Work Text:
Lucy was preparing dinner and talking to Tamara. She broke up with Chris weeks ago and thank god for that. They’re chatting about their day when Tamara brings Tim up.
“So now that you’re single will you finally ask him out?” She asks Lucy casually.
“What? No! It’s not like that.” She stutters.
Tamara rolls her eyes. “Come on Lucy. I have eyes.”
Lucy huffs and looks away. “He doesn’t feel the same.” She mumbles.
“What? I couldn’t hear you.” Tamara retorts.
“Tim does NOT feel the same. Want the truth? I am in love with him and I have been since I was his rookie. He is different than anyone else I’ve ever met, but I will NEVER be his type. I’m not skinny nor blonde. I won’t ever have a chance. I’ll never be good enough for Tim!” She yells out.
“I’m sorry Lucy. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Lucy hugs Tamara. “You didn’t. I didn’t mean to yell. It just sucks. Tim’s everything good and if friendship is what I have, I’ll take it.” She wipes a tear away and starts serving dinner.
“I’m lucky to have you Tam.”
“Lucy you saved me. You’re the big sister I never had. I just want to see you happy and loved. Chris wasn’t it that’s for sure.”
They both chuckle when Lucy sees her phone light up. As she clicks on it, she realizes that Siri picked up on Tim’s name somehow and sent him what she said to Tamara.
Oh shit no. No no no. Lucy is freaking out now.
She sees Tim start to and it disappears multiple times. Those three little dots keep appearing and disappearing. She is officially panicking.
“What’s wrong Lucy!?”
Lucy just shoves her phone in Tamara’s hands and her eyes widen as she reads.
“How-“ Tamara begins, but Lucy cuts her off.
“Shit. He wasn’t supposed to know. He has Malibu Barbie. I’ve ruined our relationship. Shit!”
“Breathe Lucy. This could be a good thing.” Tamara tries.
“He can’t even find the words to respond. Listen, I’m going to go out for a bit.”
“Where are you going?”
“I don’t know yet. I need to clear my head.”
“Okay. Call me if you need me.” Tamara tells Lucy.
Lucy walks out and drives off. She feels so stupid. She wishes things were different, but they aren’t. She drives for a while not even realizing where she is going.
Tamara just finished cleaning up dinner when she hears a knock. Lucy only left a few minutes ago. She sees Tim when she looks outside. That’s why he didn’t answer.
“Hey Tam. Is Lucy around?” Tim asks nervously.
“She just left. She needed to clear her head. She wouldn’t tell me where she went. Tim, please find her. I know why you’re here.”
“I’m sorry for not responding.” He says.
“Listen, you came here. I’m hoping it means you feel the same. If not, please be gentle. She doesn’t need any more sadness.”
She sees Tim wipe a tear away. “I never thought she felt the same. I love her. Ashley and I have been done. Lucy means the world to me.”
“Go find her Tim. Please.” He nods and starts to walk away. “And Tim. If you hurt her, I’ll end you.”
“Understood.” He walks away. He knows where Lucy goes when she clears her head. He just hopes this is not the one time she changes her mind. He drives to the beach where he knows the rookies used to get together. It’s quiet and dark.
Tim parks his truck and sees Lucy’s car. He lets out a breathe. It takes a few minutes, but he finds her. He sits in the sand next to her and she looks over at him. He can see she’s been crying. It’s all his fault.
She looks at him and lets her head fall to his shoulder. He wraps his arm around her and they sit in silence. It starts to downpour.
They run to their cars with Tim shielding Lucy as much as possible.
“Come back to my house please.” He pleads.
She nods and they both make their way to his house. They need to talk. She can’t lose him. He’s the most important person in her life.
They arrive at Tim’s house and by the time they are inside they are drenched.
“I’ll grab you some clothes to change into.” He says quietly. She follows him into his room. He hands her a T-shirt and sweatpants as well as towels to dry.
“Bathrooms through there. We’ll talk when you’re done?”
She nods and goes in. Tim quickly changes and throws his clothes in the washer. He starts water for hot chocolate since they’re both freezing. As he pours the water in two mugs, Lucy walks out. He marvels at her beauty.
He takes her wet clothes and starts the washer. They make the hot chocolate side by side and sit on the couch. God, the way she looks in his clothes. It’s the second time she’s worn them and she hopes it isn’t the last.
Tim looks at Lucy as she puts the mug down. He pushes her hair behind her ear.
“Lucy. Look at me.” He says softly. “Your feelings aren’t one sided. I’ve been falling in love you with you for longer than I can even remember. I was scared. I didn’t think you’d want a broken, divorced, 40 year old man. Lucy you are gorgeous. Every single thing about you. You are what I want and what I need. Gorgeous, smart, kind, and the biggest heart I know. I want this Lucy. You sending that text tonight, was the best thing I could imagine. I waited to long to tell you how I feel.”
He wipes tears coming from her eyes. “Really Tim? You..you feel the same?” Her big brown, doe eyes staring at him.
“I do Luce. I want you.”
She’s chewing her bottom lip. “I’m not your type Tim.”
“Lucy. My type has beautiful, long, wavy brown hair and the most beautiful brown eyes. She is one of the best people and cops I know. She’s caring and loves so strong. You’re all I want baby.” He whispers.
She looks up at him and is surging up at him to kiss him. She moves herself into his lap as she moves her tongue into his mouth. They both come up for air a while later.
“That was incredible.” Tim says. “I hate to break this moment, but did you let Tamara know you’re okay?”
“I texted her and told her I wouldn’t be home tonight.” He nods and cuddles into her.
“Hey Luce?”
“Yeah.”
“Be my girlfriend. I’d like to take you on a date tomorrow.”
“I want to go on a date, boyfriend.”
He pulls her face back to his as he kisses her this time. Once again they both need air. Lucy lays her head on his shoulder and curls into his lap. She yawns, not realizing how exhausted she is.
“Let’s get you to bed. I’ll take the couch.” She won’t let go of his hand.
“We can share the bed. Please just hold me. I need to know this is real and I’m not dreaming.”
They get into bed with Lucy curling herself into Tim.
“We’re really doing this.” She whispers. He’s running his hands through her hair.
“We are. I’m never letting you go. You’re worth the risk. I love you Lucy more than I can put into words. We are going to be stronger together.”
“I love you Tim.” She says groggily.
He knows she’s tired. He can hear her breathe even out. He kisses her head. This is his favorite side of Lucy he’s seen. The sleepy, cuddly Lucy. He falls asleep, grateful that one wrong text finally got them together. Tim hopes he can fall asleep next to Lucy for the rest of his life.