor. Now, sit." Finally, the rookie settles beside her. "What's going on, Chen?"
"I um, Bradford's found his wife."
Angela clenches her jaw. "Isabel? What? How?"
"Well, it started not long ago. We were performing an arrest and she just sort of showed up. He gave her some money. I didn't really know what to do. I promised him I wouldn't say anything. But now, today, he, uh, he tracked her down and wanted to give her Narcan."
Angela exhales through her nose.
"I convinced him to let me go in," Lucy's voice picks up speed.
"Really?"
"Yeah. I don't know how I got through to him, but…yeah." Lucy sighs. "After that, he kind of shut down. I mean, he's not exactly an open book any other time. But I offered to talk about it and he didn't want to. And again, it makes sense. He barely knows me. It doesn't change that I'm scared for him. He's clearly bottling all this up and it's going to explode at one point."
Angela nods. She more than anyone knows what happens when Tim refuses to talk about something. Occasionally, she can get through on this issue, but it's so rare.
God, she hates Isabel. Addiction is a disease, there's no doubting that. But this disease has made Tim sick in his own way. He's spent a year looking for her. Long before that, he also lost his caregiver as a result. Isabel was in no space to tend for him when he regressed. It fell on Angela. It was only then that she realized how neglected her best friend was.
"I'm sorry if I'm overstepping," Lucy says when Angela remains quiet. "It's just…"
"You're worried." Lucy nods. "You know, you'd have every reason to ignore this. Or go to Sergeant Grey."
"That's not going to help Bradford. He'll just get in trouble."
"And potentially take it out on you?"
"He's not exactly great to me now, so that's at the bottom of my list. I just don't want to see him get hurt." She pauses. "And in the interest of not further overstepping, I've noticed some, erm…signs."
Angela tenses up. "Officer Chen…"
"I know, I know. It's not my business. It's just, my parents are psychologists. I've grown up reading far too many books on subject." Angela opens her mouth but Lucy powers on. "You don't have to tell me. In fact, please don't, Bradford deserves his privacy. I just, if you're his friend, you can probably do more than I can."
Angela smiles a little as she nods. Why is it that Tim is so hard on Lucy? Sure, he's like this with all his rookies, but he seems to go harder on her. She's so sweet, clearly cares. Though, maybe that's the point. These streets are enough to break a person. You need to have a balance of empathy and strength. Tim sees her as Police Officer Barbie with a huge smile and full of optimism. He's helping her see reality in his own way.
That doesn't mean he can stand to take it down a few notches. And some regression time will be enough to help that.
"I appreciate you coming to me, Chen."
"You can call me "Lucy". Off the clock, of course. I know in the day we have to stay professional."
Angela nods. "Of course. Feel free to call me "Angela"." She stands up. "I promise when I talk to him, I won't mention your name. I can't say he won't figure it out, but I won't let him take this out on you."
"You have that power?"
"More than you realize."
By the time Angela makes it out to the parking lot, Tim's truck is gone. Knowing he probably went to the bar and is nowhere near home, she feels confident in doing this at her place.
She pulls out her phone and sends a text.
Angela:My place ASAP.
Tim:I'm a little busy.
Angela:Was not a request, Tim. We have a lot to talk about it.
She sighs when she doesn't get a response.
Angela:Do not make me come get you.
The response comes not 10 seconds later.
Tim:I can be there in 20.
Angela:That's my good boy.
She smiles at the image of him likely fumbling to settle his tab and hiding a flushed face. He definitely knows what he's walking into, so at least he won't feel ambushed. All she has to figure out is how to make sure he won't take this out on Lucy on the next shift.
Angela is home within 10 minutes. Enough time to make sure that all of the items she's bought are at the ready. The only thing she doesn't have is the lovey, as Tim sometimes uses it at night when he's alone. He knows he's supposed to keep it in his shift bag, in case he regresses then. Hopefully, he didn't forget or it is going to be a very long night.
Tim makes it with one minute to spare. He's changed out of his uniform and is now in his favorite gray hoodie, unzipped to show off a Los Angeles Rams t-shirt. His shift bag is hoisted over his shoulder. Anxiety is written in those adorable blue eyes. Angela exhales through her nose and gives him a comforting smile.
"Come on in, nene," she whispers.
Tim's cheeks flush. "You're the only one allowed to call me that," he mumbles as he walks in. The shift bag is settled on the coat rack.
"I should hope so," Angela says, closing the door behind him.
"This isn't necessary. I don't feel small in the slightest."
"Uh huh. I think that may be the problem. Take a seat. I put on the kettle before you got here."
"I'd kill for a beer." Angela puts her hands on his hips and gives him a look. Tim frowns. "Coffee?" She purses her lips. "Alright, alright. I should've known better."
"Yes, you should." She shakes her head as he walks over to the couch. As she grabs the mugs, she begins muttering under breath. "Coffee. Silly, silly boy."
"I can hear you," Tim pipes up.
"I know you can, and you should. No coffee. Especially the way you take it. Ya know, there are studies that say only sociopaths drink black coffee."
"Seems like propaganda."
Angela shakes her head and pours out the tea. She carries the mugs over and sits beside him. Tim mutters his thanks as he takes a sip.
"Have you been drinking?" Angela asks.
Tim shakes his head. "I had just got there when you texted. I ordered a beer, but I gave it to Nolan."
"Good. I need you sober for this conversation."
"I didn't do anything." There's the slightest hint of a whine to his voice.
Angela hums. "Hm. I'm not sure how true that is."
"What have you heard?"
"I don't know. We could sit here. Hem and haw. You can pretend you don't know what's going on. Or I can hear the name "Isabel" and we can talk."
Tim's eyes widen. His hands shake a little, the mug moving along with it. Angela rubs his arm as realization settles over the officer.
"Chen," he growls as he puts the mug on the table. His anxiety is replaced with anger. "She had no right to go to you!"
"First of all, you need to lower your voice," Angela says firmly.
"No! This is ridiculous. I'm her TO. She's a boot…"
"Timothy. I am not joking. You are not going to yell at me in my house. And you are not going to insult your rookie right now."
Tim purses his lips but lowers his voice. "She had no right."
"Did she overstep? Maybe. But I'm damn glad she did." Angela shakes her head. "You're actually pretty lucky she went to me and not Grey because he'd probably have a lot of questions about the Narcan."
"I just…"
"You just what? Did you sign it out?" Tim lowers his gaze and shakes his head. "That's what I thought."
"I wanted to help her," he whispers. "It could save her life."
Angela sighs. He's got those puppy dog eyes on, paired with the infamous pout to match. She rubs circles on his back.
"Yes, it could," she whispers. "But what are you doing following her?" He opens his mouth to speak, but she cuts him off. "Look at me when we talk, mi príncipe."
Tim reluctantly looks up. "She's my wife, Ang."
"Yes, but if you are delivering Narcan, something tells me that she isn't in the best spot."
"She needs my help."
"Has she asked for it?" Once again, Angela is quick to cut him off. "And I don't mean in terms of money." She shakes her head. "I can't believe you gave her money."
"You didn't see her!" Tim's voice raises by a few octaves, but it doesn't teeter over the line of disrespect, so Angela allows it. "It's worse than I thought. She looks so strung out. Like she's not even sleeping. God, the neighborhood she lives in. She's with some…" He clenches his fists as he shakes his head. "I mean, he's obviously not taking care of her."
"So, you wanted to."
"Maybe she doesn't want me anymore. But I made vows. I have to take care of her. I have to protect her."
"You can't take care of her without taking care of you," Angela whispers, gently squeezing the back of his neck.
The tears cloud his eyes. Angela wraps her arms tightly around him into a side hug and kisses his cheek. He doesn't move to return it. His body shakes a little.
"Sweetheart, I don't know what Isabel wants." Angela keeps her voice soft, without cooing. She knows he's still not far gone enough to be talked to "like a baby". "I will never, ever say that she doesn't love you. Because I do believe deep down, she does." Tim sniffles. "That being said, she isn't good for you right now."
"I have to…"
"She doesn't want your help." A tear falls down Tim's cheek. Angela brushes it away. "Oh, nene. I know that has to hurt so bad. But you can't save her if she doesn't want to be saved. She knows where you are. You haven't changed your number. When, if, she's ever ready, she can go to you. But that doesn't mean you can put your life on hold or risk your career. You have worked too hard to get where you are." Tim slowly nods. "And you need to take care of yourself too."
"I'm fine," he mumbles.
"No, you're not."
Angela pulls away. She tries not to smile when he whimpers over losing his touch. Instead, she puts on a bit of a stern face.
"Your treatment of Chen isn't okay."
Tim quickly dries his tears. "She's my rookie. I have to train her."
"You can train her and do your little "Tim Tests" without going as far as you have. I mean, kicking her out of the car? On her first day no less?"
"If she doesn't learn where she is, it could kill us both."
"She saved you on your first day," Angela reminds him. "So, maybe keep up the literal bad cop, but tone it down." Tim grumbles under his breath. "I think part of the problem is you've barely regressed since we got our new rookies, hm?"
Tim squirms a little. "I'm a big boy."
"Uh huh. And you've been my very grumpy big boy. Which means you need some time to be my sweet little baby."
"Ang," he whines.
"This isn't up for negotiation. We both have the day off tomorrow. You are going to spend it Little and I am going to take care of you."
"You have other things to do," Tim mumbles, the pout still on his face. "Wesley…"
"Wesley is working. And even if he wasn't, I would still spend the day with you, because you need me, sweetness."
Tim gnaws on his lip. He slowly nods. Angela smiles.
"That's my good boy," she coos. Tim turns bright red. "Before we do this, you're going to make me two promises. Can you do that?"
"Depends what they are."
"One, you are going to be nicer to Lucy." Tim makes a face. "Yes, you are. She is very sweet and just wants to help you. You should feel grateful to have a rookie who is willing to learn and seldom complains. She is a good cop. Not saying do away with the Tim Tests, but scale them back. Or, we can have a much different conversation."
"I don't want that," Tim mumbles.
"As I thought."
"And the second?"
"I know I cannot force you to never see Isabel again, but you aren't doing this alone. You are going to keep me updated and I'll help you come up with the next best steps, you hear me?"
"You don't need to get involved."
"Oh, yes, I do. Promise me that you're not going to run off to dangerous neighborhoods with Narcan unless it's an actual part of our jobs." Tim nods. "I need to hear the words."
"I promise. I'll be a good boy."
"You're already my very, very good boy." She squeezes the back of his neck. "Beneath all that tough, grumpy bravado is a very sweet heart. Not many get to see it, so I'm glad you've let me in enough."
Tim smiles a little. "You're one of the few worth it."
Angela hopes one day he'll feel more comfortable letting others in. No matter what, she'll always be there for him.
"Now that all that is sorted out, are you ready to get changed? Then I think someone needs a baba and early bedtime."
Tim whines. "I don't wanna go to bed. Wanna stay up with you."
"We have all day tomorrow, honey bun," Angela reminds him. His pout increases. Angela mocks it. "Oh, what a grumpy baby I have on my hands." She squeezes his cheek and he squirms.
"Not nice."
"I am the meanest sissy, aren't I?"
Tim nods, letting out a dramatic huff. Angela chuckles, shaking her head. She walks over to his shift bag first and collects his lovey. It was one of the first things she bought for him when this began. Angela turns and walks back over to him. Tim practically snatches it from her and snuggles it to his cheek. Angela tilts her head.
"Do we snatch?" Tim pouts. "Hey, I know we're a very grumpy boy right now, but we need to be respectful."
"Sorry, Sissy," he mumbles, his voice sincere.
"Forgiven." She kisses his forehead. "Did you take a shower at the station?" Tim nods. "Alright. We can have bathtime tomorrow then. Come with me."
Tim holds Angela's hand and follows her to the guest bedroom. She hasn't turned it into a complete nursery given they swap where Tim's little time takes place. He has stuff at his house as well. Instead, she's put Paw Patrol sheets on the bed and filled the closet with his younger outfits. There's a changing pad and other supplies inside the dresser.
The officer helps Angela undress him, moving his limbs to get out of the sweatshirt and holding up his arms when told to. She has to stand on her tiptoes for some parts of it, but that's ignored. Once he's done, he lays back on the bed. Angela grabs his diaper and cream, alongside Rams footie pajamas. She walks back over. Tim sees the diaper and whines.
"Not a baby."
"I'll make you a deal. You wear this tonight. If you wake up dry tomorrow, you can wear big boy underwear, hm?" Tim whimpers. "Come on, honey bun. I really do not want to argue with you tonight. Don't you want snuggles before night night?"
Tim slowly nods. "Please."
"Then be my good boy."
Tim huffs but nods again. Angela holds back a sigh of relief before walking over. He lifts his hips so she can put on the diaper. Angela frowns when she notices a small rash forming.
"Are you not wearing protection at night?" Tim looks down at Chase and Ryder on the duvet. "Nuh uh. Look at me."
He meets her eyes. "Don't wanna."
"You need to. Or things like this happen."
"Sometimes I forget."
"I'll send you a text, alright? Every night."
"Don't have to…"
"Shhh. Let's finish this up. I'll be checking on this rash in a few days, make sure you don't need to go to the doctor." There's another dramatic huff. "Such a grumpy, grumpy boy. You haven't been sleeping well, have you?" Tim shakes his head. Angela tapes up the diaper. "We'll fix that. Sissy will take care of everything."
Tim nods, sticking his thumb in his mouth while the other hand still snuggles his puppy. Angela gently brushes it out of his mouth. Before he can whine, she has a blue pacifier in his mouth. He begins sucking contently as she maneuvers him into his pajamas.
"There," she whispers, running her fingers through his short hair. "Isn't that much better? Who's my nene?"
Tim shyly smiles. "Me."
"Yes, yes, you are my little honey bun. C'mon. You wanna watch the game while I make your baba?"
Tim's eyes light up. Angela giggles. His younger space loves football just as much as his older. "Not the whole thing, because we need to get you in bed soon. But we can watch the rest tomorrow."
Tim grumbles a bit but doesn't protest too much. He follows Angela out to the living room. She's relieved when he allows her to cocoon him in a bunch of soft, fuzzy throw blankets. Not a complete swaddle, but it'll get the job done. Once the game is on, he's in a trance. At least there'll be no cursing and jumping around as there is when he's in an older headspace.
Angela gets to work preparing the bottle with the protein formula. As it warms, her phone buzzes with a text. She expects it to be Wesley or maybe even Jackson, but an unknown number pops up.
Unknown:Hi, Officer Lopez. It's Lucy. I'm sorry if this inappropriate but Jackson gave me your number.
Angela smiles as she quickly adds the contact. She double checks the bottle, but it's nowhere near ready in the warmer. Her attention is returned to the phone.
Angela:As I told you, it's Angela. And no, it's fine. Tim's doing okay.
Lucy:Oh. Good! Just wanted to check in.
Lucy:Have a good night. See you Friday.
Angela:See you Friday.
Angela's smirking as she glances over at Tim. There are so many layers here. He's a training officer, Lucy a mere rookie. That doesn't even factor in Isabel, though Angela would rather not think of her right now. Neither are anywhere near ready for anything.
An avid fan of teen dramas, even in her 30s, Angela doesn't see the harm in "shipping".
But right now, Tim isn't anywhere near a headspace to think about women, dating or marriage. He's just Angela's baby brother (ignoring that he's older than her).
She tests the bottle twice before bringing it over. Angela settles on the couch beside him. Tim snuggles up into her side and spits out his pacifier, it staying connected to the small leash attached to his pajamas. He latches onto the bottle easily while Angela holds it.
"There we go, mi príncipe," she coos, stroking his cheek with her free hand. Tim eats greedily. "Such a hungry boy. Did you have dinner?" She removes the nipple he can answer.
"Uh huh. Burger."
"We'll have something healthy tomorrow." Tim pokes out his tongue and she returns the bottle. "I know, I'm such a mean sissy, making sure you don't live off fast food! Even though you love my tostados."
Tim nods, a lazy smile forming behind the nipple. Angela hums various lullabies as he drinks. In between, she coos about what a brave, amazing baby boy he is. He wiggles happily in his bundle of blankets, blushing a little. His eyes flicker to the screen and he watches the game while he drinks. Angela can't help but giggle. Tim looks up at her curiously.
She shakes her head. "Nothing, honey bun, watch your game."
That's all he needs to go back. Angela doesn't add that she much prefers this to the beer bottle he usually drinks during the game.
Eventually, the bottle is empty. Angela maneuvers him so he's sitting up a bit more and firmly pats him between the shoulder blades. He expels a small burp and spits up a little. Angela grabs one of the spare burp cloths and wipes at his face.
"That's a good baby," she praises.
"Play tomorrow? Cars?" Tim asks.
"We can play with cars. I'll get out the art box and we can paint. Would you like that?" Tim nods excitedly, though there's exhaustion in his eyes. "Then it's a plan. Now, let's get you to bed." Tim whimpers. "Shh, shh," she hushes, tapping his nose and sliding in his pacifier. "Tired little boys need bedtimes. And you are one very tired little boy."
Tim keeps one of the fuzzy throws wrapped around him as they head back to the bedroom. Angela pulls back the sheets and duvet. He lays down and she wraps the throw back around him. Next go the sheets and duvet, tucked up to his chin. The puppy has remained in his grasp the whole time. Angela kisses his forehead.
"Night night, mi príncipe," she coos. "Te amo."
"Ni', Sissy," Tim's voice slurs behind his pacifier. "Te amo."
Angela gives him a few more kisses and a snuggle. Once he's halfway asleep, she turns on his nightlight and sound machine. Angela lingers in the doorway, watching his eyes flutter shut. It's only then that she turns off the light and closes the door halfway.
A tiny sigh escapes her lips. She runs her fingers through her curls. A day and a half of regression isn't going to fix all of the problems going on. Isabel is back in the picture. As much as she'd like, Angela can't make her disappear. Expecting Tim to stay out of is a waste of a wish. All she can hope is that she can keep him from getting into trouble. If that means more regression time as well as staying on top of him as much as possible, she'll do it.
Tim is her baby brother. Big sisters don't give up on their baby brothers, even the grumpy ones who think they don't need help.
Translations:
nene=little boy
mi príncipe=my prince
te amo=I love you
Let me know what you think! As always, feel free to leave prompts or ask me questions! I am on Tumblr and love communicating on there, as well as in the comments.