Work Text:
Tonight, everyone was attending the Gala to support the Los Angeles Police Department. To say Tim Bradford was anxious would be an understatement. Things between him and Lucy were finally getting to be “okay” again. They were back to being friendly and even at times, flirty.
Therapy and the support group were really helping him finally start to put the pieces to his life back together. The biggest piece however, he didn’t have back quite yet. But hopefully that would change soon. Lucy was the love of his life and he needs her to know that. He needs her to know if she gives him another chance, it’ll be worth it. Tim has told Lucy that she deserves someone worth the effort, and he finally believes that he is.
•••
Tim walked into the hotel where the Gala was being held in a navy blue suit. His eyes immediately began scanning the room looking for Lucy. He couldn’t see her but instead saw Angela and Wesley so he headed over to them.
More of their friends began to join their circle, but still no Lucy. He figured she was probably still getting ready with Celina. He looked down at his watch, not even realizing what he was doing… or who was watching.
“She’ll be here. Calm down.” Angela elbows him.
“That’s not what I was doing. I just want to get back to the room and was wondering when this thing was going to start.” He grumbles, hoping she doesn’t continue to prod, even if she was right.
Turning back to his conversation with James, he was soon interrupted by Lucy and Celina walking over. Of course, his eyes immediately went to Lucy.
They were matching. Somehow they both were wearing navy blue. Because of course they were… even after all this time, they were still on the same wavelength.
“Well, I’m going to go check everything out.” Nolan says pointing to the tables where you can bid on items.
Somehow, everyone decided to join him leaving only Tim and Lucy. There was definitely some awkward silence at first, until Tim cleared his throat.
“You look beautiful, Lucy.” She couldn’t help but smile and blush.
“Thank you. You of course looking handsome.”
“Thank you. You want a drink?” He asks looking towards the bar. She doesn’t say anything but rather just nods her head.
They walk over, order their drinks, which Tim of course insists on buying. Lucy thanks him before Celina is calling her over to look at something. She gives him a quick smile before walking off.
Tim decides to look at the items himself. One particular thing catches his eye. A weekend getaway to New York City for two. He can’t help but imagine him and Lucy together in the city. They’ve talked about going together many times before. He puts his name and bid amount down before walking away.
•••
Later in the evening, everyone was still mingling. Tim hadn’t talked to Lucy as much as he would like to, but he’s enjoyed just watching her let loose with their friends.
Tim was talking to Nolan in the hallway when they heard commotion. Turning their heads to where it was coming from, they found two men arguing, not far from where they were standing. He was just glad to see it wasn’t one of their guys.
Sighing, Tim walks over to try to breakup it up before it turned physical.
“Walk away, man.” Tim says to one of the guys.
“Mind your business!” The guy shot back.
“I said walk away!” Tim is a little louder now.
“Shut up.” Next thing Tim knows, he’s being shoved on the ground. Fortunately, a few more people have caught on and have now gotten the men apart as well as away from Tim.
“You alright, man?” Nolan asks concerned.
“Yeah, I’m good.” He starts walking towards the ballroom, where the rest of their group is.
“Tim, the back of your neck is bleeding.” Nolan says alarmed.
“I’m going to run to the room to clean it up.”
Nolan heads back in and immediately Lucy notices Tim isn’t with him.
“Where’s Tim?”
“He tried to break up a fight in the hallway and his neck is bleeding. He’s cleaning it up.” Nolan shrugs and starts talking to Bailey.
Lucy has this strong urge to go check on him. She looks around and quietly excuses herself.
Turns out, this hotel is bigger than she thought. She had no idea really where he would be. They had all decided to stay the night but she didn’t know what room he was staying in. Pulling out her phone, she decided to take a chance and text him.
Lucy: where are you?
A few seconds later, she saw he was typing.
Tim: Room 211
She made her way upstairs before finding his room. Right next to hers… what a coincidence. She goes to knock on the door but stops herself. Why was she nervous? Things have been getting so much better between them.
Putting her nerves aside, she knocks. It only takes him a few seconds to open the door. He’s standing on the other side, shirtless. She practically had to stop herself from drooling.
“Are you okay?” She finally asks.
“Yeah. Just a little scrap. I’ll be fine.”
“Tim, I know it’s hard for you, but you have to let other people help you. You don’t have to act like everything is okay. Not in front of me.”
“You’re right, Luce. I’m sorry… for everything.” He looks down at his shoes.
“I know. I’m waiting for you, Tim.”
“What do you mean?” He asks confused.
“I don’t want anyone else. I want you and I will wait as long as you need.” She gives him a weak smile.
“I’m getting there, Lucy. I am. I just want to be the man you deserve.” She reaches out her hand, he takes it and gives it a squeeze.
“Oh Tim! Your neck is really bleeding.”
“Yeah, I was trying to clean it up but it’s in an awkward place for me to reach.”
“Here. Let me help you.” She reaches for the towel to get it wet and clean it off.
“I have some bandaids in my bag that’s on the counter.” He says.
“Of course you do,” she jokes. “Here, hold the towel here while I grab one.” He does and she walks into the bathroom, opening his bag. Inside, she sees his cologne. Her favorite cologne. She snapped out of it, grabbing a bandaid before walking back out to him.
He moves the towel so she can cover up the cut. After she’s done, she moves so she’s facing him. He’s still shirtless of course and that has her feeling all hot and flustered. Something happens between them in that moment, as if they can feel the energy shift.
“Luce—“
“Shut up and kiss me.”
“Are… are you sure?” He asks. Of course he wants this but he also wants to respect her boundaries.
“Yes… no. I don’t know.” He can feel her start to panic so he puts both of his hands on her shoulders.
“Lucy. We don’t have to do this. I want nothing more than to kiss you but I totally understand if you’re not ready.”
“We shouldn’t.” She says quietly. Tim can’t help but feel slightly disappointed.
“But I still want to.” She smirks.
“Yeah?” He asks, smirking himself.
Their first kiss is just a sweet, meaningful but quick kiss. The look on Lucy’s eyes after they pull apart tells Tim she’s longing for more. Of course he is too so he goes in for another that quickly turns into a heated make-out session.
Neither know, or care how long they had been kissing but they are rudely interrupted when Tim’s phone starts ringing. He looks at it to see it’s Angela, he grumbles but answers it anyways.
“Yeah?” Is all the says.
“Where are you? I’m assuming with Lucy?”
“She was just helping me clean up and get bandaged.”
“I’m sure she was,” he can practically see her smirking. “Well anyways, quit kissing and get back down here. They’re announcing the winners soon.”
He knows it’s not even worth fighting it with her, so he thanks her and hangs up.
The two quickly freshened up before finding their way back in the ballroom. They took their seats and listened as the auction results began.
Nobody from their group won… except for Tim. The trip to New York was announced with Tim as the highest bid. He couldn’t help but look over at Lucy who was sitting on the other side of the table. She was already smiling at him, he gave her a wink while smiling himself.