Work Text:
1.
Lucy gets the call on Friday, it’s the middle of the day and she’s stuck at her desk doing paperwork. Her phone rings and she snatches it up.
“Hello?” She answers trying not to sound too eager. It had been a very slow day for criminals and she just wants something.
“Mrs. Bradford? This is Mrs. Daniels the vice principal from Levi and June’s school.” Lucy frowns and sits up a little, getting a call from the school in the middle of the day was never good. Especially with her son, he either tended to overreact or get hurt. June on the other hand never really got in trouble. Lucy’s not even sure she has ever gotten a phone call about her.
“Yes.” Lucy says. “This is she. Is Levi okay? Is June okay?”
“They are both fine.” Mrs. Daniels says. “However Levi got into some trouble and I just need to talk to you about it.”
“Okay?” Lucy says a little confused. Levi getting in trouble wasn’t necessarily unusual but it was little things. He usually had to lose his recess and write sentences. But he was getting better, the twins were eight now and he tried to be in self control. As much as he could of course. They worked with him as much as they could.
“Some kids were teasing June.” Mrs. Daniel’s says. “I know she’s a little shy and it’s harder for her to stand up for herself.” Lucy sighs softly and leans back in the chair, June preferred to keep to herself some days. Especially on the days when her anxiety was high. Some of her classmates didn’t understand that and would pressure her to do stuff.
“Yes.” Lucy says. “We are working on that with her.”
“I understand.” Mrs. Daniels says. “June is a sweetheart. Levi is too but it just seemed to get to him today. He pushed some kids over and started yelling at them. The aides broke it up but—”
“He pushed some kids?” Lucy asks running her hand down her face. This was a conversation she knows they were going to have to have with Levi.
“Yes. Not hard but we don’t allow that. I know Levi was just frustrated today but we have a hands off policy.” Mrs. Daniels says.
“I understand.” Lucy says and she does. She is happy that Levi stood up for his sister, and she knows he would do it again. “Do I need to come get him?”
“No.” Mrs. Daniels says. “We talked to him and he understands what he did was wrong. The kids that were teasing June aren’t getting off scot free either.”
“Thank you.” Lucy says. “We will talk to him tonight. He does know better.”
“He’s a good boy.” Mrs. Daniels says. “He said he’s a fierce protector like his dad.” Lucy lets out a small laugh because Levi is like Tim. And Ava at that. He would do anything to protect those he loves. Especially his sisters.
“Yeah that’s my boy.” Lucy mutters. She thanks the vice principal and hangs up the phone.
“Everything okay?” Lucy turns to see Angela looking at her and she shrugs her shoulders.
“Levi pushed some kids for teasing June.” She says.
“Go Levi!” Angela says grinning a little. “He’s a good brother.”
“Fierce protector.” Lucy says standing up. “Just like his dad and sister.” Angela just smiles as Lucy walks towards Tim’s office to give him a heads up. She loves that Levi loves his sister, she loves that June has someone looking out for her.
But there was a way to do it and a way to handle it. She knows they are going to have to sit Levi down and talk to him.
He would understand, he was smart and empathic. He knew right from wrong. She just didn’t want him to ever lose that protectiveness because it was like Tim. And it made her so proud, so so proud.
***
“Levi, we need to talk.” Lucy says when her son walks through the door. Levi looks down at his shoes and then up at Lucy. And she has a feeling he knows what she is talking about.
“I know I shouldn’t have pushed them.” He says. “But they just kept going on and on about how June was stupid and a scaredy cat. They were being so mean.” Lucy hums sympathetically and leads her son into the living room.
“You were being a good brother.” Lucy says sitting him down on the couch. Tim is already sitting there and Levi looks over at him and then back at Lucy. “But you know to use your words.”
“June already told them to stop!” Levi says. “But they wouldn’t. I could tell she was about to—” He pauses and shakes his head.
“Oh buddy.” Lucy says. “I know it’s hard—”
“I just don’t like it.” Levi says. “Why are they so mean?” Tim looks over at Lucy, who gives him a small nod.
“Levi.” Tim says. “I know it’s hard buddy to listen to that and there’s nothing wrong with standing up for your sister.”
“I got in trouble.” Levi says. “I pushed them and—”
“You messed up.” Lucy says. “But Levi never stop standing up for yourself or those you love. Speak up. Sometimes using your words will help.”
“I’m sorry.” Levi says hanging his head. “I just don’t like mean kids.” Lucy smiles and rubs Levi’s back a little. Her sweet, sensitive boy. Their fierce protector who would do anything for them.
“You are just like your dad bud.” Lucy says looking at Tim who has a soft look in his eyes. “He’s been my fierce protector. And now he’s yours. And your sisters.” Levi looks over at Tim, and Lucy can see the pride in Tim’s eyes. The love he has for his son.
“Yeah.” Levi says and then he looks back at Lucy and it’s like looking at Tim’s clone. “I will try to use my words next time.”
“Good.” Tim says ruffling his hair. “We are proud of you Levi.” Levi smiles and stands up. He gives Lucy a hug first and then Tim.
And maybe it was a little crazy but she knows they would get through it together. They would work through everything together.
And that’s all that matters.
***
2.
It happens when Tim, Levi and Daisy are on a little bike ride at the park. Daisy and Levi are riding in front of Tim and he’s perfectly happy with that. It was a nice day, and Levi begged Tim to go out for a little bit. Daisy to his surprise decided to join as well.
“Oh look it’s nerd Bradford.” A boy says speeding past Daisy. Tim frowns and skids to a stop and watches as Daisy slows down too. Levi on the other hand peddles faster and catches up.
“Levi!” Daisy yells and then looks back at Tim and then back at Levi who is still trying to catch up with the boys. She looks a little panicked, like she’s afraid Levi is about to do something stupid. “Don’t bother!”
“Dais.” Tim says coming up next to her. “What’s that about?” Daisy shrugs her shoulders and pushes up her glasses. “Just some idiots from my class. They like to call me a nerd because I’m always reading.”
“Oh Daisy.”
“It’s fine dad.” Daisy says shrugging although she looks like she’s about to cry. “I’m used to it.”
“You shouldn’t be Daisy. You aren’t a nerd because you like to read.” He says.
“Aren’t I?” She asks. She looks down at her bike. “I wanted to do something else this weekend and you and Levi always have fun.”
Tim smiles at her, and opens his mouth to say something else when he hears some shouts ahead of them. Tim looks up and sees Levi standing in front of the two boys. His son is tall for being only ten but the two other boys are taller.
“Oh boy.” Tim mutters. Daisy is already on it peddling towards her brother. Tim follows behind him and watches as Levi holds his stance.
“Why do you think you can just be jerks and get away with it?” He asks one of the boys.
“Levi.” Daisy says coming up behind him. The boy looks at her and smirks.
“You can’t even stand up for yourself huh nerd?” One of them asks. “You have to get your little brother to do it?”
“At least he’s respectful. And he’s not a bully like you!” Daisy says. Levi straightens his shoulders and glares at the boys.
“Bullying will get you nowhere in life.” He says. Daisy looks back at Tim who just watches a little amazed. “Don’t call my sister a nerd again!”
“Or what?” One of them asks stepping towards Levi.
“Or your parents will know what bullies their sons are.” Tim says. The boys look up and they look back at Daisy and Levi who don’t move from their places. They were holding their own, and Tim knows they can do this on their own.
The boys look at all three of them and then they turn around and ride away. Daisy turns to Levi and pulls him into a hug.
“Thanks Levi.” She says. “You know I can handle that on my own right?” Levi shrugs and pushes his bike towards the trail.
“I’m a fierce protector.” He tells her looking at Tim. “I used my words dad.” Tim smiles and watches as Levi starts riding again.
“He’s younger than me.” Daisy says. “He doesn’t need to protect me. Shouldn’t I be protecting him?” Tim looks over at his daughter, and then back towards Levi.
“You protect each other Dais.” Tim says. “No matter what. You know he would do the same thing for Ava and June. And you would do the same for him.”
“Yeah.” Daisy says. Tim looks up to see Levi riding back to them.
“Come on slowpokes!” He says grinning at them. Tim rolls his eyes and starts peddling again. He was so proud of Levi for standing up for his sister and using his words. His kids were growing up, and it was hard at times but he wouldn’t want it any other way.
***
3.
When Ava gets her first boyfriend Lucy knew it would be hard for Tim. She had no idea how much it would affect Levi too. He was only 12, but he would still stand up for his sisters. Even Daisy and Ava.
“Charlie is coming over.” Ava tells Lucy and she bouncing on her feet a little. Lucy smiles a little remembering how she had been with her first boyfriend.
“Okay Aves. You know the rules.” Lucy says. “Are you going to get ice cream?” Ava nods her head looking around the room.
“Dad’s not here.” Ava says. “So Charlie won’t get an interrogation again?” Lucy opens her mouth to reply but another one cuts her off.
“Not so fast.” Levi says coming up to stand next to Lucy and crossing his arms. “I’m here.” Ava looks at her brother a little bewildered.
“You are going to interrogate Charlie?” Ava asks a amused look on her face. “He’s not scared of you Levi.”
“He should be!” Levi says just as the doorbell rings. Levi takes off before Ava can reply and she sighs when she hears her son’s voice.
“Charlie Smitty.” Levi says. Ava looks at Lucy and then hurries off to the door. Lucy follows behind her a little amused. “What are your intentions with my sister?”
Lucy stops behind Ava who is staring at her brother in disbelief. “Um—to get ice cream?” Charlie says. He squirms a little as Levi stares at him.
“What time do you plan on having her home?” Levi asks. Lucy huffs out a laugh and Ava turns to glare at her.
“Do you want to handle this?” She asks.
“I don’t think I could stop him if I tried Aves. He’s just being protective.” Lucy says. Ava rolls her eyes but turns back to Levi and Charlie.
“I will have her home before dark.” Charlie says looking at Ava a nervous look in his eyes. It’s not like he hasn’t gone through this before. Except last time it was Tim, and there was no arguing that Charlie cowered a little.
“Good.” Levi says. “Maybe I should come with you.”
“No!” Ava says moving past her brother and standing in front of Charlie. “I appreciate this Levi. I really do. You are the best little brother.”
“I better be your favorite one.” Levi says. Ava rolls her eyes and shaking her head at her brother. Out of all her kids, Ava and Levi were the most alike. They were both protective, both wore their hearts on their sleeves. And were a bit crazy at times, but she wouldn’t change it for the world.
“Bye mom.” Ava says waving at her. “Bye Levi.” Levi just stands there and watches them go.
“Don’t worry Levi.” Charlie says. “I will have her home at a decent time.” Levi gives him a curt nod and watches them leave and then shuts the door.
“Levi.” Lucy says as her son turns to face her. “You are as bad as your dad.” She says.
“I don’t want her to get hurt.” Levi says. Lucy just shakes her head and ruffles his hair feeling thankful for him. She’s thankful for her son and her daughters. And she’s thankful for her husband and their little life they have.
“You are a good brother Levi. You are a good son too.” Lucy says. Levi flushes red, and looks down at his feet.
“Thanks mom.”
“Never stop standing up for yourself or those you love.” Lucy says. “You will always be our fierce protector.”
“Okay.” He says softly. Lucy smiles at him and pulls him into a hug. “I love you mom.”
“I love you too Levi.”
***
4.
“Levi you can pick out two snacks.” Lucy tells her son as he wanders down the cookie aisle. “That’s it.” Levi looks back at her, a mischievous smile on his face as he grabs a pack of Oreos and then heads back to put it in the basket.
“Okay.” He says and he walks down the aisle ahead of her. She shakes her head, and follows him. She usually liked shopping alone but once in awhile she would bring one of the kids along. Usually it was June or Levi who wanted to tag along but June had dance so Levi volunteered to go with her.
Lucy turns the corner and freezes when she see Levi face to face with her mother. Levi looks tense as he stares at his grandmother the one he didn’t even know. Vanessa made it very clear she didn’t want to be in Lucy’s life. Period.
Lucy was fine with that—she wanted to protect her kids from her mother. She wanted her kids to only know love and affection.
“You look just like your father.” Vanessa tells Levi. She looks away from him and sees Lucy, her mouth turns down into a frown. “Lucy. Why are you letting this boy wander the store alone?”
“He’s 13 mom.” Lucy says drily. “He’s not little and he knows to stay close.” Vanessa looks at Levi, and even if she can’t see his face she knows he frowning.
“Still.” Vanessa says. “He’s a teenager. They get into trouble. You need to do better.”
Lucy opens her mouth to reply, to tell her that she had no right speaking on her parenting skills.
“My mom is a great mom.” Levi says before Lucy can say anything. “She loves me and my sisters. She takes care of us. Both her and my dad taught me not to wander so far. She is a good mom. Why are you so—mean?”
Vanessa looks at Levi, a frown on her face and then at Lucy. “Are you going to let him talk to me that way?” Vanessa asks.
“He’s not wrong. He is smart and capable. I was just around the corner.” Lucy says. “And you have never said one good thing about me mom. You have never thought I was good enough. You don’t want to be in my life or my kids so stop acting like you know everything.”
“Well—”
“You have always treated my mom bad. But she’s not the problem.” Levi says stepping closer to Vanessa. “You are.”
Vanessa turns up her nose and gives Levi and Lucy one last looks before she’s walking away without another word.
Levi lowers his shoulders and turns to face Lucy. His face is passive and full of concern. “She’s not nice. She is suppose to be my grandma? She is old—” Lucy huffs out a laugh and she hopes her mom is out of earshot.
“She has been out of my life for a long time Levi. She didn’t like that I wanted to be a cop, she never supported me even when I was younger.” Lucy says. “Sometimes you have to cut ties with those who are supposed to love you.”
“You are a good mom.” Levi says. “You love and support us no matter what.” Lucy smiles at him because she couldn’t imagine it any other way.
“I do.” She says. “Thank you for being my fierce protector buddy. I’m grateful for you.” Levi gives her a hug before he’s skipping off to the chip aisle. Lucy follow him with a smile on her face.
Maybe she would let him get one more snack.
***
+1
It starts when Levi comes home and throws his bag into a corner and then runs upstairs and slams the door. Tim frowns and turns to June who chews on her bottom lip.
“What’s that about?” Tim asks her. June looks down at her feet and then back up at Tim.
“Levi asked someone to the dance today.” She says. “She um—said no.” Tim’s eyes widened in surprise as June grabs her brother’s backpack.
“She’s said no? To Levi? I thought all the girls had a crush on Levi.” Tim says. He remembers specifically when he dropped his son off and a bunch of girls surrounded him.
“Most girls do.” June says rolling her eyes. “But he likes this girl and someone already asked her.”
“Okay.” Says Tim. “What else happened June? Levi doesn’t usually get this upset over something—”
“Some of the boys made fun of him.” June says. “Taunted him. I told them to back off. They didn’t have anyone to go with either.” She rolls her eyes to the ceiling, and Tim watches as she heads towards the stairs.
“He’s just embarrassed.” June says. “I will talk to him.” Tim nods and watched as June goes upstairs.
He gets it— he has crushes on girls too when he was Levi’s age. He wasn’t exactly as outgoing as his son. He didn’t have the confidence Levi has but still—to be rejected and then to be teased.
“What’s wrong?” A voice asks from behind him. He turns to see Lucy, Ava and Daisy coming through the doorway.
“Levi.” Tim starts. Lucy faces changes instantly and so do Ava and Daisy’s. “He asked a girl to the dance and she turned him down.”
“She turned Levi down?” Ava asks. “The ladies man?” Lucy turns to Ava with a look and then back at Tim.
“And.” Tim says as all three of them look at him again. “Some boys made fun of him. I think he’s just embarrassed. June is with him.”
Ava moves first and then Daisy with Lucy following behind them. Tim follows too but he stays outside of Levi’s bedroom as they all go in.
“June.” Levi says his voice muffled. “Why did you have to tell them.”
“I told dad.” June says. “You were upset Levi. You always defend us when we are upset.” Levi rolls over and Tim steps more into the room.
“Who do I need to beat up?” Ava asks. Levi turns to look at her and she just shrugs. “June’s right Levi. You always have our back. You scared the shit out Charlie.”
“Ava—”
“I would do it again.” Levi says. Lucy smiles and goes over to sit on his bed.
“We know Levi.” She says. “You have been our fierce protector since you were little. Just like your dad.” She turns to look at Tim and he smiles at her.
“Yeah.” Says Daisy. “Let us protect you for a change.” Levi sits up more and June sits on the other side of him.
“I can tell those boys to suck—”
“June!” Lucy says a little aghast although she’s not surprised. June would do anything for her twin brother. Just like he would for her, it must be a twin thing.
“Sorry.” June says shrugging. “You deserve better than that girl Levi. You deserve someone who cares about you.”
“She’s right.” Lucy says rubbing his back. “I know you were excited buddy. But you are 14. You have lots of times to find the right person.”
“It’s just a stupid dance.” Levi says shrugging and looking down at his hands. Tim frowns a little and he knows his son. He’s very sociable and he loves hanging out with his friends. He knows he was excited about a dance even if it was just a middle school one.
“You can go with your friends.” Ava says. “It’s better anyway. I went my dance with my friends and I had a much better time than when I went with someone.”
“Really?” Levi asks looking at his sister. Ava nods, and comes to stand in front of him.
“But if you need me to put the fear of god into any middle schoolers.” Ava says grinning at her.
“Oh for god’s sake Ava.” Lucy groans. Ava just laughs and backs up leaning against Levi’s dresser.
“I can have a word with them as well.” Daisy says. “Trust me they won’t mess with you anymore.”
Levi rolls his eyes but Tim can tell he’s pleased. “I’m okay.” Levi says. “I gave it a shot right? I can’t be a ladies man like dad.”
“Now hold on.” Tim says looking at all of them. “I am not a ladies man.” Lucy grins at him and stands up making her way to him.
“Mmm.” Lucy says looking up to him. “I know you only have eyes for me.”
“Gross.” Ava says making a face. “This isn’t about you. This is about Levi.” Tim presses a kiss to the top of her head and then makes his way over to his son.
“Levi, your mother and sisters are right. You are going to find that right person. Just like I did. Just like your sisters will. But you are 14, it’s a middle school dance. Go have fun okay? Go with your friends.”
“Yeah.” Levi says. “I am handsome. And cute. Mom always tells me that.” Lucy rolls her eyes but Tim knows he’s right. And Levi loves it. He loves his mom and sisters. He would defend them to his last breath.
Just like they would for him.
“You are.” Lucy agrees. “Now how about we order some pizza and put this behind us for now.” Levi grins and stands up.
“Thanks mom.” He says. “And all of you. I’m glad you have my back.” Tim smiles as they all file out of the room.
Lucy stays back and loops her arm with Tim’s as all four kids head downstairs. “Our fierce protector.” She mutters. “Just like his dad.”
“Yeah.” Tim agrees because no matter what. No matter what happens Tim would always protect his family.
And so would Levi, and he couldn’t be more proud to have him as a son. It was a little chaotic at times.
Hearts would be broke, feelings would be hurt. Anger would be shown but he wouldn’t want it any other way.
This was his life with Lucy, Ava, Daisy, Levi and June and he wouldn’t change it for the world.
And Levi would always be their fierce protector.