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Lucy knows she is the type of person who is organized in a chaotic way. She misplaces things and it takes her days to put folded laundry away. She leaves her makeup on top of the bathroom’s vanity when she’s in a hurry and Tim swears he has found at least a thousand hair ties all around the house. It doesn’t bother him though. He likes the way she’s sprinkled all around his space and he loves finding random stuff that belongs to her in funny places. Their house doesn’t look messy, it looks perfectly lived in. Like two people who are comfortable around each other enough to be unapologetically themselves.
However, one thing Lucy is extremely careful about is her everyday jewelry. Specially her moonstone ring. She always keeps it in the same place at night and when she is at work she has a little box for it in her locker. Her moonstone ring which she could not find anywhere. It had been about half an hour of her rummaging around the house, turning every pillow and looking at every possible corner, but the precious literal life saving object was nowhere to be found. She was sure she would have found it by now but it had reached the point where she was starting to freak out. She was also extremely late for her shift. She had just made detective a couple of weeks ago and how bad would Caradine desk her if she was late because of a ring? Pretty bad she thought.
Tim chose that exact moment to come back from Kojo’s morning walk. The dog’s tongue hanging out and making a beeline for his water bowl. Tim’s eyes widened at the sight in front of him.
“Did a tornado hit our living room?” - he joked and then he saw the desperation in her face. He hung Kojo’s leash and picked up a stray pillow, placing it back on its respective corner of the couch.
“Its missing. I can’t find it” - she huffed and put her hands on her hips. Looking around, hoping the ring would magically pop up in front of her eyes.
“Whats missing babe?” - he said finally reaching her. He grabbed her hands away from her hips and laced them around his neck, placing his around her waist. Hugging her to him. She visibly relaxed against him.
“My moonstone ring. I went to put it on this morning and it wasn’t on its usual jewelry dish where I’m sure I left it last night. I’ve looked literally everywhere” - she rested her forehead on his chest. He cradled her head in his palm.
“Hey we’ll find it. It can’t have gone very far. I have the day off. You get to work and I’ll look for it” - he kissed the crown of her head. She burrowed further into it.
“Okay. I guess I’ll go now. I’m sorry about the mess” - she gave him a quick peck on the lips. Disentangling herself from him.
“You’ve done worse” - he smirked at her. A little laugh escaping her mouth.
“Hey! I’m not that messy” - she smacked him on the chest. He kissed her again.
“I love you but you need to go now or you’ll be late detective” - she moved away from him. Smiling slightly. Her mood already changing. She was confident he would find her precious jewelry. After all he had already found it once.
She picked up her purse and keys and grimaced a bit at all the stuff thrown around their living room. Before she closed the door she blew him a kiss and a quick “I love you” and hurriedly left. If she hadn’t been in such a hurry, maybe just maybe, she would’ve noticed the gigantic smile her boyfriend was sporting and the way he was turning something in his pocket with shaky fingers.
Saying that Tim was nervous was an understatement. He had been nervous lots of times in his life. But he usually was able to control it. Today though? Today he had already drank about three chamomile teas who failed to calm him down. He had called Angela four times in the past hour to make sure they were good to go on the plan and she was starting to get irritated.
“I don’t know what you’re so nervous about. Everybody and their mother knows she’ll say yes” - Tim could hear the eye roll through the phone. He scoffed.
“How can you be so sure?” - he asked. Playing with the moonstone ring currently sitting on his palm. House now organized after the passing of Hurricane Lucy.
“Come on. You guys are made for each other. And don’t get me started on how you were dating even before you were actually dating. You bought the damn ring after your first date” - she laughed incredulously.
“Well she mentioned grandkids. I had to one-up her” - he smiled fondly.
“Well of course. That makes total sense” - Angela teased.
“Okay can you walk me through it one more time? I need it to be perfect” - he sighed standing up from the stool he was currently sitting at.
“I’m not condoning this behavior. We have been over the plan countless of times. Everything will be fine and she will love it. It truly is the perfect proposal. I promise” - she softened her tone at her final words.
“Okay I guess. Only a couple more hours then” - he blew out a breath.
“Just a couple more hours. Okay we need to hang up now shes coming my way. Shoot”- Angela said hurriedly and hung up the phone leaving a hopeless Tim on the other line.
Lucy’s mood was back to being a bit sour. Of course Angela knew exactly why but she needed to play the part. Just like everybody else at the station was playing theirs.
“Hey Chen. Rough night?” - she asked glancing at the new detective.
“More like rough morning” - she said plopping down on her chair.
“Why whats up?” - she suddenly realized she could have killed it at undercover.
“Remember my moonstone ring? The one I took off before going into the barrel? The one thing that managed to save me? The ring Tim found in the middle of the freaking desert? The ring he so sweetly saved and gave back to me exactly when I needed it? The ring that literally symbolizes our whole relationship?” - Lucy sighed dramatically.
“No haven’t heard of it” - Angela joked.
“Lopez!” - Lucy whined.
“Sorry. Yes I’m familiar with the ring. What about it?” - she was laying it on super thick.
“I lost it this morning and can’t find it anywhere” - Lucy pouted. Angela feigned empathy for Lucy.
“Oh Lucy I am so sorry to hear that. Have you checked everywhere?” - she motioned to the whole station with her hands. Lucy found it weird.
“Umh yes I think so? Are you okay?” - she asked in a whisper. Angela realized she needed to tone it down.
“Yes I’m okay. Just really sorry about your ring. Maybe you should check in your locker after shift? Or the gym perhaps?” - she suggested. Lucy frowned.
“I really don’t think I left it in either of those places. I know I had it yesterday when we left the station. Like there is no way its gonna be in my locker or the gym”- she pointed out. Angela sighed internally. She was going to have to convince Lucy one way or another of going into the gym after shift.
“Well you never know. Maybe you were too tired yesterday to notice. I can help you check when we’re done” - she said and went back to write something in a report.
“I can also just go now and check. It’ll take me a second” - she made to stand up and Angela nearly almost fell over her chair.
“NO!” - she shouted. A bunch of police officers turned their way. Lucy looked at Angela skeptically.
“What do you mean no? Seriously are you okay?” - she said holding Angela’s hands. Checking her forehead for any signs of a fever.
“I just mean Caradine came over before you got here and we have a lead on a case. I need you to come with me now” - she started dragging Lucy out of the station.
“Wait what about Harper?” - Lucy tried to stop but Angela was surprisingly strong.
“She’s riding solo today” - and although Lucy wasn’t very convinced Angela was okay, she followed her.
The rest of the day went by extremely slow. Angela was dragging Lucy around town basically patrolling instead of following the so called lead Caradine had sent them on. Every time she asked about it, Lopez told her it could wait a bit more. Lucy was growing incredibly suspicious and she could have sworn she saw her texting Tim a couple of times. By the time they pulled up into the station at the end of the shift Lucy finally confronted her before she could get out of the car.
“Okay Angela what the hell is going on?”
“What do you mean? Nothing is going on” - she fidgeted in her seat.
“Lopez come on. I didn’t make detective for nothing and also you’re being pretty obvious. Smitty would’ve figured you out by now. Is it something with Tim?” - she asked suddenly insecure. Angela sighed defeated.
“Yeah it is something with Tim. But I can’t tell you. Just please please trust me and go into the gym” - she pleaded.
“You’re worrying me. Is he okay? Why the gym?” - Lucy asked desperate.
“Just go in woman” - Angela practically screamed. Lucy nodded. Lopez was a scary woman when she wanted to be.
Lucy got out of the car. Her heart on her throat. She didn’t know what to expect and as always her mind went to the worst case scenario. Maybe Tim didn’t want to live with her anymore because she was messy. Maybe he had found her ring but the stone was missing or maybe it had vanished from the Earth. Maybe he was going to tell her he couldn’t see a future with her because not only did she keep losing make a dream kids but also important and sentimental objects.
Lost in her thoughts she hadn’t noticed how particularly empty the station was or how mostly everyone was huddled into the roll call room, looking expectantly at her. For cops they were all pretty obvious. She made her way to the gym. Not bothering to stop at the door.
It was dark except for a single light shining above the punching bag she usually preferred. It was secluded and it let her grunt and sweat away from prying eyes. It was also one of the few places where she felt she had control after Caleb kidnapped her. She remembers almost as if it was yesterday when Tim gave her her ring back and uttered the most sincere and beautiful words anyone had ever said to her. And to this day Lucy lives by the philosophy that the ink etched on her ribs signifies the beginning of the rest of her life. Both by herself and with him.
She took a couple more steps and there he was. Her heart couldn’t help but to beat a little bit faster inside of her chest at the sight of him. He was smiling so whatever it was it couldn’t be too horrible. He also looked nervous and he almost never looked nervous.
“Hey what are you doing here and why is Angela being so cryptic?” - she pointed outside and he shrugged his shoulders.
He was now walking towards her. He grabbed both her hands and placed them in between his. He stared at her for the better part of a minute. Building up the courage to ask her the most important question of their lives after that fated day when he had to ask her twice to go on a date with him. Now after two years of dating, today felt like that day. Her hair flowing in the wind. The flowers adorning the frame of her face. Her green pants and yellow shirt complimenting the golden hue of her skin. She always looked pretty. But that day was forever going to be engrained on his memory as the day he thought she looked the prettiest. The way she said yes and the way his whole life changed in an instant. Except now. Now she looked radiant and gorgeous. Like the best thing to ever walk this Earth. Her shaky voice interrupted his train of thought.
“What is it baby? You’re scaring me” - she swallowed and squeezed his hands. He took a big breath and let go of her hands to grab something from his pocket.
“I found it” - he stated simply. Lucy was suddenly beaming.
“You found my ring?” - she squeaked.
He turned her hand so her palm was facing up and he placed a ring on it. Except it wasn’t her moonstone ring. It looked like a very delicate and dainty version of it. Silver wrapped around the most gorgeous moonstone she had ever seen. She shook her head. Her eyebrows were furrowed in that cute way that made him want to smooth them out with the pad of his thumb. Surely she was seeing things. That was not her ring so why was he giving it to her? She had never seen this ring in her life.
Tim took another breath. He let her stare at it for a couple more seconds before he blurted out what he did next.
“Oh wait thats not it. Thats just your engagement ring. Here it is” - he pulled out her actual ring from his pocket and placed it next to the other one.
The words didn’t register until she saw them both together in the palm of her hand. She gasped and covered her mouth with her free hand. Her eyes instantly filling with tears. She was still staring at her hand. The two rings staring back at her. They looked like cousins. And suddenly it clicked.
“My what? Did you just say my engagement ring?” - when she finally looked up, Tim was down on one knee.
A sob escaped Lucy’s mouth and she took a step back. Clutching the rings on her hand. The other one still covering her mouth. Tears now freely flowing down her face.
“Baby what are you doing?” - she laughed wetly. Incredulously.
He scooted forward on one knee and grabbed the pretty, dainty, silver ring he claimed was her engagement ring. Then he took her left hand in his and took a deep breath. Her little sobs were echoing in the empty space.
“Lucy Chen. Lucy. I’ve rehearsed how I wanted to ask you this question probably since you said our first first date was a better story for the grandkids. Right now though, I’m just going to say what I’m feeling in this moment. Because thats how my life feels since I met you. All positivity and psychology journals and sunshine. My life feels spontaneous with you. It feels right. Like I was meant to wander around until you decided to show up. And then everything made sense. The pain of losing Isabel. Of having to dig hopelessly in the dirt to get you out of that barrel. And even then, when you were so defeated so broken, you were still the strongest person I know. And I think, I really think I’ve loved you since that moment when I walked into this gym and saw you punching this bag like you had a personal vendetta against it. And I meant it then and I mean it now. You’re a survivor and I’m so glad you decided to remind yourself that was the first day of the rest of your life. Because it was the first day of the rest of mine too baby. So this is why, here in the place that has taken from me so much but given me the world, given me you in return, I want to ask you something” - he stopped to squeeze her hand. Lucy was shaking now. Her cheeks wet with tears.
“Ask me please. Ask me baby” - she hiccuped around her words. She squeezed his hand back.
“Detective Lucy Chen. Light of my life. Will you marry me sweet?” - his words came out choked up.
Lucy sobbed harder. Nodding her head up and down furiously. Trying to speak but being unable to by the force of her crying.
“I know its a lot but I gotta hear you say it baby” - Tim laughed.
Lucy took in a deep breath and wiped her cheeks with her free hand.
“Yes. A thousand times yes baby” - Tim gave her that sweet deep smile he only reserved for her. They were both laughing now. Fresh tears escaping Lucy’s eyes.
Once he stood up to put the ring on her finger, she hauled herself against him. Wrapping her legs around his waist and making him stumble a bit backwards. He steadied her as best as he could with her ring still around his fingers. She was kissing his cheeks, his jaw, his eyes, the tip of his nose and then finally his mouth. He took advantage and deepened the kiss making her drop her legs to the floor and pushing her chest against his. His hands were cradling her face. Kissing the tears away. Once they pulled apart from each other he took the opportunity to grab her hand again.
“Can I put it on now?” - he asked teasingly.
Lucy’s smile could light up the whole city. She nodded.
“Yes please. I’m never taking it off. I love it. I love you my fiancé” - she giggled sweetly as Tim placed the ring on her finger and it fit like a glove. She bit her lip. He smiled at her and grabbed her waist to pull her close again.
“I love you more Luce. Like so much” - he kissed her once. Twice.
“Can we go home? I kinda want to be super naked with you everywhere we can be super naked in. Except for my ring. My ring is staying” - she bit his lower lip.
“Fuck thats a fantasy I didn’t know I had until now. Yes lets go home fiancé” - he kissed her again. A kiss full of promise. She smiled into it.
They walked out of the gym hand in hand. The weight of her new favorite ring sandwiched between her hand and his. As soon as they reached the roll call room, all of their coworkers came out clapping and congratulating them. Lucy looked at Tim sheepishly. He mouthed a hurried - “Sorry, I kinda had to tell them for the gym to be empty”- at her before they were both enveloped by hugs and pats in the back.
“Congrats you guys. I’m so happy for you. Maybe we can have a celebratory barbecue at my house?” - Nolan approached them and gave them a big hug.
Lucy and Tim just wanted to go home and get lost in each other’s bodies. Celebrate alone and then maybe after they get it out of their system (in like a month maybe?) then they could let their friends throw them an engagement party. They were about to say no when Harper interrupted.
“Nolan you old fool. They just got engaged. Let them go home and bask in that new fiancé found love” - she said smiling and giving them both a quick hug.
“Thanks Harper” - Lucy said sincerely.
“Yeah get out of here before they swarm you. Ooh here comes Grey” - she said and disappeared.
“Chen. Bradford. Can’t say I’m surprised. Congratulations are in order. As an engagement gift, I signed off on PTO hours and you’re both off tomorrow. I don’t want to see your faces here. Understood?” - he said with a ghost of a smile adorning his face. Tim hugged Lucy’s side.
“Yes sir. Thank you” - she said and he nodded. A silent understanding between the two Sergeants of gratefulness and pride.
After a few more minutes of uttering thank yous and hugging the whole of Mid-Wilshire, they were finally near the parking lot. Except the one and only Angela Lopez was leaning against Tim’s truck. He rolled his eyes. She grinned.
“Congratulations love birds. You’re welcome” - she curtsied.
“What do you mean you’re welcome? You nearly messed up the plan with your inability to lie” - Tim pointed out. Lucy rubbed his shoulder.
“Yeah I’m glad I never tried undercover work. Don’t know how you did it Chen” - she looked at Tim with something in her eyes that almost resembled sisterly pride- “I’m happy for you Bradford. You guys deserve this” - she said emotionally. Tim’s playful expression softened.
“Thanks Lopez. Couldn’t have done it without you” - he said squeezing Lucy’s shoulder back. To this day he swears he saw Angela’s eyes moisten. She sniffled
“Yeah yeah. Anyways go home and have all the sex and I’m guessing I won’t be seeing you tomorrow” - Lucy’s cheeks reddened as she stood up from the truck and made her way to her own car parked a few spaces away.
“Thank you Ange” - she shouted at her retreating form and she threw a hand up.
“Can’t believe she almost had to tell you” - he said as he walked her over to the passenger side of the truck. They could drive Lucy’s car back another day.
“Mmh. Can’t believe you stole my ring and let me believe I lost it just to propose” - she teased him once he turned the engine on.
“Well yeah but you loved it didn’t you?” - he said grabbing the hand that now held the promise of forever on her ring finger.
“Yes it was perfect. You’re perfect” - she kissed his knuckles. He looked at her. Like he always looked at her.
“You’re pretty perfect too Chen” - he said placing both of their hands on her thigh.
And he drove them home where they did get super naked in every single space they could. Tracing and kissing their favorite places. Slow and fast. Whispering to each other the perfect words. And when words stopped being enough, he kissed her ring over and over. Held her hand as he showed her how much he loved her with his body. And years from now when they look back on this moment, it also reminds them of the beginning of the rest of their lives.