#5x18 Double Trouble | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

bronx-bomber87 · 1 year ago

Text

Happy Saturday all :) We only have 5 eps left in this season. I can’t believe it. 17 days to the premiere. Well 18 for me since I don't have cable just Hulu but still. Ahhh the Dim and Juicy Ep. I remember the 3 week hiatus to get to it was the worst. Felt like we had a lot of extended breaks in S5. Drove me insane. But anything is better than the one we’re coming out of now ha I’ll take 3 weeks over 9 months any day heh.

I liked the parallel in this how unhealthy Jake/Sava were. And how solid Tim and Lucy are. I mean Dim And Juicy were a mess. My god the man cheated on her more than once. They are not relationship goals lol I enjoyed them nonetheless though. I know Eric and Melissa had a blast filming this. Did my best to get everything in. Content heavy one. Let us get started.

5x18 Double Trouble

We hit the ground running in this one. Sava is waiting for Jake outside of prison. He’s getting released due to overcrowding. Not because he was good LOL Even Sava makes a crack it wasn't that. Been serving about 6 months for the drug charge got in 4x22. It’s a trip to watch them. We get all the benefits of Melissa and Eric’s chemistry inside another couple. It's wild. Sava all but squee's when she see's Jake which is pretty cute.

They launch themselves at each other once he’s free. All kisses and hands. Saying how much they missed each other. All the chemistry and swaying cuteness that comes with them. This scene is pretty cute to watch. They do look like they are so in love which makes what Jake does later so confusing and awful tbh. He greets her friend Lisa with a hug and you can see Sava breaks it up pretty quickly.

Sava brings Jake back to her side. Asking what he wants to do first? Being the classy gentlemen he is saying she knows what. Ha Horny horn dogs. I do love it though. it’s like getting the most reckless AU version of Tim and Lucy. Although they wouldn’t cheat so it’s not entirely accurate lol Sava asking him if he wants to go straight? Jake replying 'Nah, screw that. Let's be bad.'

This leads us into the documentary. Shots of Jake and Sava during it. My god they are sex crazed af. I think that’s why everyone loved watching them though. heh They legit were gonna make a sex tape and got caught LOL I remember being so excited and confused as to what this episode was going to be ha. All I knew was going to be a documentary one and I always have a soft spot for these ones.

We start off with Lucy getting mic’d up. She looks way more nervous this time around. Why you ask? Her person isn’t with her. Her safe space and grounding force is missing. She even asks why she can’t be interviewed with him? They want their POV's to be separate this time. It’s so sweet she misses him and needs his presence to calm her nerves. This makes me so happy I cannot.

We watch her take a deep breathe knowing they have to be apart. They ask how Lucy knew of Jake Butler in the first place? Lucy goes on to explain about Tamara’s car and drugs they found in it. Which led them to Jake. They bring up the fact he and Tim look alike. Tim is already grumpy and hates these damn things. What happens when you remove him away from his sunshine human.

He’s extra grumpy. It shows in his very first shot. His body language screaming how much he doesn’t want to be here. The crossed arms (mmm hello biceps.) Tim defiantly saying how they don’t look the same at all. Refusing to believe they are anything alike. Other than looks Jake is the complete opposite of everything Tim is for sure. He’s so sassy and salty when the director says they’re identical. ‘Says you.’ Oh my love. I adore you.

They come at Lucy with both barrels about being Dim and Juicy for their OP in 'Double Down.' Knowing their ‘pretend’ intimacy was so much more than that. Lucy looks like she’s getting overwhelmed poor thing. She tries to divert it back to what they accomplished with their OP. Not the fact that they were UC together as a couple. The director presses more asking if that’s when her and Tim became intimate?

There’s a reason they pulled Tim from her for these questions. He would’ve knocked this guy out for them being so personal. Also for making her feel uncomfortable asking them. She can’t even look the man in the face when she says this BS line about pretending. Cause it’s utter crap and she knows it. Yeah they were in other relationships at the time. To quote Angela from 5x01 ‘All true. Not what I asked.’

Lucy defending them both. Saying they didn’t get together until they were both single. Which is true and I am eternally grateful for. Do love her making sure everyone knows this. That they didn’t do anything untoward during their OP. Cause they wouldn’t while in relationships. Not who they are. They were damn close but didn't. Why they are the opposite of Jake/Sava. The director says he wants to dial in on that. Lucy becoming agitated asking do we really have to?

These questions clearly getting under her skin. The director noting it’s astronomical they would even meet the both of them. Let alone have both Jake/Sava together and her and Tim as well in a relationship. Before she can answer Tim interrupts says interview is over. She asks what's wrong? He tells her not here.. Lucy thinking it’s linked to questions she’s being asked. I love him holding the door for her as they leave. Ever the gentlemen.

The closeness and height difference is glorious in this shot. You can tell when they’re alone by her body language Lucy goes into calm down Tim mode. Her hand reaching out for his and subtly touching it. Thinking she has to get him to settle down for hearing those questions. Before Lucy can talk Tim explains why he removed her. Has nothing to do with that. He pulled her over because Jake has gone missing. Doesn’t want to do police work in front of the cameras. Saying Nolan and Celia got missing persons call and it’s about Jake. Lucy is shocked saying 'What?'

Nolan and Celina show up and Sava is freaking out cause Jake is missing. The director asks why Jake and Sava are at a mansion in Beverley Hills? We find out they’ve been casing rich families. Taking over jobs like handy man, nanny etc so they can live in these fancy houses and steal their stuff. It’s pretty smart despite being awful LOL This last family needed a handy man. Jake beats the crap out of the current one. Strong arms his way into taking his job.

I do love seeing how tall he is in that camera shot. mmm. Tall drink of water that man. Jeans and a leather jacket? Yum. Gimme. Luckily this family needed a nanny as well. So they both fit right into this scenario. Angela saying Sava slid right in LMAO I’m dying at Wes’s reaction. They’re so cute I can’t stand it. I do love me some Wopez. He tells her that's a really descriptive way to say it HA These documentaries always produce the funniest little moments like this. Why I love these and have a soft spot for them.

We return to Nolan’s and Celina questioning Sava. She is still panicking. Saying this is why she didn't want to call the cops. Nolan noting because they're doing something illegal? She tries to defend their jobs there. That they're "straight" now. John gets her back on track by saying Jake disappeared? We cut to another video slash moment. Sava and her videos ha it is super cute how he looks at the camera. That smile we all love. Jake saying she needs to remind him to erase security footage. My god they’re sex bunnies LMFAO. He gets up to grab another beer and asks if she wants anything? She said lobster salad.

The ass tap he gives her on his way to get another beer. my goodness. I love it. Reeling over here. Don't worry about me. They must’ve had so much fun filming this. I mean Eric mentioned it was one of fav eps of the season. The BTS they did leading up to his showed how much they enjoyed it. Her little dance after he says he’ll get her lobster salad. Haha Sava just living her best life in this moment and it’s showing. Sadly this is the last time Jake is seen alive on camera.

We find out Jake took off and never told Sava where he was going. Which is heartbreaking. Because she clearly loved this man very much. Moral compass or not she loved Jake. That gets them on the topic of lying and secrets in a relationship. They ask her if Tim and her keep secrets? Lucy says nothing big.

That honesty is the most important thing in a relationship. Cutting to Tim and his reply I’m rolling. Eric killing it in this episode with his sarcasm. The king delivers once again. I mean he’s not wrong he is sitting there because of her secret. Well intentioned secret though LOL One born out of love. This one was funnier than the other two I thought. Just lots of funny/punchy bits like this one. I enjoyed it so much.

We return to station. Aaron’s calling in he found a body. That it’s Tim. The expressions in this scene are primo. First off Lucy and Celina's confusion is hysterical. Standing next to him and hearing this when he's very much not. Tim looks so annoyed Aaron couldn’t tell it wasn’t him LOL Also irritated at the thought of being dead. Like he's insulted he would ever be dead in a dumpster haha Oh Tim I love you so much.Like Aaron you’re all looking for Jake and your mind goes to Tim LMAO Never gonna live this down my dude....

Tim grabbing Lucy’s radio off her hip is doing things to me. I also adore the looks when he does. She just allows it only looking down. Such a deep level of comfortability in this action too. Lucy doesn’t react at all. Just used to Tim and his antics. It’s the little glances through out this portion love too. Tim's look into the camera cracking up as well. Like this friggin dope thinking i'm dead... His face the literal version of SMH ha I loved this mini moment so much.

They ask Tim if it was disconcerting he saw a version of himself dead in the dumpster? Being Tim he’s not going to show a documentary crew of all people his vulnerability. That’s reserved for one person and one person only. We shoot back to Lucy who says she has nightmares. God I can only imagine the nightmares seeing that produced for her though. Even though it wasn’t him you know she carried that with her when they left.

I bet you she had nightmares that night and Tim had to soothe her. Damn that would be good fic... LOL Anyways they ask Lucy if she thinks Tim has nightmares? Lucy tells them no but he’s been doing the job longer. I love her defending his high walls though. Saying why they’re in place. Not wanting them to judge him for it. Refusing to let anyone cast a negative light on him.

The director asks if she’s jealous he can turn it off like that? Lucy’s answer is great because it’s very her. Telling them No. Personally she needs to feel for people it’s who she is. I totally get that I am a massive empath. It’s how I connect with people as well. It has it's downsides it’s true but worth it in the end. When they ask her bout his walls being an issue? I LOVE her smile. Because those walls have never really been an issue. A challenge for Lucy yes in slowly breaking his down over the years. But never an obstacle for them.

We all know she saw behind his walls very early on in their relationship. Saw the man hiding behind that wall. Tim has been a soft marshmallow for her for YEARS. Legit years. Why she has zero hesitation in her reply. He was soft for her long before they got together. It’s just now he allows himself to fully be this way openly and he’s ok with it. Well when they’re alone he is. Of course he’s going to be rough and grumpy with the crew. They’re not his person. Nor would he ever tell them he was soft for her.

That's not Tim Bradford at all. But his actions speak louder than his words ever could. You have to earn that out of him though. Lucy earned it million times over. Why she is the only one who gets to see it. Does crack me up the way the director says. ‘No sir....’ After Tim asks him if he looks like a big softy? You know Tim loved instilling that fear in him. He may be super gone for his wife. But he’ll be damned if he doesn’t command fear and respect around everyone else. These two the epitome of Grumpy x Sunshine per usual. Tim is hard ass unless you’ve made past his wall. He loves Lucy most so she gets all the soft goodies haha

Sava shows the director a video she’s scared to share with the team after being questioned. Thinking they’re gonna use it against her. It’s a video of them driving around being all cute. Saying I love you to the camera and such. But then get run off the road in an attempt to kill them. Their car gets totaled and Jake has them bail completely. Car and everything they leave behind. They were able to locate the car for evidence after they see this.

They couldn’t get anything from the car scrapings unfortunately. Had the most common paint out there. So another layer was added to this mystery. Who was the driver? Sava then gets a text threatening her about an item she had no idea about. One that needed to be delivered. It was sent to her and Jake. The texts went on to be violent in nature toward Sava. So it was time for Lucy to go UC to figure this out. Meet up with this person threatening her.

Thanks to Lucy’s UC Op the SL finally has some answers. The guy contacting them was related to Jake they were cousins. He was into some shady stuff and was an international arms dealer. This where I really feel bad for Sava. She had no idea about these back ally dealings he was doing. Not only that but he was cutting her out of the deal on top of it. That Jake targeted this family for a specific reason and she had no idea. Makes me sad when she says she thought he loved her oof.

That she knew him. Pretty sad. We find out later through Sava. That Jake always had a burner phone. They were able to get that number through this whole thing with the shady cousin. It’s where we find out Jake was cheating on Sava. Again….Lucy calling him the Shakespeare of sexting LOL They ask her if she’ll read some of them? It’s adorable how flustered she gets. Saying she can’t her Nana would be watching this. HA

The director does the dumbest thing he could do. Asking Tim if he would read some? Like did you really think that was gonna happen bud? Like really? His reply of if Lucy wasn’t gonna he sure as hell wasn’t going to. Telling him to take that away from him. Have you not paid attention at all in these documentaries? Why would they think asking was a good idea? LMFAO Mess with the bull gonna get the horns people.

We find out the person Jake was cheating on Sava with was Lisa. Her best friend…Like damn it’s bad enough to cheat but with her best friend? God…As douchey as it gets on his part. Jake breaks up with her via text but Lisa can’t handle the fact he was choosing Sava. It’s when everything comes together. We find out she tried to run them off the road and kill them. When that failed she asks for Jake’s forgiveness. Wanting to meet up. When he showed up she killed him immediately and dumped his body. Shit….That's a seriously scorned women right there.

This next portion is the definition Grumpy x Sunshine. They ultimately decide not to charge Sava with anything. The director asking what Lucy thinks of this? She of course gives the softest, most empathetic, and hopeful answer. Because it’s Lucy Chen. She exudes all that in her decision making. It is her super power after all. Naturally her answer was geared towards a second chance. Thinking maybe this will put Sava on the right path.

We cut to Tim saying ‘Of course she said that.’ He knows his girl so well. What’s so great here is his expression as he says it. That smile of his when he says that line. We all know one of the reasons he fell for her is that sunshine. That empathy and her seeing the best in people. She charmed her way into his heart with it. He truly does admire her for it. You can see the fond affection his face and tone when he says this.

He may not agree with her but he loves that about her. The man loves her so much even when he’s being sassy it comes off as affectionate. It's the first time we see him smile this episode. Why? He’s talking about Lucy. She brings it out in him. She melts him even without even being present. Just the thought of her and he lights up. Her compassion is one of his fav things about her. Gah they cute.

They finally get to to be interviewed together. It’s the best part of the episode. Director not wasting any time with his first question. Asking them if they’re worried cause their doppelgänger relationship was so dysfunctional? Lucy once again seeing the best in them. Telling him it was an unfair characterization of them. That Jake cheated not only that but cut her out of a gun deal after that. Not healthy in the least but to her not dysfunctional.

I adore how riled up Tim is with his questions. Protective Tim has entered this conversation. Getting very agitated with what he’s implying. Look at how Lucy looks at Tim as he goes off on his rant. She loves this man sitting next to her. Grumpy rants and all. The amount of affection on her face as he continues his tangent. She could watch him go off all day. My heart. The director saying he thinks it's reasonable question. Tim doesn't agree and tells him off. Saying they’re working too hard. Ha I love him.

Tim continues on (very passionately might I add) about separating their relationship from Jake/Sava’s. Want's to make it VERY clear they are nothing like those two. That the only thing they share is looks. He is so offended he would even compare the two. I mean it’s true. They’re not on the same planet as Tim and Lucy. Lucy continues to look at her man with serious heart eyes. Her smile giving me all the feels.

She is loving his fierce defense of them as a couple. Saying Jake/Sava based their lives on deceit. Of course it infected their relationship. He’s not wrong…This next bit gets me all in my feels. The way he looks over at Lucy. A real genuine smile just for her. Look at his smile. I'm a puddle. He is the absolute softest for her. *heart clutch*

Saying they’re in a very different place. His passionate defense is of them is sexy if you ask me. Also look how different he is with her by his side. Sharing more than he's been doing in his previous interviews. Being a little vulnerable cause she’s there with him. More than he has the entire episode. I cannot. This makes my heart so happy.

The look on Lucy’s face when they ask what place they’re in? She is also ready to throw down with them. Incensed they would even ask that. Her reply is perfection. Saying ‘If you don’t know, then you haven’t been paying attention.’ I remember thinking this was a shot at anyone complaining this season. (and I LOVED it) Which blew my mind btw whenever I saw it. Cause if you could be negative in a season this good what makes you happy? I remember unfollowing some people cause I didn't want their tainted vision in my feed. If you could look at their relationship and not see the beautiful progression you weren't watching the same season as me.

To not see what they’ve built to this point in the season. You are like Lucy said clearly not paying attention. I remember seeing some posts about not enough PDA, kisses or intimacy. (there was lots of intimacy btw just not straight up making out) You’re missing the point of the realistic healthy adult relationship that's being portrayed. They're not teenagers who will be angsty over nothing. These are people in a stage of their life where that nonsense isn't going to happen. Any angst they've had has been productive. If you came out of this episode thinking they needed to be more like Jake/Sava you missed the point entirely. Of this season really. They are not them.

The beauty of Lucy and Tim is in the small tender moments. The little things that add up to so much. Yes I love kisses and such don't get me wrong. God I love them. Will lose my mind over any in S6 no doubt. But there is so much more to a relationship than just that. The emotional intimacy and how they’ve grown together since 5x10 is unreal. The massive shift in Tim alone is enough to tell you how well written they are. What a healthy adult relationship looks like. Had their bumps along the way but what couples doesn’t? I just loved that line from Lucy. S5 is a game changer in the best way for them. If you can’t see it or how they've both grown together you clearly haven’t been paying attention. That line was amazing and I loved her saying as such.

The director takes shot at what place they're in. Coming up with some buzz words. As generic as he could possibly be. Lucy calls him out for it. Because it no where near describes what these two have. Tim is simmering as this guy continues to try and rile them up. I adore him ready to go off and Lucy immediately calms him with a single touch. That’s all takes for him to go from raging bull to heart eye Tim in an instant for her.

Tim was ready to thrown the hell down. I love protective Tim. Lucy taking the wheel in this moment is everything. Her touch basically saying she's got this. Looking directly at her man when she says this next line above. Also don’t think I didn’t see your eyes move to his lips madam. I do adore how she is looking at him. Exuding every ounce of love in her body for him as she speaks. They’re so in love make my heart hurt in the best way. Her eyes so full of warmth and affection for the man sitting next to her. They really are in a beautiful place. Making my shipper heart so very happy.

Tim’s sweet smiles as she rubs her thumb up and down his wrist in a soothing manner. I love it so very much. Never be over how she make's sure to keep eye contact as she calms him down. Tim also doesn't break his eye contact with her as she does this. They're killing me with all the shipper feels in this moment.

Let’s not forget her necklace on full display here. In this beautiful moment. Happy looks so damn good on them everyone. Another thing I love so much is how Tim lets her take over. He was ready to shut this down. Kick them out. She places her hand on his arm and he’s at peace. Lets her direct them from here on out. Only Lucy has the power to soothe him this quickly and effectively.

She’s calmed Tim down enough to have him rejoin the convo. Saying as police officer your future is never certain. Lucy adding on anything can happen at any time. Tim rolling it into kicking them out is amazing. Telling them straight up they’ve overstayed their welcome at this point. I mean they really have LOL Cracks me up how she turns her head towards him. Not really shocked but realizing he's over this now. Her smile is the best.

I love him pointing his finger. The shots at his relationship with Lucy were his breaking point. That is the most precious thing in world to him. Something so sacred. Why Lucy had to stop him from eating them lol Lucy’s reaction is the best. She loves this insane man sitting next to her so much. Her pushing his arm down like 'Ok babe that’s enough.' lmao. Such a wifey move to do that but also she knows Tim is at his limit. Tells them it's time to go now....

I love them instantly going into couple time mode once it's over. Lucy asking if he wants sushi? Tim saying how it’s perfect. Then looks back at them glaringly. Saying this place better be spotless when they get back. I love her escorting him out of the apt. Hand on his back directing him towards the front door before he pops off more. Such a married move. God damn I love them so much everyone. Fantastic ep from start to finish. ❤️

~~~~

Side notes-non chenford

Grey’s picture and how happy it makes him I love it so much. It’s so cute I can’t stand it.

He was so distraught when it was destroyed lol They replace it and it’s so sweet hilarious adorable thing for Grey.

Thank you to all my readers you make my entire day when you like, comment and reblog. Tis been a joy for me. See you all in 5x19 :)

76 notes · View notes

bluenet13 · 2 years ago

Text

A vision softly creeping (a The Rookie post 5x18 fic)

Dim's death haunts Lucy in ways she just can't shake. Fortunately, Tim is there to remind her that they're still in a beautiful place.

AO3

Lucy Chen opens her eyes, and all she sees is darkness. She raises a hand, but it only hits solid oak. She pushes, but the wood won't give. Taking in her surroundings in the dim light, she knows at once that she's inside a casket. The soft padding under and around her is an easy giveaway, along with the ornate wood that functions as a lid, and the rectangular shape of her prison. She can't remember what happened or how she got here, but the erratic beating of her heart tells her that this must be a terrible mistake because she's very much still alive.

The air around her feels stifling, lacking in oxygen. Breathing hurts, and she's beginning to feel dizzy. Absent-mindedly, she wonders if she's dying inside a barrel again, slowly running out of air, and her organs starting to shut down. The thought stops her growing panic and replaces it with a new sense of dread, and suddenly she's no longer inside the casket, but looking down at it. It's not a casket anymore; but a dumpster, and she's gazing down at Tim's lifeless body. His face is bruised and bloodied, his skin uncharacteristically pale, his features etched with fear and pain, and her panic comes back tenfold as she takes in the gunshot wound that took his life.

Lucy wakes up with a start, gasping for air. Her heart is pounding in her chest, her body covered in sweat, and she instantly knows she's had the dream again. She looks around the room, her eyes adjusting to the darkness as she tries to steady her breathing and stop her spiraling thoughts like she does every night. But it's no use this time. Nightmares had plagued her for weeks now, ever since the documentary and Jake's death, but this one had been too vivid, too real.

She closes her eyes and shakes her head, trying to shake off the remnants of the dream. But she can still see Tim's lifeless body lying in a dumpster, just like they had found Jake's, even though she can feel the strong arms of the real Tim wrapped around her and his soft breathing against the back of her neck.

"It isn't real," she whispers to herself.

"Tim is alive and well," she reminds her heart.

"We both made it out," she tells her brain. And for good measure, she pinches herself before turning around slowly to see Tim's face.

His eyes are closed, and he's smiling softly in his sleep. His chest rises up and down, and she knows he's alive - she's seeing it in front of her. But the image of Tim's body, or what she thought was his body, lingers in her mind. She tries to push it away and live in the moment, but ever since Aaron's fatal radio call, she's been tormented by the terrifying possibility of losing Tim. Her fears manifest in her mind almost every night, leaving her restless and haunted by the ghost of what could have been and could still be.

Eventually, she gets out of bed, carefully lifting Tim's arm off her body and extricating herself from his embrace. She turns back around before leaving the room and leans down, ghosting her lips over his forehead but not actually kissing him, so as to not wake him up.

Lucy stands in the kitchen, quietly making some tea to calm her nerves. She hopes the aroma and taste of her favorite peppermint and lavender will be enough to shake off the residual fear that still has her on edge. As she waits for the water to boil, she rubs her eyes, feeling the familiar exhaustion set in, and a heavy sigh escapes her lips.

Lost in her thoughts, Lucy doesn't hear Tim walking up to her, and nearly jumps out of her skin when his strong arms wrap around her.

"Hey, you scared me," she breathes out, surprised to see him there even though she should have expected it.

"Sorry." Tim's groggy and concerned voice comes from behind her. He presses a kiss on top of her head and settles his chin on her shoulder. "Just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Lucy leans back against Tim's body and meets his knowing smile with apprehension instead of relief. "I'm sorry I woke you," she says, hoping to avoid his probing questions. "I tried to be quiet."

"It's fine." Tim waves his hand, brushing off her concern, but Lucy can hear the worry in his tone. "But you didn't answer my question."

"I'm fine. Just tired," Lucy says automatically, hoping Tim will let it go. But of course, he doesn't.

Tim nods, and his smile falters slightly and he frowns, sensing her reluctance to open up. "Yeah, it's been a long week. But that's not what's going on here," he prods lightly.

Lucy smiles weakly, but a chill runs down her spine. She's not at all surprised that Tim can read her so well, but she wishes they didn't have to talk about it. She wishes even more that this wasn't affecting her so much.

They stand in silence for a moment, lost in their own thoughts, until Tim speaks up again. "Another nightmare?" he asks kindly, understanding written in his voice.

Lucy blows out a breath and nods, her eyes downcast as she fumbles with the tea bag. "You knew?"

"Of course, I know," Tim says simply, wrapping his arms around her tighter, holding her as close as humanly possible. "I wanted to give you space, to let you work it out on your own until you were ready to share. But I'm worried about you. This is the third nightmare this week."

Lucy nods again, unable to speak. Her voice is trapped in her throat, and the only thing that comes out is a choked sob. She turns around in Tim's arms and buries her face in his chest, holding onto him like a lifeline.

Tim rubs her back soothingly, his touch gentle and warm, and lets her cry. He stays quiet, but for the words he whispers in her ear, "Shh, it's okay. I'm sorry, Luce. I'm so sorry."

Lucy knows she's been holding everything inside for far too long, and in the comfort and safety of Tim's arms, she finally allows herself to release it all. The anguish and fear that have been building inside of her for weeks pour out in broken sobs, as she lets herself grieve the many versions of Tim she keeps losing in her dreams.

Eventually, Lucy's breathing evens out and she pulls away from Tim. She looks up at him, eyes puffy and bloodshot, her tears still carving a path down her cheeks, and Tim's heart breaks for her. His silhouette is visible against the faint light filtering through the window, and even in near darkness, Lucy can see the worry etched on his face, and she knows he deserves an explanation.

"I keep seeing the dumpster and hearing Aaron's call, but it's never Jake's body. It's y-yours," Lucy's voice trembles as she struggles to explain. "I hear gunshots, and bagpipes. And sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind. I know rationally it's not you, it's Jake. But with you and him looking so alike, and with you impersonating him during the undercover operations, it only makes everything worse, because it could have been you. It could still be you."

Tim's expression softens, and he reaches out to take her hand, his fingers lacing through hers, warm and reassuring. "I know, Luce. It could. But we have known that ever since we met. Our futures have never been certain. Nothing has changed, just that we're in a better place now. A beautiful place. So, why let the fear win? The what ifs don't matter. What matters is that I'm here. Dim is gone but I'm not. We're both here and we're okay."

"I know." She wants to say that everything has changed, that she loves him now, but she's not ready yet. Instead, she squeezes his hand, her grip tight and desperate, and clings to him for dear life. But she still looks haunted, her lower lip caught between her teeth as if she's holding back more.

"I'm here, Lucy. I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to worry about that," Tim murmurs, his voice a gentle hum, low and calming in the quiet of the apartment. "If you ever have another nightmare, just wake me up, okay? I want to be there for you, to chase away those fears and remind you that I'm here." He pulls her close, his embrace enveloping her in a sense of safety and home. As he tenderly strokes her hair, Lucy leans into his chest, feeling his heart beat against her cheek.

Tim waits patiently, knowing she'll talk again when she's ready, and fills the comfortable silence with a gentle reminder, "And if you ever have a bad thought and need to talk about anything, no matter how big or small, you can always call or message me if I'm not already with you," he adds, his lips brushing against her hair. "I'm here for you, always."

"Thank you." Lucy sighs in contentment and breathes in the scent of his cologne, a mix of sandalwood and citrus, and lets herself sink into the moment. "I know all that when I'm awake. But then, sometimes, when I close my eyes, I see you lying there, and I can hear Aaron's call over the radio. It's like my mind can't let go of that day," she eventually says, matching her breathing with the steady beat of his heart.

"I'm going to kill Aaron," Tim jokes, and the soft rumble of his laughter helps to ease the tension in Lucy's shoulders, making it easier for her to breathe.

Lucy chuckles and shakes her head as she speaks up, her tone lighter and teasing. "I still don't know what he was thinking when he made that call. You two did look alike, but Jake was covered in tattoos and his hair was so... greasy. Did Aaron even stop to really look at the body before making that call?"

He gives her a small smile and kisses her temple. "I have no idea. I'm actually a bit offended that he not only got us confused, but that his voice sounded so uninterested and emotionless after supposedly finding my body. I know I dumped the guy when I moved from Patrol Sergeant to Metro, but I didn't think Thorsen was the type to hold a grudge."

Tim's feigned indignation accomplishes its purpose, and Lucy dissolves into a fit of giggles, barely able to muffle them against his shirt. "Thank you," she says, raising on her toes and pulling back to give him a chaste kiss.

Tim smiles against the kiss, and whispers softly against Lucy's lips, "You don't have to thank me. I'm always here for you, no matter what." He pauses, waiting a beat, and offers, "And you don't have to go back to sleep right now. We can talk, watch tv, or just sit here in the dark. Whatever you need."

"Yeah, I'd like that," Lucy agrees, grateful for Tim's understanding. She really doesn't want to be alone with her thoughts, so she takes Tim's hand and leads him to the living room.

They sit on the edge of the couch, the quiet of the apartment wrapping them like a cozy blanket. Tim scoots against the backrest and encircles his arm around her shoulder, letting her settle against his side. Lucy leans her head against his chest and seeks the steady beat of his heart once more. Letting the certainty of his heartbeat and the warmth of his embrace chase away the remnants of her nightmare, hopefully for good.

They stay silent after that, basking in the peace and stillness of the world past midnight, and relishing each other's company until Tim reaches for the remote and cues up an episode of Ted Lasso. Though soccer isn't their favorite sport, the show never fails to make them laugh.

As they watch, Lucy feels a weight lifting off her shoulders, and she drifts off to sleep before the first episode is even over. Tim smiles at her sleeping form and kisses her forehead, resting his head softly against hers as he follows her into a peaceful slumber.

#the rookie #chenford fanfic #Chenford #tim bradford #lucy chen #chenford fic #the rookie fanfic #post 5x18 #double trouble

54 notes · View notes