Work Text:
Lucy sits on the bench in the locker room, still in her uniform. I did it. She thinks to herself. She is officially a P2. That means no more riding with Tim. She made a fool of herself earlier, confessing to Tim that she had feelings for him. She could see in his eyes he didn’t feel that way, so she said it was a lie, a joke.
In reality, Lucy has fallen for him. She doesn’t know when it happened, but it did. In the beginning, she never would have thought this could happen. He’s changed now and he’s been there for her through so much. They’ve saved each other.
Lucy wipes a tear away and lets a small breathe out. She puts her head in her hands, willing to get dressed.
“You have to actually put your clothes on Lucy.” Lucy startles at Angela’s voice.
“Right, yeah. I’m going to. Just taking a minute.” Lucy rushes out.
Angela glares at her. “Sure Lucy. You’ve been thinking so hard for the past 30 minutes you didn’t even notice I’m the only one left.”
Lucy looks around and realizes the locker room is empty, except Angela. “Oh.” Is all Lucy can get out.
“Lucy. What’s wrong?” Angela asks kindly.
Lucy chews her bottom lip. What do I do? Do I tell her the truth? I’ll look so stupid. Lucy is panicking.
“Come on Lucy. Just tell me.”
Lucy looks at Angela. “Okay, but please don’t judge me.” She wipes some tears away as Angela places her hand on Lucy’s arm. “I confessed my feelings for Tim earlier, but told him it was a joke because the look on his face Angela. It was devastating so I played it off. It wasn’t a joke. I’m such an idiot.”
Angela kneels in front of Lucy. “Hey stop. You’re not an idiot. That man is in love with you Lucy. You caught him off guard with your confession. Tim doesn’t feel worthy after Isabel.”
Lucy looks up at Angela with watery eyes. “What? No-” Angela cuts her off.
“Go to him Luce. Don’t lose out because you’re both scared.” Lucy is still unsure but nods. Angela pulls her into a hug.
“Be honest. You both deserve happiness.” With that Angela walks out.
Lucy gets dressed and heads out of the locker room. She doesn’t see Tim anywhere so she heads to the parking lot. His truck is gone. Lucy heads to his house. It’s dark, but she goes up to the door. She rings the doorbell and knocks. Nothing. He isn’t home. Her mind wanders. What if he’s on a date? Wouldn’t he have told me?
Lucy decides to go inside and see if he’s asleep or hiding. She disarms the house and Kojo comes running. “Hi sweet boy.” Lucy murmurs. She lets him out. She decides to wait for him until he comes home. She has to do this.
Lucy never even realized it was raining as she had been waiting to come inside. Her clothes are drenched. She goes into his room and grabs a shirt and sweatpants. They smell like Tim. She pulls off her wet clothes and puts on Tim’s.
She lets Kojo back in and he goes into his bed after shaking water off. She sits on the couch and nods off while waiting.
Tim has been waiting outside Lucy’s door for an hour. She isn’t home. What if she went on a date? Tim walks away to head home. He needs to talk to her. She’s the most important relationship in his life. Yes he’s fallen in love with her. He drives home after dialing Lucy multiple times. She didn’t answer.
He doesn’t even notice Lucy’s car outside. When he walks in he’s confused as to why the house is disarmed. He slowly walks into the living room and sees why. Lucy is asleep, in his clothes, on his couch.
He kneels in front of her and moves her hair off her face. “Lucy.” He whispers a few times.
She opens those big brown eyes and stares at him. “Oh. I’m sorry Tim. I fell asleep. I was waiting for you. You weren’t home. I hope I’m not interrupting, this couldn’t wait.” She continues to ramble. “Tim, about earlier-” She starts.
“Lucy please. I’m sorry. I was surprised because I didn’t think you would ever feel the same. Please tell me you weren’t lying. I need you. I love you.” He whispers.
“I was scared Tim. We’ve come so far and you are the one person I can’t lose. I said it was a joke because I never thought you’d want someone like me.” She puts her head down.
“Lucy. You are incredible. You’re smart, kind and one of the most genuine people I know. You’re gorgeous and anyone would be lucky to have you. I just hope that person will be me.”
“It will always be you Tim.” She whispers as he leans forward and captures her lips with his. She is surprised, but instantly melts into his kiss. They come up for air and lean their heads against each other.
Lucy has tears running down her face. Tim wipes them away and sits on the couch. She curls into him as her stomach growls. "Let's get dinner ordered and we can talk. Pizza?" Lucy nods as Tim takes out his phone to order.
She stays cuddled into his side. "We're really doing this. You want this?" She asks nervous.
"Lucy you're all I want. I'm worried about you. Your career. I'm a middle aged divorced man. I'm not special enough for you." She can see he's vulnerable right now.
"Tim, stop." She sits up and holds his head in her hands. "You're incredible. You have the biggest heart and care fiercely. You've been through so much and have come out stronger. We all have our demons. I am falling in love with you and your past is what made you who you are now."
This time, she pulls him in for a kiss. They are interrupted by the doorbell ringing. Tim gets up to grab it while Lucy grabs drinks. They eat together way and watch an episode of Top Chef. They both clean up when they're done and Tim grabs Lucy by the waist.
"Stay tonight. Please. Just for sleep. We both want to do this right and take things slow. I don't want to mess this up." Lucy smiles and they walk to the bedroom.
"I expect cuddles all night." She says to him. They slide into bed and fall asleep holding each other.
This was in fact the best decision they made. They made it work through the ups and downs, even at work. The love they shared was too important.