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Tim is driving himself and Lucy back to the station. He can see she’s internally battling herself about what happened with Rosalind. He hates that Lucy agreed to meet with her. Tim has blamed himself over and over for what happened. Now she had to face this monster and he hadn’t talked her out of it.
Tim looks over at Lucy as he drives. “I am really proud of you for going today.” He says it quietly because he is not sure that it’s the right thing to say. Lucy looks over at him. The expression on her face is unreadable. Tim wants to be there for her, be the one she wants to lean on when she is having those hard days.
“Thank you Tim.” She murmurs. She moves her fingers so they are touching Tim’s hand slightly. It’s a small gesture, but it tells him she is still with him. They are both okay. “I hated seeing her, but I am glad it was you on my six. I couldn’t have done this without you Tim. You give me the strength I need to get through it.
“Lucy, you are the strongest person I have ever met. I’m glad I could be the one there with you.” They finally get back to the station and head to change once everything is done. Lucy walks out of the locker room to see Tim waiting.
“Hey. Jackson said you drove in with him today. I told him I’d drive you home, if that’s okay. It sounded like he had plans.” Tim tells her shyly.
“We did. Thank you Tim. I honestly would rather not be alone tonight.” He gives her a concerned look. “The nightmares may come back. Not that you’ll be there for that, but having you there beforehand will help.”
“I will stay as long as you need me, Lucy.” He tells her squeezing her arm gently. He opens the passenger door for her and she hops right in. “I have ordered your favorite sushi and will pick it up on the way back to your apartment.”
She looks at him. “That sounds perfect Tim.” He drives them to the restaurant and leaves the truck running as he grabs their food. He’s back within minutes which relieves Lucy. She hates this feeling she is having right now. As they drive, she looks at Tim.
“I meant what I said earlier, Tim. I am glad it was you who was with me. I couldn’t face that monster with anyone else. You are the only person I truly feel safe with anymore.” Her voice cracks and she knows he is her TO, but he needs to know. Tim is taken aback.
“I will always be here for you Lucy. I will always protect you. I’m sorry I couldn’t before, but I will always be by your side.”
“Tim what happened wasn’t your fault. I’ve told you that. I wish you could see that you saved me. You put me back together. I wouldn’t be here without you. I don’t ever want to be without you.” He almost misses the last part because it was said so quietly.
“I don’t want to be without you either Lucy.” He says honestly. He pulls up to her apartment, grabbing the food bags and his extra overnight bag. They walk in and Tim sets their food up as Lucy gets more comfortable. Tim has seen Lucy in many outfits and many settings, but she is in a pair of leggings, a large shirt (one of his), and her hair is in a messy bun. He thinks that she has never looked more beautiful than she does right now.
Lucy catches him staring. “What?” She asks.
“Nothing. Dinner is served.” He changes the subject quickly. He has pushed these feelings for Lucy down because she is his rookie. His goal was to make it to the end and tell her how he feels. He doesn’t want to end her career before it begins, but he hopes she feels the same.
They eat in a comfortable silence, their legs touching the entire time and Tim staring at Lucy on and off. Tim cleans up dinner and they head to the couch for a show. Tim looks at Lucy and knows she needs comfort. She needs to feel safe. He opens his arms to her and she crawls to him, nestling herself into him. She sighs happily, feeling better than she has in a while.
His hand rests on her back, rubbing slow circles as she lays. “You know Tim. I only have thirty days left as your rookie.” She doesn’t say it loud and she is more than nervous.
“I know. I can’t wait to see your career progress. You’re one of the top five rookies I have ever trained.” He flirts a little while saying it. She pushes herself up so she is facing him.
“Tim I need to tell you something and I need you to promise not to freak out on me.” He nods wondering what she is about to tell him. “I have feelings for you. It has been going on for a while, but then you saved my life. You have not left my side and you’ve proven that you will always be here. I know we can’t do anything right now, but thirty more days and maybe we can?” Her face is scared; worried.
Tim stares at her in awe. He has been so scared to be honest, but now is his chance. “I have a question.” She raises her eyebrows wondering why that’s his response. “Will you go on a date with me in thirty days?” Their faces both break out into smiles and little giggles.
“Yeah, I will.” She responds. “Can I please have a kiss now? I know it’s dangerous, but I need to know what it’s like to kiss you.”
Tim doesn’t answer with words, instead he moves in and their lips collide. Lucy moves herself into Tim’s lap. They have a heated makeout session, almost venturing into dangerous territory. “I promise when thirty days are up, I will give you whatever you want. If we continue now, I won’t stop myself from doing things we shouldn’t.” Lucy chuckles.
“I agree. Thirty Days. One question though.” This time she is vulnerable. “Will you stay and hold me tonight? Seeing Rosalind will trigger my nightmares and I don’t want to be alone.”
“Of course Lucy. I will always be here when you need me.” As promised, he was there when she woke up a few times from different nightmares. Thirty days flew by surprisingly and as soon as they stepped foot out of the station (Lucy rode in with Jackson that day) Tim had her in his truck headed for dinner. Both happier than they could both imagine.