Work Text:
Healing Hearts
It’s early evening in Lucy’s cosy apartment, the soft amber glow from the table lamps casting long shadows on the walls. The scent of lavender and sandalwood lingers in the air from incense that she was burning earlier on the windowsill, mixing with the faint hum of the city outside.
Tim is sitting in the centre of the couch, already dressed for Grey’s anniversary party wearing a sleek burgundy button-down shirt with rolled-up sleeves tucked into some dark pants, and a pair of polished shoes. The matching suit jacket is slung over the arm of the chair, waiting to be worn. He finds himself looking over his shoulder towards Lucy’s bedroom every few moments, half-expecting her to emerge. The distant thrum of music and occasional clatter from there hints at her preparations.
A faint rustling comes from behind the ajar bedroom door, followed by the soft clink of jewellery, but no sign of Lucy yet. Tim sighs and leans back, drumming his fingers lightly on his knee, glancing at his watch. Yes it may be a party and the start time isn’t a compulsory getting there time, but he is a punctual man and they’re most definitely going to be late. He becomes itchy at the thought.
After sighing once more, he gets up off the couch and paces to her bedroom door. He nudges it open with a gentle knock. "Hey, Luce, we are going to be – Woah." His words catch in his throat as he stops in his tracks, his eyes widening as he takes in the sight of her.
Lucy is standing in front of the full-length mirror, her hand resting gently on the curve of her six-month pregnant belly, dressed in an emerald green maternity dress that falls gracefully to her knees. The dress is soft and flowing, hugging her figure in just the right places, with a subtle sheen that catches the light as she moves. The neckline, a delicate V-shape, frames her collarbones, and the fabric drapes elegantly over her growing bump, emphasizing the beauty of her pregnancy. The rich green colour contrasts perfectly with her skin, making her eyes seem brighter, her hair more vibrant. Tim’s voice softens as he steps closer. “You look great!” He says, genuinely awestruck.
But Lucy doesn’t share his excitement. She’s still staring at her reflection, her lips pressed into a thin line. There’s a faint crease of worry between her brows, and her fingers fidget with the hem of her dress. She glances at Tim, her eyes reflecting doubt. "Do you not think you look great?" Tim asks, concern creeping into his voice as he notices her discomfort.
Lucy’s shoulders slump as she allows herself to be completely vulnerable to him. “I just... I feel so... pregnant." She murmurs, her voice laced with insecurity.
“You are pregnant!” He exclaims in an attempt to lighten the mood but unsurprisingly it doesn’t work.
"I know I’m supposed to look like this, but nothing feels right. I don’t feel like me anymore.” She confesses with a glance back at her reflection, her expression a combination of frustration and sadness.
Tim steps closer, his hand resting lightly on her arm. “Hey, I get it.” He says softly. "You are pregnant though... but I guarantee that you’re still going to be the prettiest woman in the room tonight. You look incredible in that dress.”
“You really think that?”
“I do.”
Lucy smiles at him in a way that she has done many times before. The kind of smile when dimples form in her perfect skin, her teeth sparkle as she beams, and her brown eyes glimmer with something that, to him, could only be described as love. He has seen this particular smile throughout their romantic relationship, and the fact he is starting to see it again elates him.
Things have been better between them, easier, more natural. They have successfully purchased their dream home and started the process of getting the house ready to move in next week. Tim has a list of things he wants to get done first relating to the decorating and maintenance of the property. His house is on the market and there’s a list of potential buyers so he’s already packing up his stuff ready for the move.
Lucy hasn’t even started yet, mainly because he has told her in no uncertain terms that she will not be doing any heavy lifting or anything that could exert her whilst pregnant with his child. At first she found his insistence irritating, but now that she’s grasped that it’s come from a place of affection, it makes her happy – but that could be because he’s been making her happy.
They have been hanging out more outside of work and not just because of the baby. There was a movie that they both wanted to go and see so they did, there was a restaurant they both wanted to try so they did, there was a new season of a cooking series they both enjoy had started so they watched it together. She nodded off towards the end, unsurprisingly as she’s been grappling with fatigue since being pregnant, but she woke in her bed, tucked in, with a note on her nightstand from him saying, ‘I hope you slept well – T x’.
It's been wonderful. So wonderful that there was no hesitation in deciding to attend this party tonight together. It hasn’t even crossed either of their minds that it could be perceived as odd. “We should probably go.” Lucy comments, realising that they’ve been staring into each other’s eyes a little too long.
“You’re probably right.” He agrees, as if he hasn’t just been twitching on her couch whilst looking at his watch. “I will order an Uber.”
“I don’t mind driving. It’s not like I can drink.”
“I want you take it easy tonight.” Tim says before adding. “Plus Grey mentioned the parking situation isn’t great.”
He whips out his phone as Lucy wanders back towards her dressing table to grab a bottle of perfume which she sprays generously to her neck and pulse points before rubbing it in. “Is it bad that I am already thinking about what my first drink will be when I am no longer pregnant?”
“Champagne surely.” He mutters while tapping the address of the party into the app. “I will be buying a bottle of champagne.”
“You know I won’t be able to drink while breastfeeding.”
“I read that an occasional drink is unlikely to harm our baby especially if you wait at least two hours after having a drink before feeding.” Tim enlightens but on feeling Lucy’s gaze on him, he looks up to see her raising an eyebrow, evidently wondering where this newfound knowledge has come from. “You are not the only one preparing by consuming copious amounts of literature.”
“You’ve been reading parenting books?”
“Yes, well listening to them. Audio books.” He clarifies and then holds up his phone. “Uber is here.” Lucy straightaway reaches for the leather jacket at the foot of her bed which goes well with the dress she’s wearing, preparing to leave for the night. “Hey you know my learning disability thing, would that be hereditary?” He asks though as she does, making her pause.
“Sometimes, it’s unlikely though.” She tells him before reassuring. “You don’t need to worry about that. We can face whatever. You know that.”
“You’re right.” He agrees and then tilts his head in the direction of the exit with a, “Let’s go.”
xxx
The wedding anniversary party of Wade and Luna is in full swing, with the smooth, sultry tones of live jazz filling the upscale club. The venue is all mood lighting, polished mahogany, and velvet seats, with guests mingling under the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. Drinks flow freely, champagne glasses clinking in celebration as everyone toasts Wade and Luna’s years of love. The couple had their first dance earlier, spinning gracefully under the spotlight while the band played. Now, the evening is a whirl of laughter, conversation, and the hum of a happy, buzzing crowd.
Tim, having just stepped out of the dimly lit gent’s bathroom, is straightening the lapels of his suit jacket when a flicker of unease settles over him. It hits him that it’s been a short while since he last saw Lucy. She was at his side earlier, a radiant vision in her emerald green dress, but now… now she’s nowhere in sight.
His heart quickens. Where could she be? His blue eyes dart through the crowd, scanning the room quickly. He spots a group of their friends gathered by the bar – Angela laughing with a drink in hand, Wesley and James deep in conversation, and Nyla nodding along with a quirked eyebrow. Taking a quick breath, Tim strides over to them. “Has anyone seen Lucy?” He asks, trying to keep his voice calm, though the slight edge of concern is unmistakable.
Angela glances around, frowning as if realising for the first time that Lucy isn’t nearby. Wesley shakes his head, while Nyla exchanges a look with James, both shrugging. Just then, Nolan walks past and overhears. He stops, pointing toward the large glass doors leading outside. “I saw her heading out to the terrace a little while ago,” He says casually, before disappearing back to his wife with two fresh drinks in his hands.
Relief and worry collide in Tim’s chest. He mutters a quick thanks and makes his way through the throng of partygoers, the music and chatter fading into the background as his focus narrows. The terrace. Why is she outside alone?
Tim steps out onto the terrace, the cool evening air mixing with the faint echoes of jazz spilling from inside. His eyes immediately land on Lucy, standing at the edge of the railing, her back to him. The city skyline stretches out in front of her, but she doesn’t seem to be taking in the view. There’s a stillness about her that makes his heart ache.
He may be bolstered by the fact he’s found her, but it’s fleeting, replaced by a quiet concern as he approaches. Even before she turns, he can tell something’s wrong. Her shoulders are tense, her hands clasped in front of her, and the way she’s standing so still feels heavy. He steps closer, his shoes tapping softly against the stone floor. “Lucy?” His voice is gentle but concerned. “What’s wrong?”
At the sound of his voice, she stiffens, but doesn’t turn right away. For a moment, she says nothing, as though trying to gather herself. Then, as if the question unlocked something inside her, a single tear escapes and rolls down her cheek. She wipes it quickly, but he catches the shudder in her breath as she struggles to keep her composure. “I’m sorry.” She whispers, her voice trembling. “I just… I don’t feel good about myself right now. I’m trying, but…” She pauses, another tear slipping free. “I feel self-conscious. Everything’s changing.”
Her words hang in the air, fragile and raw, and Tim’s heart breaks at the sight of her trying to hold herself together. He reaches for her, gently turning her to face him. “Lucy...” He utters softly before continuing. “I know I broke our trust but I hope you trust me enough to know that I am telling you the truth when I say that you’re beautiful. That seeing you in this dress, glowing as you carry our daughter inside you, fills me with happiness.” His voice is steady, though he feels the weight of wanting to make her understand, to take away the hurt he can see in her eyes. “It’s understandable to feel like the future is daunting with all this change because it is, but I know when I see you that things are going to be okay.”
Lucy tries to smile, but her lip quivers, and before she can respond, she shivers slightly. It’s barely noticeable, the air not cold enough to explain it, but Tim doesn’t hesitate. Without a word, he shrugs off his jacket, the dark fabric whispering as he lifts it over her shoulders. Her own jacket is still in the cloakroom, but for now, his will do. He drapes it over her gently, the warmth of his presence lingering in the fabric as it settles around her.
She looks up at him, her eyes misty, but the faintest hint of gratitude relaxing her expression. “Thank you.” She whispers.
“You’re welcome.”
Lucy pulls the jacket tighter around her shoulders, her gaze dropping to the floor as she takes a shaky breath. After a long pause, she looks up at Tim, her voice quiet and hesitant. “Would it be awful if we left?”
Tim studies her for a moment, surprised by the vulnerability in her words. “Do you want to leave?” He asks, his tone careful but searching.
She nods, biting her lip as another tear threatens to spill. “Yeah… I don’t really want to be here right now.” She looks down again, fidgeting with the cuff of his jacket. “Yours, mine, I don’t care. I’m feeling vulnerable, and I need to be with just you.”
Her admission hits Tim unexpectedly, and for a second, he doesn’t quite know how to respond. Although they share something deep – their bond made even more profound by the baby growing inside her – they’re no longer a couple. Despite his feelings for her still being as strong as ever, Lucy had been clear after they parted ways romantically and when he tried to rekindle what he put a stop to that she had to take things at her own pace. Yet, here she is, asking for his comfort, for his presence.
Swallowing the surprise, he pushes aside the questions swirling in his mind. Right now, it’s about her. She needs him. “Okay.” He says. “We can go to mine. Gives us our own space then in case Celina comes home soon too.”
Lucy glances up at him, relief flickering in her eyes. “Yeah, that sounds good.”
Tim gives her a small smile. “Alright.” he says gently. “I’ll get your coat from the cloakroom, and then we’ll grab a cab, okay?”
She nods, and he squeezes her arm lightly before heading back inside, the warmth of the party contrasting with the coolness of the moment between them. As Tim weaves through the crowd, making his way to the cloakroom, his mind races. He can’t help but think about what it means, her reaching out to him like this. But right now, all that matters is that she needs him, and he’ll be there.
A tap of his shoulder forces him to press pause on his mission, and he turns to find Lopez with concern etched into her features. “Is Lucy okay?”
“You know she isn’t feeling too good so we are going to get out of here.” Tim tries to keep things vague, but his friend’s concern deepens. “Extend our apologies to Grey will you?”
“Of course. He will understand.”
xxx
Tim unlocks the door to his home, flicking on the lights as he steps inside with Lucy close behind. The warmth of the familiar space wraps around them, but it does little to ease the tension lingering in the air. Lucy slips off her shoes by the door, her movements slow and quiet, while Tim moves toward the kitchen without a word. He knows she’s been feeling off all night, and he’s trying to think of ways to make things better.
In the kitchen, he pulls out the box of ginger tea he’s kept on hand ever since finding out about Lucy’s pregnancy. The scent of ginger fills the air as he steeps the tea in hot water, glancing over his shoulder to where Lucy sits on the couch, her eyes fixed blankly on the floor. Her usual spark is missing and that hurts him. After a few minutes, he sets the tea down in front of her and heads back to the kitchen to make his own cup – just regular tea, the familiar kind he always drinks when he needs to calm his nerves.
When he joins her in the living room, he tries to pick a safe topic of conversation. “The party was nice, wasn’t it? The Sarge and Luna looked really happy.”
Lucy gives a half-hearted nod, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup. She doesn’t say anything, her eyes distant.
Tim shifts, searching for something else to draw her out of whatever heavy thoughts she’s tangled in. “I was thinking we could order those jungle-themed prints for the nursery soon. Maybe this weekend? I know you liked the giraffe ones we saw online.”
But again, nothing. She’s distracted, not even pretending to be interested. Her silence grows heavier, and Tim feels a knot tightening in his chest. He can’t keep this up, skirting around what’s clearly bothering her. The worry that’s been gnawing at him finally spills over.
He sets his tea down, leaning forward slightly. “Lucy...” He says carefully, his voice breaking the silence between them. “What can I do to make things better?”
For a long moment, she doesn’t answer, her gaze still far away. Then, slowly, she turns her head to look at him, her expression conflicted. Her lips part, but no words come at first, as if she’s grappling with something deep inside.
Finally, she speaks, her voice barely above a whisper. “Tell me you love me.”
Tim blinks, caught off guard. “What?”
Lucy swallows, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “So I can tell you that I love you too.”
“Lucy...” His heart is pounding now, unsure if he’s hearing her right.
“I’m serious.” She continues, her voice steadying as she sits up straighter, also putting her cup down on the coffee table. “I know we said all our focus would be on our daughter, that we’d keep things simple between us, but I can’t ignore my feelings for you anymore. I forgive you, Tim. I care about you, I trust you, and… I love you.”
Tim’s breath catches in his throat, the weight of her words crashing over him. He’s wanted to hear these words for so long, but now that they’re out in the open, he’s speechless. He searches her face, looking for any sign that she might take it back, but all he sees is the raw, honest truth.
She loves him. Despite everything.
Tim stares at her, his heart pounding as her words settle between them, real and unshakable. He feels the weight of every moment they’ve shared – the ups, the downs, the uncertainty – and how it all lead to this. His throat tightens, and for a moment, he doesn’t know what to say. But then, it all comes pouring out, simple and true. “I love you too.” He says. “So much.”
The words hang in the air for only a moment before Lucy’s face crumples, but this time it’s not out of sadness or insecurity. A sob escapes her, but it’s one of joy, of release. Tears spill down her cheeks, and she quickly wipes them away with trembling hands, laughing softly through the flood of emotion. She looks at him, her eyes bright and alive, as if the weight she’s been carrying has finally lifted.
Tim moves closer, wrapping his arms around her, pulling her gently into him. She melts into his embrace, her arms slipping around his neck as she presses her face into his chest. For a little while they just hold each other, their hearts beating in sync, their breaths slow and steady. No words are needed now; their bodies speak for them, communicating the comfort, the love, the forgiveness they’ve both been craving.
And then, slowly, almost as if it’s inevitable, their lips find each other. It’s soft at first, tentative, but quickly it deepens, a kiss that speaks of every unspoken feeling, every moment of longing that’s passed between them. It’s the feeling of coming home, of being exactly where they’re meant to be.
Their kiss lingers, and when they finally pull back, they stay close, foreheads touching, both of them smiling through the haze of tears and happiness. They don’t need to say anything. Everything is clear now. They’ve found their way back to each other. “Will you take me to bed?”
Breathing heavily, Tim tucks a loose strand of her dark locks behind her ear. “Are you sure?”
“You’re asking me that like we haven’t slept together since things ended.”
“This is different.” He states. “It isn’t just me trying to stop you from being frustrated. It would come from a place of love.”
“Can I be honest about something?” She murmurs as they pull back from each other, Lucy doesn’t wait for his response before continuing. “Despite everything that happened between us, I’m starting to think that nothing we’ve done together since hasn’t been from a place of love.” She confesses and Tim thinks she’s right. “The difference is that your outlook on life and love and relationships has changed. Because our lives are about to change in a few short months.”
“I screwed up by ending things with you, thinking I was protecting you. I will forever regret how I handled that and not just because I wasn’t there when you found out about being pregnant.” Tim expresses. “Even though us having a baby was not part of the current plan, regardless of our relationship status, that moment still would have been different for you. Better.”
Lucy still would have been shell-shocked, but he would have been there to support her from the moment she started to suspect. He would have been the one to go to the store to buy the tests, he would have held her hands whilst they waited for the result, he would have wrapped his strong arms around her when it came back positive. “I think I’m done with reflecting negative on the past.” Lucy reveals with a shake of her head, not wanting to ruminate about that moment. “Let’s just focus on the now and the future.” She decides, but her seriousness is lost when she smirks cheekily. “Which includes you taking me to bed right now.”
“Yes Ma’am.” Lucy giggles at this. “What?”
“Do you ever wonder how we got from you calling me Boot to here?”
“I think Dim and Juicy had something to do with it.”
“I think we still would have got here without them.” She admits bringing a smile to his face. “Now do I have to ask to be taken to bed a third time?”
Tim releases a breathy chuckle with a shake of his head. Slowly, he stands, taking her hand gently in his and leading her towards the bedroom, their fingers intertwine as they move through the hallway. There’s a quietness between them now, but it’s not empty – it’s filled with the weight of anticipation, of knowing what comes next and enjoying every second before it happens.
When they reach the bed, Tim turns to face her, his eyes searching hers for any hint of hesitation. But Lucy only looks back at him with trust, with love, and he knows there’s nothing to fear. He steps closer, his hands finding the soft fabric of her dress.
With infinite care, as though she’s the most delicate piece of art, he begins to undress her. His fingers work slowly, unzipping the back of her dress, the sound soft and intimate in the quiet room. The fabric loosens and he lets it slip off her shoulders, revealing her skin inch by inch. His touch is reverent, gentle, as though he’s afraid she might break if he moves too quickly.
Lucy doesn’t flinch or rush him; she lets him take his time, her breaths shallow as she watches him through half-lidded eyes. Tim kneels slightly, guiding the dress down over her belly with such tenderness, mindful of the life they’re creating together. The dress pools at her feet, and he straightens, his hands moving up to cup her face once more, his thumb stroking her jawline as if reassuring her of how much she means to him. “You’re so beautiful.” He whispers, his voice barely audible, thick with emotion.
Lucy leans into his touch, her lips parting slightly as she closes her eyes, relishing the moment. Every movement between them is slow, intentional, as if they’re rediscovering each other with every touch, every breath.
Tim’s hands drift down her arms, sliding off the straps of her bra with the same delicate care, his eyes never leaving hers. When she’s finally bare before him, he doesn’t rush, he simply looks at her, his heart swelling with love and awe.
And then, she is guided to the bed, laid down as if she’s something fragile, precious. He climbs on beside her, never once breaking their connection, their bodies moving in perfect harmony. “I wish I could have enjoyed tonight more.” Lucy confesses while Tim unbuttons his shirt. “You are right, Grey and Luna seem really happy.”
“You never know maybe we will be like that in thirty years.” He says as he pushes the fabric off his shoulders.
“I don’t think you will be able to dance like that in thirty years. You’ll be old.” She teases making his jaw drop but in a way that is fuelled by amusement.
“Hey!” He exclaims and falls forward, catching himself from collapsing on top of her with a strong palm pressed against the mattress. “Less of the old or I won’t do that thing you like.”
“What thing?” He raises his eyebrow and she blushes. “Oh, that thing.”
“That thing.”
As they lie together on the bed, the soft light from the hallway casting a gentle glow over them, Tim moves slowly, his body curling beside Lucy’s. Their lips meet again but unlike on the couch this time it is deeper, more urgent, as if all the emotions of the evening are pouring into this one moment. His hand caresses her side, his touch feather light, tracing the curve of her waist, her hip, every movement filled with tenderness.
Lucy responds with equal intensity, her hands threading through his hair, pulling him closer as their kiss deepens. There’s no rush, no need to hurry; they’re savouring each second, rediscovering each other in the most intimate of ways. Each kiss speaks of the love that never faded, the connection that was always there, waiting for this moment to resurface.
Tim’s hands explore her body carefully, memorising every curve, every inch of her skin, as though it’s sacred. Lucy sighs softly into his mouth, the sound filled with contentment and trust, her body melting into his. She feels safe with him, cherished in a way that she hadn’t allowed herself to feel in so long.
Then, without a word, Tim pulls back slightly, his breath heavy but steady as he breaks the kiss. His blue eyes meet hers, filled with love and a depth of emotion that makes her heart swell. Slowly, he begins to shift lower, his lips trailing soft, deliberate kisses down her neck, her collarbone, and further still, until his mouth is at the swell of her bump.
He pauses there, resting his hand on the curve of her abdomen, feeling the life growing inside her. His eyes soften, and he presses his forehead gently against her skin, as if offering some silent prayer, a moment of reverence for the child they’re bringing into the world.
Lucy watches him, her breath catching in her throat, overwhelmed by the tenderness in his touch, in his gesture. And then, with infinite care, Tim presses his lips to her swollen belly, the kiss full of love not only for her but for their daughter.
He lingers there, his lips warm against her skin, and Lucy feels tears prickle her eyes again. This time, not out of insecurity or doubt, but out of sheer happiness, a feeling of completeness she hasn’t felt in so long. Tim looks up at her, his hand still resting on her belly, his expression filled with love, devotion, and the promise that no matter what happens, they’ll face it together.
But then a look of mischief takes over his face before he heads even lower. “Oh so you’ve forgiven me for the old comment then.” Lucy playfully murmurs.
“You shush… unless you’re moaning.”