Work Text:
“Hey, would you mind house sitting for me while I’m at this conference?” Tim looks over at Lucy. “Kojo would be very happy if you did.”
Lucy had already planned on saying yes even before he threw Kojo into it. “I would love to.” She says easily and she can see Tim visibly relaxing. Their relationship has been different lately, but not in a bad way. It’s actually been even better than ever. She’s been flirting more and maybe doing this will give them the push they need to finally get it together.
“Wait, really?” Tim grins and claps his hands together.
“Yes, really. I get to spend time with Kojo and make sure no idiots mess with your house.” Tim feels much better than he did. The conference is for a week and he didn’t want to rely on dog walks or have to board Kojo. “It’s really a win-win for me. I also don’t have to deal with any loud apartment noises for a week.”
Tim knows she hasn’t enjoyed being in the apartment the last few months, especially after Jackson. “Have I told you lately that you’re my favorite person?” The butterflies in her stomach start to race again.
“Not recently, but you always can.” She teases and he rolls his eyes. They are called to a scene and will figure the rest out later. By the time their shift is done, they’re both exhausted. Tim has to leave in two days.
“When did you want me to come over?” Lucy asks Tim when they walk to their cars that night.
He looks at her. “Whenever you want. We have to work tomorrow, but you’re more than welcome to come over after shift.” Please come tomorrow though so I can spend some time with you before I leave. The thoughts run through his head.
Lucy squeezes his hand. “I think that’s best for Kojo too. Goodnight Tim.”
“Goodnight Lucy.” He watches her get in her car and drive away. His heart is racing because this is his chance to finally get what he wants. This training is for Metro, which is where he’s transferring too. It’s a great career opportunity for him, but most importantly, he will be out of Lucy’s chain of command. When Lucy does get home that night, she comes up with a plan and can’t wait to set it into motion.
Lucy leaves the station before Tim the next day. He has some things to finish up before being out for the week. It gives her time to bring everything she packed into the house without too many questions from Tim. Kojo greets her and he is very excited. “There’s my boy. Did you miss me? I missed you.” She gives him belly rubs and butt scratches before letting him outside to go to the bathroom.
After Lucy puts her things away, she goes outside and watches Kojo chasing a squirrel. The view in Tim’s backyard is one she will never tire of. It’s one of her favorite things. “You know, I’m beginning to think that you only said yes for my backyard.”
Tim’s voice startles her. “Would you complain if I said yes?” She loves messing with him and seeing him all flustered. “You’re cute when you’re like this.”
Tim rolls his eyes. “I’ll feed Kojo the burger that I brought home for you.”
Lucy places her hand over her heart. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Kojo, are you hungry?” She places her hand over his mouth.
“Jerk.” She mumbles, but he can hear the teasing ladled in her voice.
“And yet, you stick around.” Tim retorts and they head inside to eat their dinner. Once they finish eating, Lucy helps Tim pack for the week. He has to leave early to make it to Sacramento on time.
“Okay, you’re all packed. You need a good night of sleep Timothy.” Lucy says sternly. He knows that his face goes red at her words.
“Yes ma’am.” Lucy shivers when she hears his words. She starts to walk to the guest room. “I don’t even get a cuddle buddy tonight?” Tim looks at her and she laughs.
“Do you want a cuddle buddy?” He nods his head and she walks over to him. “You just needed to ask nicely.”
Tim grabs her hand and tugs her towards his room. They both slide into his bed and it’s probably the most comfortable bed she’s slept on in a while. “Why didn’t you tell me how comfortable your mattress is? I never want to leave.” Tim’s arms wrap around her and she pretty much fits perfectly. “Mmm much better.”
“Night Lucy.” She is asleep within minutes and Tim knows that he should sleep, but eyes his land on her. “You’re the best thing to ever happen to me.” He says quietly before kissing her forehead and going to sleep.
The next morning, Lucy makes sure that Tim has coffee ready to go. “You’re the only person I would ever wake up for at this hour.” It’s five in the morning and she is not the biggest morning person.
Tim pulls his bag out of his room and smiles at her. “Well I feel special.”
“You are special.” Her eyes twinkle and she hands him the coffee mug. “I’m letting you take my favorite coffee mug too. I will be with you the entire trip.” She grins.
Tim shakes his head and hugs her. “I need to go, but thank you for my coffee and thank you for staying here.”
“Of course Tim. Just know your bed and clothes are now mine.” Lucy smirks.
“And I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Tim says easily. She watches him leave and Kojo seems confused. “Come on boy. Why don’t you sleep in your daddy’s bed with me?”
Kojo trots to Tim’s room and jumps in the bed. Lucy cuddles with him and falls back asleep easily. She takes a few pictures of them in Tim’s bed and decides to send them later. The next five days go by quickly and Lucy’s been busy. She has a surprise for Tim when he gets back.
To Tim
We miss you.
She sends the text of her and Kojo on the couch.
From Tim
I miss you both too, but someone’s not supposed to be on the furniture.
To Tim
You know you don’t mind. You’re a big softy.
Lucy grins and doesn’t hear from Tim for a bit. When her phone does go off, she smiles widely.
From Tim
I’m finally on my way home. I can’t wait to see you both.
It’s just after three and decides that she will cook dinner for him. Lucy calls him to confirm where he is and then starts dinner. She has steak and will make her homemade mashed potatoes. The garage opens just as she finishes plating the food and she is very excited.
Tim walks inside and as soon as he sees her, he smiles. “Wow, what did I do to deserve this?”
Lucy shrugs her shoulders. “I wanted to do something nice for you. I made your favorite.”
His mouth waters and the food smells amazing. “Let me put my bag in my room.” Did she buy me new plates? I don’t recognize those. Tim wonders to himself.
He walks in his room and it smells just like Lucy. He throws the bag on the bed and then goes to the bathroom. She has overtaken one side of the sink and he really doesn’t even mind. He loves seeing Lucy’s things beside his.
He goes to change and is confused when he sees some of Lucy’s things in one of his drawers. “Someone really made themselves at home.” He chuckles to himself. “Stop being an idiot and tell her how you feel.”
When Tim walks back to the kitchen, Lucy’s set both plates out. “Thank you for cooking for me. It’s been a long week and I am really glad that you’re still here.”
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” She sits down next to him. Tim moans when he takes his first bite.
“Damn Lucy. You’ve outdone yourself.” She seems very proud of herself and shoves his shoulder with her’s.
“I’m full of surprises Tim.” He absolutely loves seeing the smile on her face. After dinner, she tells him to relax and even shower. He chooses to go outside with Kojo while Lucy cleans up. By the time she’s done, he’s still outside. She goes and wraps her arm around his while laying her head on his shoulder. “There’s nothing better than this.”
Tim looks down at her. “Nothing at all.” She feels his eyes on her and looks up. “Lucy, there’s something I need to tell you.” She licks her lips, worriedly. Tim turns so he’s facing her. “You are my favorite person. I love coming home to you and I love the days we spent together. You brought the light back into my life. I’m done hiding behind these walls. I have fallen in love with you Lucy. I want to spend every single day with you. I loved being able to have you in my arms the other night. You’re incredible and you’re caring.”
Lucy’s eyes are glistening with tears. “I’ve fallen in love with you too, Tim Bradford. That’s why I do what I do for you. You deserve everything good. You’ve helped me grow in so many ways. You’re my favorite person.” Tim looks at her with nothing but love in his eyes. He cups her cheek and kisses her. It’s even better than either of them could have imagined.
Tim opens his eyes and smiles at her. “You’re pretty perfect.” Lucy’s hands land on his chest.
“So are you.” The rain starts and Kojo runs back into the house. “Why don’t you go shower and then we can cuddle some more?” Tim actually pouts and Lucy laughs. “Or not?”
“Lucy, I’m a little selfish. I don’t want to do anything else, but I do want to shower with you. I want to feel your skin against mine.” Lucy grabs his hand and easily agrees. Tim can’t think when he sees her naked for the first time. “I will never be able to keep my hands off of you again now that I know what’s underneath.”
Lucy knows that she blushes. “You’re not too bad yourself, Bradford.” Their shower is wonderful and it is nice to just hold each other.
By the time they’re done, Lucy only throws one of Tim’s shirts on. He throws on a pair of sweatpants and nothing else. Lucy grabs his back and starts unpacking. “What are you doing, beautiful?”
“I am unpacking your bag. Don’t worry, I’m good at it.” It’s an odd thing to say, but Tim doesn’t argue. “Why don’t you go grab some snacks for our movie?”
He does and Lucy finishes with what she’s doing fairly quickly. They enjoy their at home date night and Lucy curls into Tim before bed again.
Tim wakes up before her the next morning and admires her. He finally slips out of bed and goes to make coffee. He keeps seeing more of Lucy’s things and he’s confused. When Tim goes to his spare room, it’s been overtaken. Now he’s really not sure what’s going on. He decides to talk to Lucy after breakfast.
Lucy pads to the kitchen about thirty minutes later. “The smell of pancakes woke me up and you did not disappoint.” Tim grins at her.
“Well, I have a fancy new pan to make them in.” He sees Lucy go red. “I seem to be finding a lot of new things around.”
“Hmmm.” Lucy says and takes her first sip of coffee. “This is perfect.”
“Lucy.” Tim’s in front of her and she can’t believe that she gets to have him this way. “Did you move some stuff here while I was gone?” He is teasing and she can tell.
She shrugs her shoulders. “I moved all of my stuff in while you were gone.” His jaw drops and he doesn’t speak. “I was taking matters into my own hands.” She isn’t sure how he is because of his reaction. “Are you-”
Tim pulls her in for a kiss, breakfast forgotten. “That’s the second best news I’ve gotten in the last few days.”
“You’re not mad?” She asks nervously.
“I’m happier than I’ve ever been. I would have asked you anyway because I never want to sleep alone again.” Lucy’s laugh vibrates against his chest. “Well you’re stuck with me now.” She takes a piece of pancake and shoves it in her mouth.
“Good.” He kisses her again. “Best surprise ever.”