Chapter Text
Tim looked at her for a time. "I don't have an answer " he said at last.
Lucy turned away quickly wiping under her eye. "That's what worries me."
"What?"
"That you don't have an answer."
Tim moved closer. This time he went slowly so she wouldn't pull back.
"I was upset Lucy. I was tired. I said the worst thing I could say."
". You said it."
"I know."
Her voice broke. "You don't know what that word does to me."
Tims face got softer. "Then tell me."
Lucy shook her head. "I shouldn't have to."
"I know." He paused. ". Tell me anyway."
She looked at him. The tears she had been holding back finally fell.
"I'm scared Tim."
His forehead wrinkled. "Of what?"
"That one day you'll figure out you don't want this anymore."
Something changed in his face.
"Lucy..."
"I know you love me. I know you love our daughter.. Lately I feel like I'm always waiting for you to come home.. Every time you're late I start thinking this is how our life is going to be."
Tim looked down.
"I've been working hours."
"I know."
"I thought I was doing the thing."
"For who?"
He looked up at her. "For you. For her."
Lucy shook her head. "We don't need money. We need you."
Those words hit him harder than anything she had said.
He moved closer until there was no space between them.
"I thought if I worked more I could give you both everything you needed."
"I don't need everything." Her voice got softer. "I just need my husband."
Tim reached for her hand but stopped before taking it. He waited until she gave a nod before putting his fingers through hers.
"I'm sorry."
Lucy looked at their hands. "I'm still angry with you."
"I know."
". I'm still hurt."
"I know."
". I'm definitely not forgetting that you said divorce."
Tim nodded. "You don't have to."
She finally looked up at him.
". I don't want one."
Tims eyes filled with tears. "Neither do I."
He lifted his hand. Gently wiped a tear from her cheek.
"I want you. I want her. I want this. When it's hard."
Lucy took a breath. "Then stop making me feel like I'm doing this alone."
"I will."
"You can't just promise."
"I know." He paused. "I'll show you."
Lucy looked at him for a seconds. Then finally she stepped forward.
Tim wrapped his arms around her. Held her tight.
She cried quietly against his uniform holding the back of his shirt.
"I really hated you for saying that."
"I know."
"For a second I actually thought you wanted to leave me."
"I could never want that."
He kissed the top of her head.
"I was angry.. I was wrong."
Lucy pulled back to look at him.
"You really are an idiot."
A small smile came to Tims mouth. "Yeah."
"A stubborn idiot."
"I've been told."
She rolled her eyes then put her forehead against his.
"I love you."
Tim smiled. "I love you too."
They stayed like that for a moment neither wanting to be the first to move.
Then Lucy whispered, "You still owe me dinner."
Tim looked at the clock.
"It's one, in the morning."
"You're the one who came home late."
He smiled. "Fair enough."
Lucy finally laughed. It was quiet. Real.
Tim kissed her forehead again. "Come on."
"Where?"
"Upstairs."
She raised an eyebrow. "You're not getting lucky after threatening me with divorce."
Tim let out a laugh. "That wasn't what I meant."
"Good."
He took her hand. Together they went up the stairs.
The pain wasn't gone. Not completely.
Neither of them was walking away anymore.