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Finally, the day Lucy had been waiting for was here. Today was the day she would take the Sergeants Exam. She was feeling confident, which was much welcomed after the whole detectives exam debacle.
Which meant today was also the start of her forever. Technically they had to wait until the results were out, which could take a couple weeks but they both knew they didn’t want to wait any longer.
Waking up to the sound of her alarm, she groaned by rolled over to quickly silence it. Her exam wasn’t until noon and she had decided to go into work for a few hours to keep her mind busy, even though Grey had offered her the day off.
Deciding to finally start her day, she crawled out of bed and went into the bathroom to take a shower. Finding that she had no appetite, she had enough time to wash and blow dry her hair.
•••
Once she got to the station, she did a quick glance but didn’t see the person she was looking for so she headed for the locker room to change out.
Walking out, she had her face buried in her phone watching a clip tok video Celina had sent her when she practically crashed into someone.
“Woah, you okay there Luce?” She looks up to see Tim smiling down at her as places his hands on her arms to steady here.
“Sorry, didn’t see you there,” she smiles as a blush appears on her cheeks.
“I got you some tea and a muffin. I know you didn’t eat this morning.” She gladly accepts the two items from him.
“How did you—“ she doesn’t even finish what she’s saying before he interrupts.
“Because I know you. You need to eat if you’re going to ace that exam.”
“Thanks,” she says as they making their way to the roll call room.
They walk in and take their seats next to Nolan who is already seated. He turns to both of them, greeting them. “Is today your exam, Lucy?”
“Yes, I go in at noon.”
“Well, good luck. I can’t wait to start taking orders from you.” He says honestly with a smile.
Before Lucy could say anything else to him, Grey walks in and immediately starts addressing the group. She slightly turns to Nolan mouthing a thanks before she turned forward again.
“Alright everyone, nothing special today. Juarez you’ll be riding solo today as Chen has her exam later and will be in house until then. No loan outs or special assignments. Be safe everyone.” He gives them all a nod before walking out of the room.
“Not sure if I’ll make it back in time, so incase I don’t good luck with your test! I know you’ll kill it.” Celina gives her an excited thumbs up before walking off to get her gear.
“Boot, go get the gear and meet me in the shop.” Tim’s voice is softer than it normally is to Miles. The rookie gives them a nod before catching up to Celina.
Tim turns to Lucy, “I have no doubt in my mind you’re going to pass with flying colors. Just remember to breathe and not get too much in your head.”
She rolls her eyes but chuckles, “You know me so well.”
“Too well. I gotta go, but text me when you’re done?”
“I will,” the blush on her cheeks returns as she gives him a smile.
•••
The test was done and while she wouldn’t get the results for a while, she was feeling confident she passed. Between their study dates and going out on the streets with him, Tim did such a great job helping her prepare.
She had texted him to let him know she thought it went well and offered to buy him dinner tonight as a thank you. After some back and forth, him trying to argue he should buy, they settled on her picking up takeout and eating at his house.
She still had a few hours until he would get off but decided to head over to his house anyways. She wanted to take Kojo for a nice, long walk. The weather was finally nice enough and she could use some fresh air.
Losing track of time, she was walking along the street on the sidewalk, Kojo at her side smelling just about every tree he could. She saw a truck start to slow down ahead out of the corner of her eyes, her cop eyes now on alert. It came to a full stop just a few feet ahead of her. She was about to move farther to the right to create distance when she heard someone’s voice yelling to her.
“You need a ride?” Kojo realized it before she did. He starts pulling Lucy towards the truck and she realizes it’s Tim. He gets out and shuts his door just in time for Kojo to pull out of Lucy’s grip and run at him.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” Lucy asks as she’s now standing in front of him.
“Down Kojo,” he says to the dog who is excitedly trying to jump on him. “I was on my way home from work and saw you two walking. If you want to keep walking that’s fine, but we’re a ways from home so figured I’d offer a ride.”
“We’d love a ride. I kind of just kept walking and Kojo didn’t seem to mind,” she shrugs.
“Hop in, we can pick up food on the way,” he says as he’s opening the back door to let Kojo in. Lucy rounds the truck to hop in the passenger side.
Somehow, even though they had agreed she would pay for dinner, he pulled out his card and gave it to the worker before she had a chance. She just shook her head but expressed her gratitude, nonetheless.
•••
After their takeout was eaten, they sat on the couch watching Top Chef and talking about their days. Tim had a long day with Penn and Lucy was telling him what questions she got on the exam. Neither had noticed as the night went on, the distance between them kept getting smaller.
Suddenly, Tim reaches over for the remote and pauses the show. Confused, Lucy turns to him. He holds up a finger telling her to wait while he gathers his thoughts.
“You know… I wouldn’t mind dating in secret again.” He smirks at her.
“What are you getting at?” She returns the smirk, knowing what he’s thinking but wants to hear him say it.
“I’m saying, I want to get back together with you. I don’t want to wait any longer, to wait for your results.”
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” She asks honestly.
“Why wouldn’t it be? It shouldn’t be too long until you get your results and until then… we just act like nothing has changed between us. Nobody has to know.”
“Hmm.. let me think about that,” she teases. He rolls his eyes but can’t hide the smile on his face. “Tim, of course I don’t want to wait any longer either.”
“So we’re really doing this?” He asks eagerly grabbing her hand and giving it a squeeze.
“We are.” She smiles proudly before leaning in to give him a kiss.
“You’re it for me, Lucy Chen. I’m never letting you go again,” he says against her lips before he kisses her again.
“You better not.”