#to the point where i see one and point and yell ‘bradford!’

[welcometohighwater]

bradford pears are so fucking funny to me. you can tell that like 40-50 years ago they were probably considered Good Trees for generic american landscaping purposes, because they grow in a pleasing shape to a pleasing size for people to be satisfied by their treeness, and they make pretty blooms. but then we started to realize, oh these things fucking stink. and then we realized, oh even though we can’t eat the fruits the birds seem to enjoy carrying them around everywhere and making more of these stinky trees huh. and we also realized, damn if you don’t baby this thing like crazy when it’s coming up, it is so fucking brittle that a widdle baby thunderstorm will split the thing in half and crush your car. and now they’re illegal in ohio

[xxchumanixx]

Hiii! If its not much trouble could I request a tim Bradford and reader fic where she's really shy and sensitive, but still diligent at work and his rookie? He usually had a soft spot for her bcs he has a crush on her but she messes up a case and gets yell at by him?? Calls her a crybaby and all?? But later he comforts her and confesses? Maybe she thinks he likes lucy up until that point?? Just a lot of angst filled with pining and fluff! Thanks sm and I love your workk💕

Headrush

Tim Bradford x fem!reader

Warnings/Tags: language! (Shut up, Steve), fluff, hurt, angst

Word count: 2.523

Authors note: Oh my god, it's been so long, I'm so sorry! Thank you a lot for your request! I really liked the idea and I hope you'll like how I wrote it.

Lots of love! ❤️

Please, as always

Enjoy!

"Shit, shit, shit!" you cursed under your breath, biting your lip as your fingers anxiously fiddled with the belt on your hips.

This was not how this case was supposed to go.

Not at all.

It was like a damn domino effect - one thing went down the hill, and so did the rest one after another.

A whole fucking shitshow.

That your suspect was lying dead on the street was just the cherry on top.

He had tried to run from you, not watching where he went. You tried to warn him, yelled that he should watch out, when a car hit him, and sent him flying over the street.

Tim stood beside you, eyes wide and mouth agape, not really believing what he saw. He wasn't sure whether to yell at you, comfort you, or just get back in the car.

He gritted his teeth, hands balling into fists. He usually was softer with you, than he was with other rookies he had.

You just didn't know that he harbored feelings for you that went far beyond being your TO.

A conflicting thing, really.

"You-" he started, cutting himself off, eyes flying over the scene. The dead man on the floor, the shocked civilians all around you.

The poor woman that drove the car that hit the man.

The ambulance covered the man with a sheet, calling the coroner.

That was what snapped him.

"Are you fucking kidding me?" Tim spoke up, rasing his voice as he looked down at you. "What the hell did you think?" You flinched at his tone, some of your usual shyness and sensitivity shining through.

Tim bit his cheek, so hard he almost drew blood.

He felt bad, sorry even.

To yell at you was one of the things he wanted the least, but he had no other choice if he wanted you to be successful.

At least, that's what he told himself.

"Sir, I-" you wanted to defend yourself, but he didn't let you. Once he was in that stage of rage, it was hard to see an escape through the fog.

"No, of course you did not!" he went on, the look on his face both terrifying and breaking you.

To ever think you'd stand a chance with the man yelling down at you seemed like the stupidest thing in the world suddenly.

"How could you let him get this far?" he continued to rage, seemingly not caring about the people around you that started to watch the commotion. "You should have stopped him!"

You swallowed, a bitter pill you'd forced upon yourself by letting the suspect get this far. That you'd fallen pretty badly along the way, most likely spraining your ankle, wasn't important anymore.

Who knew if he'd even seen it?

"I- I'm sorry." you breathed out, doing your best not to lose your face in front of him. The day had started bad, and it got worse the longer it went on. "I shouldn't have let him get this far."

Tim scoffed, hands fisting his belt as he looked around you. "I shouldn't have let you handle this on your own." he spoke, voice a mix of regret and spite. "I should have known better."

His words hit you like a punch to the gut.

You knew you were ready, and damn he knew it, too. Mistakes were normal, no matter how long you were doing the job already. But with your last week as a rookie rolling around, he pushed you more and more beyond your limits.

You felt tears burn in your eyes, the ugly tugging sensation in your jaw when you tried your very best to hold them back.

But Tim had already seen them.

His head tilted in disbelief, eyes widening before they narrowed.

Not a good sign.

"Are you gonna cry?" he asked, voice full of disbelief. "Are you kidding me? What are you? A fucking crybaby?"

Told you so.

You cleared your throat, cheeks burning in shame.

"No, no, of course not." you mumbled, trying to steady your voice. Tim tilted his head more, sending you a look that told you to repeat yourself. "No, I'm not crying." you repeated louder, looking up at him.

To say his behavior hurt was an understatement.

"Get in the car." he hissed, motioning at the shop. You nodded, doing as he told you without protesting.

It wouldn't have done you any good, anyway.

Moral of the story suddenly played in your head, and you couldn't help but think how right Ashe was, as you climbed into the passengers seat.

You had learned a lot about Tim the last year, yet he surprised you with how cold and harsh he was right now.

You should have never let your stupid crush get out of hand like this. Maybe to be hurt like this, to be talked down by him like that - maybe that was your moral of the story.

Like they said: Never fuck the company.

Not that you and Tim had gotten physically close somehow, but that didn't stop your mind from imagining sometimes.

You just were glad you experienced him like this before anything could have happened.

Not that you had much faith in that, anyway.

____

You let out a sigh, as you finally made your way out of the station.

It had been a long day, maybe the longest of your life. After driving back you had to wait before being questioned about the incident. It went on for nearly two hours, in which they decided you weren't responsible for the suspects death.

Yes, he had run from you, but it was his own decision, and you had tried to warn him.

You body-cam proofed it.

You hadn't seen Tim since you'd gotten out of the shop, silently thankful for it.

You didn't know if you'd been able to endure another round of his scolding today without actually breaking down.

Seeing Lucy though, only pressed on your sore nerves more. Yes, you liked her as a friend, but the thought that Tim seemed head over heels for her warred with that.

Only a fool wouldn't see.

The cold night air hit your skin, effectively cooling it down and clearing your head a little. You hoped to get home and fall in bed, only waking up again when you would have forgotten this day.

But someone seemed to have other plans.

"Y/N, wait!" he called out after you, and you only then noticed that his car was still in the almost empty parking lot.

You debated whether to ignore him, act like you didn't hear, but your consciousness said otherwise. You turned around as he stopped in front of you, silently cursing yourself for being such a good person.

He seemed at a loss for words for a moment, lips parted, like he didn't expect you to actually wait. "Listen," he then started, brows furrowing slightly as his gaze drifted away for a brief second. "I didn't mean to be so harsh on you back there."

You frowned, blinking a few times in confusion. Was he a-

"I'm sorry."

You didn't know what to say, now at a loss for words yourself. "I- i'ts okay." you then said after finding your voice, biting your cheek. "You lectured me, and it's not like it wasn't justified, sir."

He gritted his teeth, you could see even in the dim streetlight.

"No, that was too harsh." he gave back, shaking his head, frown deepened. "It wasn't your fault he was hit by the car. You tried to warn him and he didn't listen."

You pushed your bottom lip forward, not sure where his sudden change in mood came from. "Look, sir-" you started, but he cut you off. "Stop that." he demanded, the frown on his face bordering on angry now.

Your lips parted in confusion, not sure what you did wrong now.

"Stop calling me sir." he said. "We both know that's needless. It's not like- I mean, you're one week away from becoming a p2. We both know you'll make it with flying colors. Call me Tim."

He was selfish, he knew it.

But if it meant he'd hear his name from your mouth even once, he'd do anything. He didn't know yet if you'd choose to stay after graduation, and he'd have to take what he got.

He was in way too deep.

You swallowed before you nodded, gaze meeting the ground. Your teeth maltreated your cheek, not sure how to react.

"I've never- I've never seen a dead person like this before." you suddenly spoke, looking back up at him. "I didn't know where my head was, and you yelled at me. I was overwhelmed."

It just bubbled out of you. Maybe the dim lighting made you bolder.

"That's not me." you continued, shaking your head. "I- I'm tidily, I always make sure to give my best, it just-" Without you noticing, tears formed in the corners of your eyes, and you gasped for air.

Tim's own eyes widened, as he realized you were about to panic.

He closed the distance, wrapping his arms around you.

It was pure instinct, every nerve in him telling him to hug you, to comfort you.

To not make him see you cry.

He couldn't.

"It's okay." he spoke softly, as your fingers fisted the material of his jacket. "It wasn't your fault. I'm sorry for yelling at you."

You couldn't help the tears from flowing, not when he held you like this, doing his best to make you feel better.

"I should have known." you sobbed, pushing the shame for crying onto his jacket aside for now. "I wasn't ready."

He shooed you, one hand carding through your hair.

He knew if someone saw you two, this would have ended badly.

But he couldn't bring himself to care.

"You are ready." he gave back. "More than ready. I've seen you out there, you always have yourself under control. You're diligent, something that not every rookie is. You may be shy, and maybe a bit sensitive, but that's something good. You know how to talk to people, you understand them. And I know this wasn't your fault. You did your absolute best, and that's exactly what I told them back there."

You swallowed, cheeks heating up at his words.

You didn't expect him to be so open and soft with you.

"You- you really think that?" you asked, sniffing as the tears slowly subsided. He chuckled softly. "God, you have no clue." he mumbled, gaze flitting over the dark parking lot.

You frowned, not sure what he meant. But before you could have asked, he continued on his own.

"I'm not good at this emotional stuff." he said with a huff. "But you are. And I'm grateful for it, I really am, because I learned to get better at it, because of you. And I'm supposed to be the TO here, not you."

You chuckled, not having expected him to learn something from you whilst training you.

"You should talk to Lucy, then." you suggested, the thought jabbing at your heart. But if he wanted her, he'd be prepared for the emotional talk now, then.

Tim frowned, looking down at you with confusion. He gently pushed you away enough to look in your eyes.

"What do you mean?" he wanted to know, trying to make out what you were telling him. Your cheeks heated up, but you knew there was no turning back now.

Might as well reap what you've sown by digging into his personal life.

"I mean that you can tell her how you feel if you're better at emotional stuff now." you explained, doing your best to look encouraging. He scoffed a laugh, nose crinkling slightly. "Wait, you think I-" he started, but cut himself off with another laugh.

You frowned, suddenly feeling uncertain. "Yes, I mean-" you wanted to explain yourself, but he cut you off, hands on your arms as he leaned a bit down to look into your eyes. "No." he said firmly, a grin on his lips. "I'm not in love with Lucy."

The thought almost seemed absurd to him.

Why would he want Lucy when you were here, standing right in front of him?

Your frown deepened, thoughts running a million miles a minute. "Wait, you're not?" you asked, voice carrying a hint of disbelief and maybe relief. He laughed under his breath, shaking his head. "No." he confirmed. "I'm not."

Silence hung between you like a heavy fog, only broken by a huff leaving your lips. "Well, I'm not as good at reading people as I thought I am." you mumbled, biting your cheek.

He shrugged as if to say I noticed. "If you were you would have known I don't want Lucy." he said, empathizing her name.

You cocked a brow, looking up at him again. "What do you mean?"

He sent you a smile that sent your heart into a frenzy, and for a moment, you thought you'd have a headrush. "I mean," he began, eyes wandering over your face. "That I can't wait for you to be a p2."

You felt dumb.

"Tim-" you started, but cut yourself off, as realization suddenly hit you like a freight train. "Wait, what?"

He chuckled, a sound that seared its way into your brain the first time you'd heard it. "Yes." he confirmed. "I don't want Lucy, because I already want you, Y/N."

It felt like the night sky had decided to let all it's lucky stars rain down on you at once.

A mix of emotions rushed through you, and you felt like you'd actually have a headrush.

"What- How?" you stammered, words escaping your brain. "I- I mean, why me? Why not her?"

Tim cocked a brow at your words. He knew you'd say something like that, a clear sign of how well he knew you by now. "Because you're you." he said. "Because you care. You're smart, funny, cute. You are a good cop, and I couldn't ask for more in a person than you already are. I don't want Lucy, because I'm not interested in her the way that I'm interested in you."

You inhaled shakily, his words like a balm to your wounded heart.

"And if you'd let me, I'd like to take you out once you're officially a p2." he added with hope shining in his bright eyes.

A smile spread your lips at his words. "I'd love to go out with you, Tim." you gave back, causing his own smile to grow.

His eyes fell to the smile on your lips, and suddenly he cared even less about the open space of the parking lot.

"Can I kiss you?" he wanted to know, eyes finding their way back to yours.

Your smile widened, and you nodded. "You can."

It was delicate the way he pressed his lips to yours, like petals of a flower. One hand snaked its way into your hair, cupping the back of your head to pull you closer. Your own hands gripped his jacket, anchoring you.

It was all you could have wished for.

And suddenly, the headrush wasn't so unpleasant anymore.

Tag List:

@newobsessionweekly @laheysfilm @dhundhchrih @augustvandyne @rookietrek @nachofriess @dtftheavengers @wonderland2425 @freyathehuntress @skywalker0809

[writingsonsaturn]

Tim's fiancee gets arrested when a cop (let's say Lucy or someone) (this is after they are rookies) arrests her because she looks like a suspect they already caught, his fiancee told them she was engaged to Tim but they didn't believe her and Tim gets mad at the officer - <3

wrong place, wrong time - tim bradford

{ masterlist }

🪐: very sorry about how long its taken me to write, had a lot of stuff to do this week lol! this ones a little short <333

word count: 850

⭒☆━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━☆⭒

Waking up with Tim being gone was normal, even after he had left the military his day continued to start at 6 am sharp. Although on weekends he would cut himself some slack to hold you until you were ready to get out of bed and begin with your various tasks you two needed to get done.

Today didn’t start off any different, waking up only a few hours after Tim had, at a ripe 8:30am.

Rubbing your eyes you flung your legs to your left, your warm feet chilling almost immediately at the cold wooden flooring of you and Tim’s shared bedroom. A shiver shot through your nerves and up your spine, you sighed lightly at the shift in temperature and made your departure to the bathroom.

The spring air seeped into the sunlit room, the fresh morning breeze filling your soul with flowers and bright colors. Music filled the house whilst you finished your morning routine making breakfast and feeding Kojo.

You started out your afternoon deciding to head to the local library, wanting to return a book you had borrowed before you were charged with a late fee. 

The library wasn’t full since it was the afternoon and school was still in session, “hello! i’m here to return a book” you said in a chipper but quiet tone. The librarian smiled and took the book, checking it back into the system and sending you on your way.

Your next stop was a supermarket, you had only a handful of items that were needed. Tim had run out of coffee filters this morning and you needed more shampoo, you also opted to get a new water bowl for Kojo, not that he needed one, you just thought it was cute.

As you walked out to your car you were stopped with a taser pointed directly at your torso, “get on your knees with your hands up!” a woman yelled.

Your confused manor caused your reaction to be delayed, causing the police officer to yell once again. “Get down on the ground with your hands up, now!” you immediately get down to your knees and put your shaking hands up. 

“You got the wrong person, I swear! Call Tim Bradford, he's my Fiancé!” you pleaded, the cop with the name ‘Chen’ on her shirt just scoffed and laughed you off while stuffing you in the back of her squad car.

The ride to the precinct was uncomfortable, the cuffs were digging into the skin of your wrists. “Officer please, I'm not whoever you think I am. All you have to do is call Bradford, he’ll tell you exactly what I'm telling you know” you tried to plead your case once again, but it fell on deaf ears.

“Tim doesn’t have a fiancé, he was my T.O, i think i would know a big detail like him having a girlfriend” she laughed, feeling as though it was ridiculous to even entertain your words.

As you were brought into the station to get your picture taken and be put into holding, Chen passed you onto another officer and went to tell Grey about her catch. 

To Lucy’s surprise everyone had already been packing up the evidence and started paperwork, “what’s going on?” Lucy questioned, “we caught the killer, she was at her parents place shooting up when we got there” Tim explained. Lucy was confused, “so if you caught the killer, who do i have in holding?” the question hung in the air, Tim looking at her with perplexed eyes.

Lucy walked Tim over to holding and that’s where Tim saw you, “oh thank god!” you exclaimed seeing Tim. He hurried over to you taking your cuffs off and waving off the other officers. “Chen, why is my fiancé sitting here in cuffs?” Tim sternly asks, Lucy looks down, stuttering and trying to explain herself.

“Tim it’s fine, she was just doing her job” you did your best to defend Lucy, “No y/n, this is not okay, if it had been anyone else this would be a lawsuit” he turned his body at you but his tone was directed at Lucy.

“Tim i’m sorry, I didn’t know we had already caught the suspect and she looked exactly like our suspect” Lucy tried to explain, stumbling over her words.

“You are going to go to Grey and explain everything, lucky for you, y/n isn’t going to file a report against you” Tim assigned Lucy, to which she scurried away. “Are you okay? oh christ your wrists,” his questions and concerns came at you with speed.

“Tim, baby, I'm okay,” you smiled trying to calm him down. Tim held your wrists in his hands, and kissed them. He hoped his love would be enough to soothe your angry red skin, “i’m sorry, this shouldn’t have happened” he persisted. 

You shut him up with a kiss, “drive me to go pick up my car” your smile made him relax. “Yes ma’am” he laughed, telling Grey where he was going, and walking out hand in hand with you, still profusely apologizing.

[fluentmoviequoter]

Yelling at Cops

Part 2 of Flirting with Cops

Pairing: Tim Bradford x fem!rookie!reader

Summary: After you are injured, your fiancé Tim yells at you and treats you like a boot. When Wade and Nyla find out, they tell him what really happened.

Warnings: canon typical danger and action, explosion, r is injured and goes to the hospital, yelling/arguments, fluff, teasing

Word Count: 1.7k+ words

Picture from Pinterest

Masterlist Directory | Tim Bradford Masterlist | Request Info/Fandom List

“Bradford,” Nyla whispers from the other side of the shop. “Tell me this-“

“Do I have to?” you ask.

“Yes, because I am your TO. I’m, like, a goddess in this shop. I have the power to-“

“Have me fired or make me a rookie forever,” you finish with a chuckle. “I know, ma’am.”

“Tell me this,” Nyla begins again. “Does Bradford call you boot?”

“No.”

“Never? Not even when he gets upset?”

“He hasn’t gotten super upset with me yet. Raised his voice once because I almost got hurt, but nothing serious. I mean, I wouldn’t be surprised if he did at some point, though.”

“7-Adam-19, there’s a reported 215 and 245 at Olympic and Burnside Avenue,” control alerts.

“7-Adam-19, show us responding,” Nyla radios.

“Carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon?”

“Welcome to Los Angeles,” Nyla jokes.

As you approach the intersection, you see a man with a large automatic rifle ducking behind a car. There are civilians on the other side of the road and an injured man on the driver’s side of the car.

“Control, 7-Adam-19 requesting backup. One armed, one injured,” Nyla informs. “Block this lane.”

You pull around with your side of the shop toward the gunman. The car is facing you, so he can’t escape unless it’s on foot. Nyla opens her door and slides out before staying low to go around the back of the shop. You watch the man beside you, and when he turns quickly, you lower your window and pull your gun from your holster. He has a different weapon when he twists toward you, and when he aims it toward the back tire, you know he’s going to hurt Nyla. You don’t think before acting, not like you should, at least.

You throw the door open and begin firing as you move back toward Nyla. She yells at you to get down, but you turn toward her instead.

“Run!” you yell.

As you run behind Nyla, trying to get away from the shop, the man shoots the new weapon, and the shop explodes behind you. You fall to the asphalt, and Nyla stumbles ahead of you. Ignoring the pain in your leg, you push yourself up and rush behind a parked car. Nyla’s eyes widen when she sees you, and she pushes up to look through the windows of the car to locate the man.

“Control, this is Harper. Where’s my backup?” she yells into the radio.

“ETA two minutes,” control responds.

“What do we do?” you ask. “He’ll run.”

“You don’t do anything,” Nyla snaps. “Control, send a R/A to my location.”

“Harper, he’s moving again,” you say.

“Not your concern,” she replies.

You look toward her, and she’s looking between your leg and the car across the street. What’s left of the shop is aflame in the middle of Olympic Boulevard, blocking part of the man’s location from view. When Nyla turns toward you, you finally look at your leg. Your pants are darkened with blood, and when you bend your knee, you hiss in pain.

“Don’t move,” Nyla demands.

You don’t listen and gently push your fingers against the side of your thigh. “It’s just a bunch of glass.”

“Shrapnel in your body is not just anything!”

“Harper, we have to do something or he’s going to hurt the other people.”

Nyla exhales deeply before nodding. “Bradford is going to kill me,” she murmurs.

“He’ll come for me first,” you say with a small smile.

“Alright. You go around the shop and I’ll come up from behind. If you have a shot, take it.”

As you limp around the far side of the intersection, you raise your weapon and look for the shooter. Nyla’s gun fires before you see him, and you rush out to cover her. When the man sees you, he drops the rifle in his hands and raises them.

“Nice work,” Nyla tells you. “Now sit down and wait for your ambulance.”

On cue, the ambulance pulls up and two paramedics rush to your side.

“I’ll alert Sergeant Bradford,” someone says.

“No!” you and Harper yell together.

“This is related to his case,” the officer argues.

Wade slams the door of his car and cuts off the rest of his sentence. “I’ll fill in Bradford,” he states. “You, though,” he says to you, “have a lot more to explain.”

“You’re going to tell him?” you ask him.

“Would you rather he find out over the radio?”

You shake your head, and the paramedics move your gurney into the ambulance.

“I’ll try to calm him down, but… good luck, kid. I’ll be by in a few.”

“Thank you. You too, Harper.”

“You saved my life. Sorry I yelled at you,” she offers.

✯✯✯✯✯

You’ve just been moved to a private room after a painful hour of having shrapnel removed from your leg when Tim’s voice echoes through the hallways. He yells your name before his footsteps near your room. When he stops at the door, his chest is heaving, and his nostrils are flared.

“Are you out of your mind?” Tim demands loudly. “Harper should have you fired for that little stunt. I would! You are not here to be a hero, boot, and endangering lives – including yours – is not what being a cop is about!”

“Sergeant Bradford,” Wade says from behind Tim. “A word?”

“With me?” Tim asks. “Why don’t you remind the rookie in here about a little thing called procedure!”

“Tim,” Wade interjects. “Hallway. Now.”

Your eyes drop to your hands as they leave. Tim has never yelled at you like this before, and his insults and threats to have you fired do little to calm your nerves. Harper seemed mad when she first noticed your injury, but that was nothing compared to Tim’s reaction. You wait nervously for Tim, or at least Wade, to return from the hallway.

✯✯✯✯✯

Tim begins to speak, but Wade raises a hand. He takes a deep breath to calm down before explaining everything he knows to Tim.

“I-“ Tim begins.

“No!” Wade says. “You don’t get to make an excuse about not knowing. You have known from the beginning, I told you from the beginning. When you came to me and said you were dating a rookie, I made an exception for you on one condition. I told you that if anything happened to her, it was on you. Not because you’re her superior, but because she is yours. This situation is unique, but you led me to believe you could handle it. Now, I’ll be honest, I did that hoping you’d back out and decide to wait to start a relationship, but once I saw the two of you together, my concerns became about what would happen if the two of you were separated by something or injured. That speech I just heard makes me think you’re just here as a cop. Tell me I’m wrong and I’ll listen.”

“Why us?” Tim asks angrily. “Why are we worth the special treatment and personal attention?”

Somewhere along the way, Wade became like a father figure to you. When he agreed to let Tim continue seeing you without alerting IA, he threatened to demote, fire, or kill him if he did anything to jeopardize your career, life, or relationship.

“Because I care, Bradford. Is that so hard to believe? And right now, I’m wondering if you should go back to patrol or find a new station?”

“You can’t fire me for hurting her delicate little feelings, Wade!”

“And how would your feelings be if you were going to her funeral?” Wade snaps. Tim’s face drops and Wade adds, “Harper just filed her official statement. Their backup was two minutes away, and she would have been dead if your rookie hadn’t stepped in. They would both be dead, and I don’t know about you, but I think some glass shards to the leg is a whole lot better than a funeral.”

Tim’s eyes drop as he nods. “I messed up.”

“You did. Now do something about it.”

✯✯✯✯✯

You look up immediately when the door opens. Tim walks in first, but Wade is close behind him.

“I’m sorry,” Tim begins. “I shouldn’t have yelled at you or threatened to have you fired, especially when I didn’t know as much as I thought I did. Are you okay?”

You nod, but Wade jumps in before you can say anything.

“I’m sorry, too. I went behind your back to keep Tim in line, or so I thought, from the very beginning. I should have been open with both of you, but I’ll do better now.”

“I forgive you,” you whisper, looking at Tim. You turn toward Wade to add, “And thank you for whatever it is you’ve done already.”

Wade nods and smiles before stepping back toward the door. Tim goes in the opposite direction and stops beside your bed.

“You’re really okay?” he asks as he takes your hand.

“Just sore. And I have to buy new pants.”

Tim sighs and pulls you into a hug, bending over to pull you close. You smile against him and rub his back. He’s tenser than you are, and he wasn’t even blown up.

You know that your relationship with Tim will never be easy, but it will always be worth the time and effort. Plus, your friends understand what you are going through and are there for you every step of the way.

“Visitor,” Wade alerts.

Tim steps back as Nyla walks in with a bag of your favorite snacks. Despite her original tough act, she does like you as a cop and as a friend.

“I heard someone yelled at you,” she says with a quick look toward Tim.

“He apologized. Didn’t bring me snacks though. Thank you!” you reply.

“He better keep apologizing,” Nyla adds, talking directly to Tim.

“I will,” he promises. “Glad you’re both okay.”

“Wait, does this mean I can’t help with the Metro case that I almost died for?” you interject.

“Not for a while,” Tim answers. “Gotta heal, first.”

“What was it you said? ‘Just some glass’, then walk it off,” Nyla says with a shrug.

“I wanted to ride with TO Bradford, the scariest in station history.”

You pout, and Tim shakes his head while Nyla laughs. Wade thinks about you and Tim riding together and wonders if you’d manage to get anything done.

“One cop is more than enough in my relationship,” Wade sighs. “I don’t know how you two do it.”

[emilynthephoto]

I’m so glad we got to rewatch this episode tonight along with 1x07 for Chenford Week. This scene, paired with the scene on the other end of this just gives me butterflies.

To me, when we are talking about underrated Chenford moments, this one doesn’t get enough attention. It might be the number one for me.

You could go back to the pilot, already she’s seeing a very vulnerable side to him but up until this point, he’s really pushed it back. And she’s kind of let him. Before she meets Isabel, he’s really fighting. He doesn’t want her to see that side of him. He’s really trying to hide it. His walls are up. But, this is something I love about her and I can imagine one of the things Tim has loved about her too. She pushes back. She fights. As Jennifer said about Lucy on Shop Talk this week, Lucy is ballsy. She’s not really afraid to speak up and fight for what is right for her and the people around her. She sees that he’s spiraling out of control again and there’s a care and concern there for him and for the sake of her safety and her career. So she pushes back.

I love this excerpt from Eric during S2. Lucy returned Tim’s fire 😡 with care 🫶

http://hollywoodlife.com/2020/05/10/the-rookie-bradford-lucy-romance-season-2-finale-eric-winter-interview/

I like how emotions were just blowing up, a big combustion between the two before she goes up and then as you see in this clip when she comes back down, everything just fell. Waters have calmed. And there’s this really sweet exchange of understanding and respect between the two. They’ve dropped the TO/rookie persona in this moment. And you never really see the contention like this between the two again (minus a bit of it in 1x05, but even in that Tim had his own moment of listening to what Lucy’s words and making actions to correct things) Tim doesn’t really yell or talk down to her like she’s unworthy to be standing next to him. He went soft (in the best humanistic way) with her very early on, and that has stayed since.

Now that we are where we are with them, this to me is one moment that highlights how they are at home with each other. Every time I go back to the kiss, I feel that way, because of everything they’ve been through and this was the start of it.

IMO, it’s the beginning of all of it. Even the playful competitive dynamic they have. And when they have arguments like in 2x01 or 2x19. There’s been this confidence in Lucy to continuously push back because that’s really what Tim needs. She found that out that day.

I’ve certainly talked about this scene, but with every rewatch, I find some other nugget of beauty within it. I will will never stop talking about likely. It’s just an amazing beautiful moment. 🥰

[sylvies-chen]

Chenford + 78

78. “I’m just looking out for you.”

Tim's yelling at Grey.

Lucy doesn't believe her eyes. He hardly even raises his voice at Grey, nevermind shouts at him. Tim preaches respect for superiors constantly, this isn't like him at all. But what she really doesn't believe is that he's doing this over her.

Someone's been following her lately. Or someone's following Nova, she should say. Her UC operation has been going pretty smoothly up until a few weeks ago when one of the members of the team trying to push drugs on the street grew suspicious of her. From relentlessly grilling her on her background to showing up at her apartment at random times in the day or night with threats, it's been a rough two weeks of more pressure and stress than usual. She's here now, risking dropping by the precinct to talk to Grey and Harper about it. Ultimately, it's Grey's decision, but Nyla's been guiding her through it so she'd told Grey that she'd side with whatever Nyla says.

And then Tim had showed up.

He'd already been on shift when she got there but was quick to get involved. Lucy knows he's always felt somewhat responsible for her, especially after what happened with Caleb. Only he's here now, arguing with Grey and Harper behind closed glass doors as Lucy waits outside, and just... wow. This is a whole other level of concern that sends her stomach churning with a dangerously wonderful flutter.

The arguing continues for a few more minutes until Tim shakes his head and walks out. Lucy can see his infamous jaw clench from a mile away.

"Hey," she calls out to him, closing the space between them.

"Hey." He meets her eye, almost surprised to see her as if he was too caught up in thought to notice Lucy's presence before.

"What the hell went on in there?" She doesn't ask it maliciously, but she's determined to get him to tell her and she lets him know as much in a simple glance alone.

As expected, he caves and lets out a heavy sigh. "I told Grey the only way to keep you safe was to get you the hell out of that operation."

"And that merited yelling at Grey?" She crosses her arms and waits expectantly for an answer.

"Yes," he grumbles meekly. "I told him and Harper what the risks are but they're set on putting you back in."

"I can take care of myself just fine, Tim," she assures him sharply, more than a little frustrated. He should know better than anyone how true that statement rings. Lucy is tough, she can do this operation regardless of the asshole that's been watching her and threatening her endlessly. She can handle it. Does Tim not see that?

"I know that, I really do," he assures her, almost as if on cue. "I trained you after all, didn't I? I know how strong you are. I just don't see the point in keeping you in this operation if it'll put your life in danger. It's minor compared to some others, it's not worth the risk. You can take your pick of operations, trust me, there's a dozen others. But keeping you in is just going to cause more trouble than it's worth."

"I'm in too deep now though, I need to finish it," she explains. "These guys are going to want me to finish the product in two days and we'll make the bust then. It's too late to pull me out, that'll grow more suspicion than just having one dealer riding my ass."

"That's what Grey said," he huffs, rubbing at his temples in frustration. "Am I the only one here who gives a damn about keeping you safe?"

She blinks at his words, the familiar flutter in her stomach returning. His eyes won't leave hers-- they're fixed, piercing. Gentle. His lips part slightly when she exhales softly. She doesn't know why or, at the very least, wants to pretend she doesn't. "You want to keep me safe?"

It shouldn't surprise her, really. They've worked together for nearly four years now and he trained her. It only makes sense that somewhere along the line, some sort of protective instinct developed between them. God knows Lucy feels protective of him at some times. But the way he says it, the aching fierceness, it makes her feel like Tim Bradford doesn't care about much else.

"Yeah," he replies, leaning in closer and swallowing hard. "I, uh-- I mean, of course I do. I'm just looking out for you."

"You always are," she nods wistfully in response.

There's a light but tense beat of silence between them where the precinct sort of fades out into a blur. All that's left is the two of them. Nova's been a pain in the ass to have to play these past few weeks and coming here to be herself has been so refreshing. But Tim, she realizes, is the only person who can make her feel more Lucy than she's ever felt.

"Besides," he says, clearing his throat and breaking the silence. "I put hard work into training you, Boot. We wouldn't want that to go to waste."

Her heart sinks, unable to fight the disappointment that comes with the end of their small but heated moment. She smiles nonetheless, taking a deep breath in and remembering how to breathe again. "Right," she laughs weakly. Nothing's truly funny about it. Maybe, in another world where she were brave enough, she'd tell him that she doesn't ever want him to stop caring about her safety-- about her. That she's missed him while undercover. But here, now, there's no courage to be found for those words. "Yeah, the training. We wouldn't want to tarnish your perfect T.O. record."

"Yeah," he chuckles meekly. It's a laugh almost as hollow and ingenuine as hers was, which sparks her attention only for a moment before she decides she could have been imagining it. "Well uh, I should get going. I need to change before leaving shift and I don't think Grey and Harper want me to stick around much longer anyway after giving them flack so..."

"Okay, I'll see you tomorrow then," she tells him. "Or, well... soon, I guess."

"Two days," he corrects her. "I'll be there for the bust."

"Right," Lucy nods. "Two days."

Tim gives her a rare, warm smile after that and leaves. Lucy automatically slumps her shoulders, drowning in the complicated little emotions that dizzy her brain.

We wouldn't want to tarnish your record. Hah. If only he knew how much she wanted to screw up his record-- his reputation. Her reputation. It's a deep, personal admission, wanting to say screw it to the rules and do something about the indescribable pull she has toward Tim Bradford. But things aren't always meant to be broken, especially not those things. Some lines just can't be uncrossed.

But she stays extra cautious the next two days, looking over her shoulder and wondering if, at each given moment where she feels a nervous tingle on the back of her neck, Tim is worried for her too.

[dcbutinamrev]

AmRev as Iconic Vines To Lighten Up Your Day

(Sorry I had too- )

Hamilton: AH!

Lafayette: Stop could have made me drop my croissant!

Tilghman: *sleeps*

Meade: *pours water on Tilghman*

Tilghman: Hello?

Lafayette: Dad look it’s the good kush!

Washington: This is the dollar store how good could it be?

Hamilton to Laurens: Country boy, I love you, blech.

Meade: *throws frisbee*

Tilghman: What the fuck Richard?

Washington: No. No off topic questions. No. Permission denied. No. You have been stopped-

Andre to Hamilton: You have a beautiful smile.

Hamilton: Thanks. You’re not that handsome.

Andre: Wow. Thanks-

Madison: And they were roommates

Jefferson: Oh my God, they were roommates

Washington: Every time you yell at your kids, put a quarter in your no yelling sock and soon you’ll have a weapon-

Lafayette: Road work ahead? Uh, yeah. I sure hope it does-

Jefferson: I keep telling you man, you gotta stop lettin people walk over you.

Hamilton: *wheezes* Okay-

Laurens: *weirdly walks down the hall*

H. Laurens: *sighs with disappointment*

Betsey: Mom, I got something to tell you…

Catherine Schuyler: What is it honey?

Betsey: I got an A-BOR-TION

Fitzgerald: Ha ha. I do that-

Meade: Hi welcome to chili’s

Harrison: When there’s too much drama at school, all you got to do is, walk away-yay-yay

Hamilton: If there are any spirits here tonight…tell me…do I sound like Shikera? *makes weird noises*

Judge Woodhull: 911 is it an emergency?

Abe Woodhull: No!

Judge Woodhull: Then…what is it?

Abe: I…It’s digiorno-

Philip: Hey, Ma. Say who wants lasagna

Betsey: Who wants lasagna? *trips*

Hamilton: *starts talking*

Laurens: Uh, I’m not finished. Let’s get started.

Hamilton: *talking*

Laurens: Oh my God. Can you please just let me do it-

Peggy: Hey guys look at this dress my Mom bought me. SIKE! IT’S A JUMPSUIT! YOU WERE FOOLED! HA HA HA!

Hamilton: Hey, bro what do you want to eat?

Laurens: *the souls of the innocent- * A bagel *No!* Two bagels

Jefferson: There’s only one thing worst than a rapist. Boom.

Adams: A child.

Jefferson: No-

Jefferson: You can’t sit with us

Hamilton: Actually, Jefferson, I can’t sit anywhere. I have hemorrhoids

Tallmadge: Hey everybody so today Bradford pushed me so I’m starting a kick starter to put him down

*picture of Bradford*

Tallmadge: The benefits of killing him would be I would get pushed way less-

Samuel Seabury: Someone in our apartment has been killed. Please help-

King George III: Calm down. Don’t want a panic at the disco-

Hamilton and Jefferson: *fighting*

Madison: Can I get a waffle? Can I please get a waffle-

Continentals at the Redcoats: Look at all those chickens!

Kinloch: Oh sorry I fell asleep while I was waiting on you to make me a sandwich!

Laurens: Go back to sleep and starve

Charles Lee: Basically I um…what I was thinking was—

Laurens: *punches Charles Lee*

Charles Lee: Aw, fuck man. I can’t believe you’ve done this-

Washington: Put that candy back. I’m not buying you all that mess Oh. Try me.

*Who’s that Pokémon?*

Mulligan: IT’S PIKACHU!

*It’s Clefairy!*

Mulligan: FUCK!

Brewster: I’m JOHN CENA! *blows flutes through nose*

Anna Strong: Ben is that a weed?

Tallmadge: No this is a crayon-

Strong: I’m calling the police!

*illuminati theme plays*

Laurens at Charles Lee: What the fuck is up Charles! No what you say? What the fuck dude? Step the fuck up!

Laurens: He just dropped and was just smacked the lip just…wha-pow! Dropped down said braaa

Hamilton: Hurricane Katrina! More like hurricane tortilla!

Harrison: Do you ever like wake up and do like do not do something and you’re just like: What the fuck is going on?

Woodhull: You don’t know what is good! *weird moves* You don’t know me! You don’t know me!

Meade: If you want to play baseball, you got to be the baseball

Hamilton: I thought you were bae. Turns out just you were just fam.

Laurens: Bro!

Hamilton: *walks away*

Tallmadge: A nice typical American dinner

Billy Lee:

Tallmadge: *screeches*

Adams: How about the four shelf, want to hit that-

Hamilton: Shut the f— up.

Laurens: *does something awesome in battle*

Hamilton: That was legitness

Hamilton: something she said-

Betsey: *laughs*

Hamilton: I like that laugh. *mimics laugh*

Laurens: We just love working here. We all have a lot of laughs. Fuck off Hamilton. I’m not going to your fucking baby shower.

Laurens: Hey I’m gay

Lafayette: I thought you were American?

Hamilton: Did you wash the dishes?

Laurens: I thought you wanted to do that?

Hamilton: *laughs* You were wrong

Peggy: Mom, I know you don’t have a lot of money so it’s okay if you by me sketchers for school.

Catherine Schuyler: *snorts* What are those?

Tallmadge: Excuse me? Can I get a cup of cofffe? Black?

Billy Lee: Can’t you see me talking?

Hamilton: How do you know what’s good for me?!

Washington: THAT’S MY OPINION!

The other aides: *blinks*

*Hamilton trying to convince Washington to let him go to South Carolina*

Washington: You can’t go. No. Sorry you can’t go-

Hamilton: I love you bitch. *pointing at Eliza and Laurens* I ain’t never gonna stop loving you…bitch.

Lafayette: They following Ma. They following me.

Lady Washington: Who?! Who following you?!

Lafayette: The bus-

Lady Washington: The bus?

Franklin: Welcome to physics-

*something explodes*

Franklin: *screeches* HOLY MOTH-

Laurens: It’s summer. I got my hat on backwards and it’s time to fucking party. *hits head on banister*

Hamilton:

Laurens: *slams break*

Hamilton: *chokes on food* LAURENS!

Hamilton: Smack cam!

Burr: Bitch I hope you the fuck you do! You’ll be a dead son of a bitch I’ll tell you that-

Philip: Oh my God. It’s Chipotle! Chipotle’s my life

Meade: Hey, Tench you want some?

Tilghman: This bitch empty! YEET!

Hamilton: WHAT ARE THOSE!

Lady Washington: They are my crocks!

Hamilton: *fires gun*

Lafayette: *jumps* THIS IS WHY MOM DOESN’T FUCKING LOVE YOU!

Washington: *walks in room*

Hamilton: BRAH!

Washington: *jumps and walks away like nothing happened*

Burr: I brought you Frankincense

Hamilton: Thank you

Burr: And I brought you…Myrrh

Hamilton: Thank you.

Burr: Myrrh…..DER!!!”

Hamilton: Judas no!

Billy Lee: Lebron James. Lebron James. Lebron James. Lebron James. Lebron James.

Laurens: *sneezes*

*Deers runs off*

Hamilton: Nice Laurens

Laurens: What? I sneezed! Oh I’m not allowed to sneeze?

Arnold: I smell like beef. I smell like beef.

Andre: I’m real. And I can’t go with ya-

Peggy Shippen: Ooh, this is my jam. This is my jam. Turn that song off. This is my jam-

Hamilton: Ooh, I like your accent where you from?

Lafayette: I’m librarian

Hamilton: Oh my bad *whispers* I like your accent where you from?

Franklin: *blows smoke* Atom-

Adams: Honestly I don’t remember. I was probably fucked up. Yeah I was crazy back then.

Lafayette at Hamilton and Laurens: Two bros. Chilling in the hot tub. Five feet apart cause they’re not gay-

Revere: Mother trucker dude. That hurt like a butt cheek on a stick.

Franklin: Watch your profanity

Laurens: What’d you say? What’d you say?

Washington: I said whoever threw that paper, your Mom’s a hoe.

Arnold: Thanks for checking in I’m still a piece of garbage-

Hamilton: Remember one time I liked you

Andre: No?

Hamilton: Good. Cause it never happened!

Andre: Oh…

Hamilton: *laughs and walks away*

[stargazerdaisy]

Ashley gets pregnant, thus completing the training officers accidental-pregnancy hat-trick for Alexi Hawley. The “Power To Decide” org holds Tim up as a poster boy for first-time fathers of a slightly older age. Huzzah and you’re welcome! 😈

(Before I even START to respond to this, bear in mind two important points. 1) I know exactly who sent this, they just wanted to stay anonymous publicly, so when I am joking around, I am doing it with a friend, not a random stranger. 2) This is purely fun, crazy, headcanoning, not ANY expectation of or barely any relation to the actual show. Just crazy daydreaming, so take it will a whole heaping pile of salt and tongues in cheeks and all that nonsense.) You ridiculous creature, I love you and your totally insane ideas. HA! I hadn't even really connected the T.O.s have been the ones getting pregnant. But SURE let's go for the hat trick. Tim should knock up Lucy but you don't want us to have nice things. I mean, can you even imagine how much Control Freak Timberly Bradford will absolutely lose his mind over an unexpected pregnancy with a girlfriend he's not ready to wholly to commit to?? The freaking MELT DOWN, while steadfastly thinking he is NOT melting down. Entertainment of the highest order. First, he's probably gonna yell at Lucy at least a bit, because we all know he likes to take his feelings out on her. But I think they've progressed enough where he doesn't do that nearly as much and also she doesn't let him get away with it either. She'd call him right out on it and then help him actually work through all his feelings. Second, Tim is going to be the Baby Gear Expert. Try and fite me on this. I could see him really keeping some distance from the ~medical~ side of things (especially with his and Ashley's not-super-deep-yet relationship), but when it comes to strollers and diaper bags and carriers? He's going to have researched it all, probably listening to podcasts and watching videos, reading all the manuals is too much. And holy crap, don't even get him started on Car Seat Safety. He's insufferable. Angela tells him to shut up about 7 times a day because he's an Ordeal™. But if he knows everything ahead of time, if he plans and designs and arranges it all, then surely it will go smoothly, and there won't be much chaos to manage. Hahahaha, oh sweet summer child. Third, HE'S NOT OLD, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. He's at a perfectly acceptable age to have a first baby, so you can kindly shut your mouth, Nolan. He doesn't even look 39, and if he does, it's distinguished and ruggedly handsome. And clearly he's going to stay in shape foever, so absolutely knock off all the teasing Lucy-Angela-Harper-Thorsen-Wesley-Smitty-Grey-wait-not-you-sir-I-didn't-mean-sorry-sir.

[fromiftowhen]

Exactly a year ago today, I posted my first fic in years, a great honor to hold you up. Before that, I hadn't shared any writing (or written much of anything, honestly) since April 2016.

Since 02/28/2020, I've shared 33 fics over 2 fandoms, totaling 219,034 words. 200K in one year -- I never thought I'd see a number like that.

Not a single one of those words would exist without the two ships I wrote them for -- Chenford and Upstead. I truly didn't think I'd become so obsessed with The Rookie or Tim Bradford or Lucy Chen, and certainly not to the point of writing about them. I've never been happier to be wrong.

And I never thought I'd spend 2020 at home desperately looking for things to watch, so that I finally gave into all the GIFs on my Tumblr dash teasing Upstead.

Falling in love with watching Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton fall in love is low key one of the best decisions I've ever made.

Both ships, but Upstead in particular, brought me friends I KNOW I was supposed to meet, who have made this last year infinitely better than it would have been. They've encouraged my writing and listened to me yell and become such important parts of my daily life.

It's been not only the most prolific writing year of my life, let alone fandom, but one of the best experiences I've had in 17 years in fandom. The feedback, kudos, and comments I've received and the true friendships I've found in the last year mean the world to me. This was such a bright spot in a very dark 2020. Thinking about where the world was and where my head was at while I wrote many of those words, I'm even more shocked they happened. I needed them desperately, and they brought me so much joy.

Thank you all for being such a huge part of this. It means more than I can express with any number of words. Every comment, every kudos, every ask or message or mention, every new follower, I truly, truly appreciate.

Right now, I have about 3K written over a few WIPs, and I don't know when those will be really ready to share. But I'm so, so grateful for you all and I can't wait to see what this next year brings. I can't imagine it'll bring 200K, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't going to try.

I'm deeply in my feelings about fandom and my fic and these ships in general, so if you've ever had a question about a fic or a missing scene or a title I chose or whatever, I'm happy to answer it. You can feel free to send prompts or whatever anytime.

Seriously, again. Thank you all for making this last year such a fun, wild ride.

[westwingwolf]

Title: Single Line Chapter 2

Archive: AO3

Summary: Will Sergeant Grey's prepared relationship paperwork for Tim & Lucy finally prove necessary?

Notes: Y'all asked for a sequel; and not long after posting the first part, I did happen to have an idea for a continuation.

"Chen!"

Lucy and Jackson looked up from where they were chatting about their latest arrest to see Tim coming toward them with a scowl on his face.

It had been a few months since Lucy and Tim had had their last shift together. From that time, they had transitioned into more an equal status as coworkers and become even better friends. Hanging out more off duty than they had while she was his rookie. Jackson had even recently pointed out that Lucy spent more off duty time with Tim than she did with Jackson, and they were the ones who lived together. She reminded him that since Jackson and her were now partners, they needed more off duty hours apart or risk ruining their friendship. He had asked her if she felt that way when she was riding with Tim, and she had chosen not to respond. But she definitely thought about it on her own; and realized that if given the choice, she would have spent as many hours with Tim as possible. Though she still refused to think too much about what that really meant.

All the same, she thought Tim had enjoyed the change in their friendship as well. He hadn't called her Chen in months. Not unless he was addressing her professionally with other officers around. And he certainly wouldn't have yelled at her in the middle of the precinct.

When Tim finally reached her and Jackson, he lowered his voice but the rigidness still remained. "You told my rookie we're married?"

"What?" That was not what she was expecting.

"WHAT?!" Beside her Jackson exclaimed more loudly.

Tim was temporarily distracted by Jackson's outburst which gave Lucy more time to think and realize what had happened. "Okay, this is all an honest misunderstanding. Yesterday, when you took that call for the bar fight, got slammed into a wall, and had to go to the hospital for a possible concussion; I heard about it and wanted to know what happened. But Jackson and I were guarding evidence so I couldn't leave the scene. So I radioed your rookie for an update. But your new rookie follows the rules more than you do. He is even more anal about the rules than Jackson was when we first started as rookies."

"Hey!" Tim and Lucy both turned to look at Jackson. Tim was clearly annoyed by his presence while Lucy silently pleaded with him to not make this worse. As much as Jackson wanted to watch this play out, preferably with some popcorn, he decided now was probably a good time to bail. He'd get the rest of the story from Lucy later. "I think I just heard Smitty call for me. So I'm gonna go be anywhere but here."

After Jackson quickly left, Tim turned his attention back to Lucy. "How does my rookie following the rules lead to us being married?"

"He wouldn't give me an update on your condition even after I told him I was your former rookie, and I'm your friend." She looked down as she quietly stated the rest. "So I might have insinuated that we were more than that."

When Tim hadn't said anything yet, Lucy looked back into his eyes. "I'm sorry. I was worried, and I didn't think about the repercussions. But it's going to be fine. He's not going to tell anyone else."

As if right on cue by fate, Tim and Lucy heard the booming voice of Sergeant Grey. "Bradford! Chen! My office! Now!"

Making haste, the pair filed into Grey's office. Both fearful of what he might say, but not wanting to give anything away in case they were wrong.

In almost stark contrast to his demeanor only seconds ago, Grey sat calmly at his desk while Tim and Lucy stood before him. "Officer Chen. Officer Bradford. Or should I say Officers Bradford, is there anything you wish to inform me about?"

Tim remained silent, and Lucy couldn't blame him. This was her fault entirely. "Sir, I'm to blame. Tim..." Tim shot her a quick look as if to say now was not the time to be informal. "Officer Bradford had no knowledge of my conversation with Officer Coleman, and I did not mean for that miscommunication to go as far as it did. I will, of course, inform Officer Coleman of the truth immediately."

To Lucy it felt like forever as Grey studied both her and Tim for some answer he seemed to be looking for in their body language. Finally, he spoke, "So I won't be needing this paperwork." He pointed to a folder sitting squarely in the middle of his desk.

"Paperwork?" She asked. Oh God, had he planned to write up an official reprimand over this? Was she still in trouble? She looked over at Tim who briefly met her eyes. He appeared worried for her as well.

"Paperwork informing the higher ups that two of my officers are in a romantic relationship and requesting that they remain in the same department provided they are capable of maintaining professionalism." Grey informed them with that classic lilt of his voice and a hint of a smile implying that he knew something they didn't.

"That's possible?" Lucy couldn't hide her surprise. She looked at Tim. "Did you know that was possible?"

He only looked at her briefly to shake his head before returning his gaze back to Grey. His stoic manner once again in place, but for a moment she thought she saw something in his eyes. A brief mixture of both hope and regret.

She turned back to Grey who began speaking as if he was waiting calmly for their attention. Not something he would do often. "It's rare, but it is allowed in special circumstances. However, since I won't be needing to file the paperwork today, I'll just put it back in my desk for later." He returned the folder to his bottom desk drawer. Taking notice that both Tim's and Lucy's eyes stayed on that very drawer until they snapped forward upon his sharp "You're both dismissed."

Just as they reached the door, he called back to them. "Tim. Lucy." They both turned to look at him. "The next time I'm informed of your marriage it better be because I was invited to your wedding." He smiled briefly before turning back toward his regular paperwork. Having silently dismissed them again.

Neither sure how to respond to that, they both quickly left his office. They could barely look each other in the eye before silently choosing not address the situation any further. Instead they both returned to their duties to finish out their shift.

By the time shift was over, the awkwardness still remained but walking to their cars together had become an end of shift ritual. Neither was eager to forego it so they walked in silence before reaching Tim's truck. Lucy managed an awkward goodbye and got only a few feet before she turned back around. They had never ended a shift without talking through their problems. Not since those early days. She couldn't leave it this way.

"I'm sorry," Lucy said before she could change her mind.

Tim looked back at her. "You already apologized. I'm not mad. There's nothing for you to worry about."

Lucy moved closer to him. "But there is. I didn't think it through when I let Coleman think we were married. I mean, I knew what I was saying. I knew what I wanted him to think. Because I wanted to know you were okay. But I didn't think about how you would react when he told you. And I realized later that when he spoke about your wife, you must have thought about Isabel. And I'm sorry for any pain that must have caused."

"I didn't," Tim stated. When Lucy looked at him curiously, he continued. "I didn't think about Isabel. In fact, Coleman's exact words to me when he first got in the shop today were 'I'm sorry I didn't tell Officer Chen about your condition immediately when she asked. I didn't know that she's your wife.' So after the initial shock, my only thought was 'I wish she was."

Lucy stood stunned. She watched Tim carefully for any signs that he was teasing her. That this was a trick. Like the one she played on him on their last shift. She regretted her false confession almost immediately. And for months now she had played back those words to him over and over in her head. Wondering just how false any of it really was. But in Tim's eyes she saw absolute sincerity. He meant it completely.

And suddenly that magnetic pull that had always been between them hit them with a full force. Moving toward each other quickly, they met with eager kissing. Lucy wasn't sure how, but at some point Tim had turned them around so her back was pressed against his truck. Only after they broke apart for air did it register to her that they had been standing in the parking garage kissing like they didn't care who might walk by at any moment. And it in truth, it didn't matter. Because Tim was leaning over her with his forehead resting against hers, as if he didn't want any space between them. Neither did she. Not when he was looking at her with so much love in his eyes.

When she finally caught her breath she asked, "Do you think Sergeant Grey will be annoyed with us if we tell him we need the relationship paperwork already?"

She was rewarded with a rare Tim Bradford smile and more kissing.

[xxchumanixx]

Hii, are gonna do a part 2 of “doomed” where they get together?

Doomed pt. 3

Tim Bradford x rookie!reader

Warnings/Tags: fluff, hurt, angst, unspoken feelings, Grey raging Word count: 2.197 Authors note: Hello love, thanks for the request! (I'm sorry it's so late!) Not a part 2, but a part 3 for you! Hope you'll like it anyways! Also, this isn't entirely proof read yet!

Enjoy!

Did he even breathe?

Looking at Tim through your peripheral, you knew he thought the same.

Grey was raging on, talking without breathing.

Soon he'd suffocate, you were sure of it. Luna would have a heart attack, when he would die because of you - because you were dumb enough to be caught by him.

It wasn't even your fault, really.

It was Tim's.

At least that's what you told yourself.

"And I will not be the one who will take the brunt when one of you dies, because you were too busy making love eyes to notice a threat!"

Maybe you should have just told him - at least that's what Grey thought to himself, as he yelled at one of his best officers and his rookie.

Who were sleeping with each other.

He mentally flinched, not wanting to think about it too deeply.

"You are responsible for her training!" he continued, pointing at Tim who had his hands at his sides, trying to just get past this.

He had never felt this uncomfortable in his life before - at least there wasn't much that compared to this situation.

"How do you think will others judge when they learn about your relationship? Do you think they will see her ratings fit? Or will they think you rated her better, because you-" he had to stop himself, or else it would have gotten out of hand - though you all knew, what he wanted to say.

Because you are sleeping with her.

Your career would be ruined, if the right people found out. No one would want you to work for them, never fully trusting you.

As the tears welled up in your eyes, you tried your best to suppress them.

Grey was right, and he had every right to be angry.

"This will have consequences!" he continued, finally taking a deep breath, as he tried to calm himself, for the sake of his heart.

His wife would have killed him, if he dared to have a heart attack - especially when she was currently trying to convince him to retire.

Maybe he should have.

"You will be replaced as her TO - that's the least I will have to do. Other than that, this conversation will never, and I mean never, leave this room. If anyone asks why you were replaced as her TO, you tell them that you don't know."

His eyes wandered from Tim to you, his head shaking in disappointment.

Never would he let you forget this day.

"I can't believe that this happened right under my nose and I didn't notice it." he spoke a little quieter, before his voice rose again. "And I would have never expected such behavior from you, of all people, Bradford!"

Tim swallowed, gaze fixed on the table in front of him. He didn't know what to say, guilt making his tongue heavy as lead.

Grey grumbled to himself, sitting down in his chair. He sighed in exhaustion, wiping over his face with his hand.

"I know I'll regret it later." he began, putting his head in his hand with his elbow on the armrest, as he looked up at you.

You two stood straight as sticks, and for a moment Grey had to smirk inwardly.

"Are you in a relationship or do you plan to be in one?" The same moment he voiced his question, he regretted it. His daughter would have probably told him how embarrassing he was.

Did he want to do the talk now, too?

Your eyes widened, looking at Tim in shock. His gaze was fixed somewhere behind Grey, jaw clenched.

It had been a few months now, since you regularly started to sleep with each other. You couldn't deny that you had become attached, having gathered feelings for him.

But did he feel the same?

Biting your cheek, you looked away.

Of course he wouldn't.

"Okay..." Grey mumbled, scratching his chin, as he leaned back in his chair. "I will still tell you what will await you anyway, in case you decide to be in a relationship somewhere in the future."

He shook himself inwardly, one eye twitching, as he tried to stay as professional as possible.

"I hardly advise you to work separate. Like I said, if one of you dies because you aren't focused on the task at hand, the other will pay the consequences. The LAPD doesn't like it, when two of their officers are in a relationship and in the same unit. It's a risk the intern doesn't want to take."

You simply nodded, swallowing against the lump in your throat.

What other choice did you have anyway?

Grey nodded to himself, not happy his evening had been ruined. Luna would be furious if she knew how close he had been to having a heart attack.

"And now go home. Your shift is over, anyways."

Breathing a silent sigh of relief, you nodded, heading out of the office. You had been lucky the blinds had been closed, otherwise the whole LAPD would have witnessed that conversation.

You didn't look at Tim, as you made your way to the locker room, biting back the emotions trying to take over.

The Mexican food you wanted to order at his place, would be cancelled now, your whole evening ruined.

You really should have looked better if anyone was near, before you talked about private things.

Seriously, how could you miss Grey?

He had seen how close you seemed, after parking the shop, Tim's hand almost brushing yours as he leaned closer to talk into your ear.

This one gesture had spoken more than a thousand words to him.

And it was exactly the reason, why Tim avoided to talk about his private life.

Or show it, for that matter.

But he had a moment of weakness, your flirtatious behavior over the day constantly turning him on.

He really should have known better.

His eyes scanned the parking lot for you, trying to make you out in the dark. He spotted your car, seeing that you weren't there yet, as he made his way over to it.

He decided to wait, fingers drumming on the strap of his backpack, as you left the station.

Fumbling for your keys, you didn't notice him at first, only when you almost stood in front of him.

Blinking a few times in confusion, your cheeks heated up. "What do you want?" you asked, inhaling shakily. "We should talk." he gave back, shifting his weight.

Brows furrowed, you looked at him. "If you want to end things, then just say it, Tim." you told him, trying to act nonchalant about it, even if your heart broke at the possibility of him ending whatever it was you two had.

"Wh- No!" he responded a little too fast, taking a step forward with his mouth agape. "I mean- If you want to end this, then I'll stay away from you."

Eyes widening, you felt how they burned from tears again. Of course you didn't want to end this.

Shaking your head, you told him exactly that.

"I don't want to end this." you spoke, taking a step forward as well, all the while feeling Grey's gaze burning holes in your back, even if he wasn't even near.

"But I don't think we should continue on like this. Grey is right, what we're doing is risky." you continued, sighing heavily. "We're jeopardizing our careers, risking to lose our jobs. Or at least risking our credibility and the trust they have in us. I think it's better, that he replaces you as my TO."

Your words struck something deep inside him, making him swallow. On one side he thought you were right - if he continued being your TO, though not able to keep his hands from you, your career would have been over, before it even started.

On the other hand, he feared that he'd lose you.

"If you want to keep this up, what do you mean we shouldn't continue on like this?" he wanted to know, the crease between his brows deepening.

"Are you breaking up?"

The words had left his lips, before he had a chance to properly think about it. His cheeks burned up, and he was thankful that you weren't able to see it in the dim light of the parking lot.

Your mouth opened, but you weren't able to utter a single word, only staring at him. Chuckling uneasily, you shook your head.

"Breaking up postulates there's something to break up." you told him, voice small. You didn't want him to see the heartbreak in your eyes, so you averted them.

"We're not together - there is nothing to break up."

He swallowed heavily, his throat suddenly way too dry. His heart seemed to be in an iron grip, pumping ice crystals through his veins.

He hated the way you said it, the way you sounded so broken.

"Grey is right." he muttered bitterly, nodding to himself, as he took a step backwards. Your eyes snapped back to his, following his movement.

"We shouldn't do this. The LAPD doesn't approve of it and we only risk our jobs. You're right, we shouldn't continue this."

He turned around and started to walk away, your heart breaking as he did. Tears welled up in your eyes, and you felt as if you couldn't breathe.

"Tim!" you called out, voice shaking, as you practically jumped after him, grabbing his arm to stop him from walking further away from you.

He stiffened, but didn't turn around. He only stopped, with your hand still on his arm. Inhaling shakily, you braced yourself for your next words.

"I don't want to break up." you softly spoke, one of the tears managing to free itself. Biting your lip, you shook your head. "I don't want to let you go - I can't."

He slowly turned around to you, giving you the chance to take your words back.

But you didn't.

Staring straight back at him, you stood your ground. That you were still at the almost empty parking lot, wasn't important anymore.

Neither were the people that could walk out of the station at any moment.

"If I have to do more tests, have another TO, then so be it. But I don't want to lose you, Tim."

More tears rolled down your cheeks, betraying your aching heart. Your emotions were on display for him to see, and you weren't planning on backing down.

He took a shaky breath, mouth slightly open. He didn't know what to say - hell, he wasn't even sure what you were trying to say. Had you fallen for him? As much as he had fallen for you?

"Hate me, abandon me, whatever you want." you told him, wet lips pressing together, head shaking. "But I can't act like I don't have feelings for you, any longer. Yes, it can cost us our jobs, or just mine, since you're one of the best officers here, but I'm willing to take that risk. Let Grey be angry, shout at us or transfer me when im a p2 - I don't care."

He was speechless, a rare sight.

Swallowing, he took a step closer. "What are you trying to say?" He had to know, had to hear it one more time, in case he had misunderstood you.

"I'm saying that I have feelings for you, that I have fallen in love with you, Tim." you brought over your shaking lips, heart racing as you were nervous how he would respond to your confession.

He huffed, amusement and relief hugging him like a warm blanket. Honestly, he hadn't known how he'd reacted, if you'd pushed him away for real.

His arms wrapped around you tightly, bringing you into his embrace, as he exhaled slowly. Hugging him back, your cheek rested on his chest, hearing his heart race.

"I have feelings for you, too." he confessed, smiling into your hair. "Fuck the LAPD and their opinion. I have the sergeant exam in my pocket, if they want to punish us, I'll find another station, maybe I'll even go to the metro."

You couldn't help but laugh quietly at him, knowing he'd do it.

"Go out with me." he spoke, looking down at you, after you separated, his hands on your upper arms.

Smiling, you sniffed, face still tear stained. "I'd love to." you agreed, nodding to underline your words. He smiled back, before his hand wrapped around your shoulder, walking you towards your car.

"Are we still getting Mexican tonight?" he asked, a smirk playing at his lips. Rolling your eyes, you nodded with a grin.

"I'll get us a table." he told you, sending you a wink, as you gaped at him, stopping at your car. "I know the owner."

Shaking your head, you couldn't help but smile. "Okay." He nodded, smiling right back.

As Tim told you he'd pick you up in an hour, Grey smiled to himself.

He'd been watching your interaction through a window, secretly happy about your smiling faces, as his wife caught him stalking you two, hitting his arm in warning.

"Wade!"

<- Part two

Tag List

@laheysfilm

@newobsessionweekly

[raph-and-spike]

Jealous (Part 1) - Leo x fem!reader

request? yes/no

“You have no idea how happy i am to find a 2k12 blog! These boys deserve much more love. If it is ok, can I have reader who has a huge crush on Leo and feels jealous everytime he interacts with Karai because she can see the way he look at her? I always wondered how having a crush on blue boy would work out since he seems so much into Karai.”

a/n: Y’all really have a thing for the leader in blue, huh? ;) I got suuuuper carried away with this, sorry it’s so long!

warnings: Angst :/ 

Steam had been practically coming out of your ears. 

You, Donnie, Mikey, and Raph were walking into Shredder’s chemical lab building, you slightly more angry than the other three (maybe besides Raph, of course).

It started when Karai had taken over Shredder’s lair with her new witchy sidekick, making it their mission to take down the man that had lied to the kunoichi her entire life. She had been betrayed and manipulated for years, and the man covered in blades was going to pay. 

You watched Leo’s eyes fill with hope as the teenager had explained her mission, hoping that she would join him and his brothers as a team. But alas, Karai wanted not only revenge, but chaos while she did so. Splinter knew this wouldn’t be a good idea, he had practically begged his daughter not to go through with it, but she brushed her true father off; she was going to end Shredder no matter what she had to do. 

As you crossed your arms, watching as she exited the lair, you furrowed your eyebrows, watching the blue-masked leader follow her with his eyes. You couldn’t help the scoff that escaped your lips. 

“I’m going home,” you growled. “I need some sleep.”

Mikey frowned. “Hey! I thought we were going to watch Chris Bradford together!”

You looked at him sadly. “Maybe tomorrow, Mikey. I’m sorry.”

You had to go home, and once you made it to your bedroom, you were screaming into your pillow. Why did Karai have to pour all of her problems onto the team? Why couldn’t she just be the daughter that Splinter had been missing all along? Why did Leo care so much about her?

These were all questions that made you sick to your stomach, causing you to toss and turn the entire night. You went to school the next day, exhausted, and you could barely concentrate in any of your classes. After your last class, you nearly bolted out of the school; you needed a distraction. Walking to the familiar alleyway manhole, you climbed in, following the path your legs had remembered by now until the lair came into view.

“Turtles!” you called, tossing your backpack to the couch. “Someone spar with me, now.”

Mikey turned his head, wide-eyed at your demanding voice. “I think Leo’s in the dojo already.”

You nodded, walking into the dojo to see Leo stretching. 

“Hey,” you greeted, “wanna spar?”

He shrugged. “Sure, why not.”

You grabbed your weaponry whilst he got his katanas ready. 

“You sure you don't want to use the cardboard weapons instead?” he asked seriously. “It might be hard to go easy on you with my actual katanas.”

You rolled your eyes. “I can handle it, honor boy,” you taunted with a grin.

He wouldn’t have ever admitted it, but he loved it when you called him that. The way you said it made it so personal; it was his nickname, no one else’s. And despite the negative connotation Raph had given it, a man of honor was exactly what he strived to be, and it made his stomach erupt in butterflies when you recognized that. 

You both circled the room, weapons at the ready. 

He cocked an eyebrow, “you sure about that, Y/n?”

You grinned. “Give me your best shot.”

And with that, you began fighting. The sounds of blades slashing against each other and defensive grunts filled the room. You used the anger you’d been feeling, the jealousy that had filled you to the brim, to assist your adrenaline high, making you fight better than ever. He noticed your kicks and punches were stronger, wondering what was going on with you.

“Y/n, you know we’re just sparring, right?” he yelled as he guarded your throws. “I’m starting to think you should have chosen Raph to train with instead!”

You rolled your eyes, yelping as he caught you off guard and pinned you to the ground. Your chest heaved up and down, out of breath as your senses came back. You blushed at his figure on top of you, rolling out of his grasp that had loosened. Still on the floor, the two of you sat, catching your breaths. You pulled your knees to your chest.

“You’re going to help her defeat Shredder, aren’t you?” you spoke up quietly.

His eyes widened, surprised at your words. He slowly nodded.

You shook your head, clenching your jaw. “How come you always abandon us when Karai suddenly needs you for something, Leo?” you argued.

He turned to you. “She won’t be able to take him down without me. She needs our help, and I’m the only one willing, you know that,” he stated.

“I don’t trust her one bit; she’s manipulated us too many times, when will you realize that your family is more important than some girl?!”

“Karai is family!” he yelled, causing you to jump at the sudden raise of his voice. 

You rested your chin on your knees, pulling them closer in attempt to comfort yourself. “Yet she’s chosen not to be apart of it,” you spoke, your voice barely a whisper. 

He frowned, standing up. “This discussion is over.”

And with that, he left you in the dojo.

*

You sat in Donnie’s lab that night, spinning around in a wheel-y chair whilst he worked on upgrades for the van. 

“I don’t get why he’s so hung up over Karai, you know? He’s practically feeding her grapes at this point,” you grumbled. 

He chuckled at your comparison. 

“He’s always been like this, if you remember when they first met,” he explained.

You chewed on your lip. “I know, but why?”

“Guys!” you heard a high-pitched yell, knowing it had to be Mikey. The two of you scurried out of the lab to see what the commotion was. 

“Leo’s not in his room! What if he was taken?!” he yelped, his hands resting on his freckled cheeks in shock.

Raph rubbed the sleep out of his eyes whilst Donnie pulled his phone out, tapping away.

“His T-Phone is unresponsive, too,” Donnie frowned.

You sighed, feeling a pit in your stomach. “I know where he is– or who he’s with, rather.”

The three of you got in the van and headed to Shredder’s chemical lab building, your fists clenched.

Mikey looked at your angered form with a questioning look.

“Everything alright, dudette?”

You sighed. “Yes, Mikey,” you gave him a forced, reassuring smile. “Leo’s just a dumbass, is all.”

“You’ve got that right,” Raph grumbled next to you.

As the four of you entered the building, weapons at the ready, you noticed the building looked trashed– and empty. 

“Aw, we missed the battle?” Mikey whined.

Donnie began peering over something, with an “uh oh”.

“We’ve gotta get out of here!” the purple-masked turtle exclaimed, pushing the three of you to the nearest exit as he followed. 

It became clear as to why he was trying to escape, once the beeping got louder. 

They bombed the place.

Suddenly, the four of you were blasted, your ears ringing from the loud noise. Your body had come in contact with something incredibly hard, the pain in your head taking over your conscious. Before you knew it, you were slipping into darkness, your mind clouded with the flames of the building. 

*

Your eyes opened, seeing Splinter and Leo towering over you. You turned your head, noticing the purple-masked turtle awakening beside you. You realized they had performed their healing mantra.

Your head was spinning, and your body ached everywhere. You scanned your body, seeing cuts and bruises scattered all over your skin. 

“I am so sorry,” Leo admitted, his invisible eyebrows knitted together with worry.

You sat up with a groan, your hand immediately going to your head. Leo put a hand on your back, worried that you’d fall backward. He assisted you as you carefully got up to stand. The others left, leaving the two of you alone in the dojo.

He couldn’t bear to look at you; you looked so fragile. It broke his heart that he had done this to not only his brother, but you as well. 

You watched him as he stared shamefully at the floor. 

“Leo,” you spoke softly, making his deep, blue eyes finally meet yours. 

“You were right, Y/n,” he confessed, his voice much quieter and softer than his usual confident and clear tone. He was embarrassed and ashamed. “I shouldn’t have went behind the team’s back to help Karai.”

You furrowed your eyebrows. “Donnie and I could have died if it weren’t for Splinter,” you fought, though your voice was weak.

“I know,” he admitted. “And, I’m sorry. I wish I listened to you.”

“You never listen to anyone when it comes to Karai,” you muttered, your voice barely audible.

He frowned, crossing his arms. “Why does Karai upset you so much?”

Tears began to well in your eyes and your bottom lip began to tremble. 

“You really want to know why, Leo?” your voice cracked. “I see the way you look at her, the way you push everything aside to assist her with whatever she desires; it tears me apart.”

His eyes softened and his green cheeks flushed. “I-I had no idea you felt that way, I’m sorry.”

Tears began to roll down your cheeks and you found it hard to look him in the eye. “You can’t be sorry for how you feel.”

You couldn’t handle his rejection. You left the dojo, running as fast as your sore body could take you despite the turtles calling for you in confusion. As you escaped the sewers, you put your hands on your knees, catching your breath. 

Leo stood in the dojo, alone, not sure what to do. 

[fluentmoviequoter]

It's Commander, Sergeant

Requested Here!

Pairing: Tim Bradford x fem!Army-FBI!reader

Summary: After years of thinking about Tim Bradford, you meet him again during a riot in Los Angeles. When he learns you outrank him, he falls... hard.

Warnings: incorrect Army terminology and actions, depiction of riots, fluff! a couple Call of Duty references. Also, I grew up ten minutes from Fort Rucker, so I'm allowed to trash talk it.

Word Count: 2.7k+ words

Picture from Pinterest

When you joined the Army immediately after graduation, you didn’t expect it to become a career. What surprised you more was meeting Tim Bradford. You only met him once, but he stayed with you, a firm and commanding yet protective and loyal personality that was impossible to forget. Now, years later, you continue to think about him occasionally, hoping he’s doing well and happy. He inspired you to work through the ranks and do something more meaningful than just obeying as you’re told. Not that being a soldier and taking orders is unimportant, as you’ve explained to the troops you are now Master Sergeant of. Personally, you felt a calling to do more.

“Master Sergeant, Sergeant Major Riley is here to see you,” a soldier says, standing at attention in your doorway.

“I’ll be right out to meet him. Thank you, Private,” you reply kindly.

You are a different kind of Master Sergeant, unwilling to act higher than the men and women who answer to you. Your respect for others, regardless of rank, has made you a favorite on base.

“No need. Is now a good time?” Riley asks, taking the Private’s place.

“Of course. What can I do for you, Sergeant Major Riley?”

“There’s a developing situation in Los Angeles. If you and your team are up for it, I’d like to send you in to help.”

“Los Angeles? Who has jurisdiction?”

Riley chuckles, shaking his head, as he says, “I knew that would be your first question. Not ‘what’s the situation?’ because that’s boring, right?”

“Something like that, sir.”

“The LAPD called in military reinforcements for an out-of-control rioting issue.”

“When do we leave?”

“1700 hours. Tell your troops.”

✯✯✯✯✯

“How’s everyone enjoying US Army Garrison Italy?” you ask your team, composed of twenty of the best soldiers.

“The men- the view is beautiful, Master Sergeant,” one of the female soldiers says.

“I’d have to agree. But we’re heading back to the States. There’s a riot issue in Los Angeles and they’ve called for the best to come in and help.”

“Riot control? Now, we’re talkin’, ma’am!”

“Los Angeles, California?” someone asks.

“What other Los Angeles is there, man?” a second voice replies.

You clear your throat, and everyone in the room snaps to attention. Smiling, you nod and confirm that your destination is Los Angeles, California.

“We leave at 1700 sharp. Helos are standing by. And before you ask, no, I don’t know when or if we’ll be back. LAPD is running point on this - listen closely, we are assisting. This is about the safety of US citizens. Not proving grounds or a test to become a Ranger. They’re calling the shots, but you still answer to me. Is that clear?”

“Yes, ma’am!” your team yells together.

“Then let’s get out there and protect our home.”

As you leave, someone whispers, “I’m gonna miss Italy.”

You agree, but your job is about more than the view from the base. As you pack to return to California, you wonder if you’ll ever be back to Italy.

✯✯✯✯✯

“Master Sergeant. Thank you for coming so quickly. I am Sergeant Wade Grey, I’m Watch Commander of the LAPD Mid-Wilshire division,” Grey introduces, shaking your hand.

“Nice to meet you, sir. Tell us where you need us, and we’ll be there.”

“We’ve got six teams out there right now, covering what we consider the biggest targets, but I’ll get you in touch with my lead Sergeant.”

“Is he in the field? We’d be happy to meet him where he is and take his direction from there.”

Wade sighs, a relieved smile appearing on his face. “You’re the best person in the state right now, Master Sergeant. He’s at the Wilshire Federal Building, the intersection of Wilshire and the 405. We’re running short on equipment, but we can get you transport.”

“Oh, we’ve got a ride. And, Sergeant Grey, feel free to drop the formalities,” you offer before telling him your first name.

“Only if you call me Wade,” he replies. “Wait- don’t tell me you have an APC parked outside my station.”

“We don’t. We have an M113 APC, a light tank, and six more vehicles waiting for a destination. You called for riot control, and we’re going to control some riots.”

“If you ever get tired of the Army, the LAPD would be happy to have you.”

“Unless you can offer me a station in Italy and as many armored vehicles as I can drive, I think I’m happy where I am.”

“Fort Irwin is scenic.”

You walk backward as you exit the office, tilting your head to the side as you consider. “Italian oceanside or California desert. Guess which I’m picking?”

“Good luck out there.”

“Thank you, sir- Wade.”

✯✯✯✯✯

The moment you jump off the side of the APC, two LAPD officers rush to you and your group of four soldiers. Splitting your team into five groups and sending one to join each of the LAPD squadrons seemed to be the best option. One of your team members introduces you to an officer, who nods and ushers you to follow him.

“Master Sergeant, this is LAPD Sergeant-“

“Bradford?”

Tim tilts his chin, his eyes the only part of his face you can see past his helmet and shield. You’d know him anywhere after countless nights of thinking of him and being inspired by him.

“Have we met, Master Sergeant?” he asks, his voice raised over the crowd gathering on Wilshire Boulevard.

Someone throws a flaming bottle of alcohol toward the steps of the building, and you motion for your team to push the crowd back.

“Later, Sergeant Bradford. Care to tell me what’s going on?” you ask.

“LA courts decided to take a bunch of cases back to trial, deal with overcrowding, standard procedures. But… you get it.”

“Don’t want ‘em out or want to make sure they do get out. Yeah, I know the answer, though I’ve never understood the thought process behind it.”

“You and me both. What are we supposed to do to show them this won’t change anything?”

Glancing at the crowd, you weigh the options. “Realistically, getting violent is only going to make this worse. I’m not suggesting a negotiation, but… what if we try stopping?”

“We’re not setting down our arms and opening the gates for them to storm the Wilshire Federal Building!” Tim yells.

“Then what would you like to do? Stand here until the trials are done?”

“That’s not-“

“Look, I don’t want to pull rank but if you’re just going to stand here and argue with me, I will, Sergeant Bradford,” you reply. His jaw clenches beneath his helmet, and you offer, “Half of your men lower their shields, a show of good faith. Then we go from there.”

Tim lowers his shield, stepping toward you to threaten, “If anything happens to my men, it is on your hands. This isn’t your home, but it’s mine.”

“I understand how this works, Sergeant Bradford. And I’m not telling you to do it alone.”

You push past him, leading two soldiers to the front line, dropping your shield, and raising your hands. The crowd members closest to you stop, looking at you curiously.

“There is a court schedule available online!” you yell. “If you have a loved one that you would like to advocate for, call the courts, call their defenders, and tell them why someone is worthy of freedom at the proper time and place! But don’t risk your own freedom, don’t take the lives of your neighbors or your peace officers in the process!”

You signal for all of the officers to raise their shields again. As the crowd storms forward, you rush into the fray, letting your training take over as you disarm the citizens around you.

“Down on the ground!” you yell, panting as the tank approaches behind you.

At the sight of the tank, the men and women standing in the road begin kneeling, lowering their weapons, and raising their hands. The LAPD rush forward, doing their jobs as you send your team to give your orders to the other soldiers you brought back to the States.

“That shouldn’t have worked,” Tim says, approaching from behind you.

Turning toward him, you sigh and remove your helmet. “Lots of things shouldn’t work, Sergeant Bradford.”

“You know my name; care to tell me why?”

Pressing your lips together to hide your smile, you walk past him, calling over your shoulder to say, “Never expected I’d have a higher ranking than you, Sarge!”

✯✯✯✯✯

“Is the Master Sergeant here?” Tim asks as he enters the bullpen.

“She’s with her team, briefing their superiors.” Wade smiles before asking, “Why would you like to know?”

“She knew my name. I can’t place her though.”

“She’s Army, you were Army… think about it, Tim.”

“I met hundreds of people in the Army, Wade-“

“Not all of them stay in the Army and work their way through the rankings because you inspired them,” you say, standing in the doorway. “Sorry to interrupt.”

“No problem,” Wade says, adding your first name while looking toward Tim.

Tim looks past you, clearly trying to place your name.

“I met you my first year, we were only in the same room for a few minutes and didn’t say more than a few words to each other. But you inspired me. You were a good soldier, a better leader, and I wanted to do what you did.”

“And now you’re a sergeant?”

Smiling, you correct, “It’s Master Sergeant, Sergeant.”

✯✯✯✯✯

“You got a little drool right there,” Angela jokes, pointing to the corner of Tim’s mouth. “What’s so special about her?”

“She outranks me,” Tim answers.

“Okay. Lots of people do.”

“Yeah,” Wade adds from Tim’s other side. “You don’t look at me like that.”

“No offense, Wade, but you’re not as pretty,” Angela replies.

Tim shushes them suddenly, nodding when you turn and see him. You smile at him, yet again drawn in by Tim Bradford’s presence and leadership. His not trusting you at first, yelling at you, was somewhat unexpected, but you’ve been in his place before. Trusting people as soon as you meet them is difficult, often impossible in your profession, but Tim’s quick change makes you smile. You’re a good leader, like him.

✯✯✯✯✯

“We’ve got a problem,” Wade calls, ending a phone call. “There’s another riot at Cal State Prison. LAPD and Lancaster PD can’t handle it alone.”

“We can never make it there in time,” Nolan responds. “It’s nearly 2 hours without traffic.”

“Now would be a good time to get a private jet or something, Thorsen,” Angela calls.

You pull your phone from your pocket, typing quickly before nodding. “I need Bradford,” you tell Wade. “And your landing pad.”

“What did you do?” Tim asks.

“Sikorsky X2 is five minutes out. We can get there and drop in 20 or less.” You raise a finger to point to everyone in the room. “This stays here. I’m not supposed to know the Army has one stateside.”

“Has a what?” Aaron asks.

“Good answer.”

“It only holds two crew members, but I’ve got a team out there that can ride in a cargo area. We’re going to need backup, so if you can get airships or anything, Sergeant Grey, please do. Let’s roll.”

Tim follows you quickly, jogging to catch up with you. “How’d you pull this off?”

“Somebody owed me a favor.”

“Did you mean it?”

“Mean what?”

“That I inspired you to stay in the Army, to get here.”

“Oh.” You push open a door and begin climbing the stairs quickly. Stepping onto the roof, you look at Tim and say, “Ask me again when this is over.”

Tim waits until you turn away to smile. He can’t believe he forgot you, but your sacrificial, mutually beneficial leadership style, kindness, and abilities, not to mention that you outrank him, have him practically wrapped around your finger.

✯✯✯✯✯

Standing in the back of a helicopter and hooked to a rail, you lean out against the whipping air and feel weightless. The pain and concern of the day are wearing off, and as the sun sets, you’re glad you were asked to come to LA. Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath.

Tim taps your side, and when he has your attention, he points West. The ocean is now visible, and the light ripples over the water, reflecting the pastel colors painting the sky. You smile at the view before looking back to Tim. Reaching up, you adjust the channel dial on his headset. He doesn’t even flinch at your sudden movement, and your smile grows as he leans toward you.

Looking at the soldiers behind you, you say, “If I think any of you can hear me, I’ll have you transferred to the worst base I can think of.”

No one except for Tim reacts, and he chuckles quietly.

“Okay, ask me again,” you request into your microphone.

“Did you really stay in the Army because of me?”

“Yes. You showed me what was possible, but your kindness toward me made me think I could do it too.”

“You could’ve done it without me.”

“Oh, I know.”

“Easy, Sergeant.”

“It’s-“

“Master Sergeant… when this illegally obtained helicopter lands, would you go to dinner with me?”

A soldier to your left moves, and you shake your head. “After this illegally obtained helo lands, and I have Henderson transferred to hot and humid Fort Rucker, Alabama, I would love to go to dinner with you.”

“Since you outrank me, surely you get paid better, so it’s on you?”

You lean toward Tim, pausing when your headset hits his. “I could also go back to Italy and see if anyone there is willing to take me to dinner.”

“Fine,” Tim groans. “I’ll pay, but only if you stay in town long enough to show me how much my inspiration paid off.”

✯✯✯✯✯

The dinner date does not go as planned. When you enter the police station, Sergeant Major Riley awaits you. He takes you into Wade’s office to talk, and Tim stands outside waiting for you.

Being a soldier means being sent to different places with only a moment’s notice, but being at your level makes things far more difficult and irregular. Tim may have missed his chance.

“Any idea what that’s about?” Tim asks Wade.

“No clue.”

You exit a moment later, your previous smile now absent. Tim tries to hide his disappointment, but he should have known getting into a relationship with a younger, yet higher ranking, soldier would never work.

“I blame you,” you tell Wade, stopping before him and Tim.

“What did I do?” he asks incredulously.

“You said there was an opening at Irwin, but you didn’t say that you only knew that because my Sergeant Major told you.”

“He may have mentioned it.”

“Anyone want to loop me in?” Tim asks tiredly.

“I’m moving to California. Leaving Italy behind to lead a new force,” you answer sadly. “No more authentic pasta for me.”

“Wait- you’re moving to California? Irwin, which is three hours from here?” Tim interjects.

“It’s your fault too,” you remember. “I let you inspire me to be a good leader and a good teacher, but now I’m paying for it.”

Riley calls your name, beckoning you back into the office. The second time you exit, you seem a bit more pleased.

“Is the offer for that date still on the table?” you ask Tim. “Looks like my team is going to be in LA county for a few days before I can get discharged.”

"Whoa, whoa, what are you talking about? You're getting out?" Tim asks, raising his hands in question.

"I'm receiving another raise in rank," you tell Tim, grabbing his extended wrist and pulling him toward the door. "But not in the Army."

✯✯✯✯✯

✯✯ 1 Year Later ✯✯

“Your form needs some work, but there’s potential,” you say.

“My, uh, my recruiter said that you take potential and make talent,” the recruit before you says.

Standing, you smile. “I like to think so. But I can’t do anything without your effort. So, are you willing to put in the work to do your best?”

“Yes, ma’am, Commander.”

“Then I only have one more question. Why do you want to join FBI special operations?”

“Commander,” someone scoffs from the doorway. “It’s like you take pride in increasing the divide between our ranks.”

Glancing over, you make a “shoo” gesture before finishing the recruit’s evaluation.

“Let’s go,” you tell Tim, gathering your things. “It’s been almost a year, and we still haven’t had an uninterrupted dinner date.”

“I’m not sure we ever will, Sarge.”

You move your hands to Tim’s shoulders, brushing your lips over his before whispering, “It’s Commander, Sergeant.”

[sgtbradfords]

Could you write a Chenford prompt with this “You’re always number one.” ? Thank you!

Ok anon, this one was so much fun to write! Thank you for sending me this prompt! I hope you enjoy :) Send me a prompt from this list!

The sounds of car doors slamming filled the parking lot, the hot California sun bearing down onto the asphalt.  “Someone please remind me why we’re doing this again?” said Nyla Harper as she and Lila met the growing crowd in front of the building.

“Because Nolan said it’d be fun and none of us disagreed.”

“It’s also a bonding experience.” Piped in John Nolan.

Tim Bradford rolled his eyes. “As if we don’t spend enough time out of work as it is.”

“Alright,” said Angela Lopez, gathering the groups attention as she walked out of the building. “We’ve got 2 hours booked for us to play as many rounds as possible with a twenty-minute break after an hour. Wesley and I took the liberty last night of dividing everyone into teams already. Should someone feel as though it’s unfair after the first game then we will redo the teams. Alpha squad will be Wesley, Jackson, Tim, Lila and John. Bravo squad will be Sterling, Lucy, Nyla, Henry and myself.”

“Question, can we change our team names?”

“No.”

“What are the rules?” asked Jackson.

Wesley raised an eyebrow. “Their rules or our rules?”

“Ours of course.”

“No removing your sensor to avoid being shot. Keep physical contact to a minimum. Climbing is allowed as long as you don’t get shot. If you are shot, then your vest will reset after thirty seconds. We have the room to ourselves so no worries about outsiders. An alarm will go off in an hour to signal the break. Most importantly, have fun. Everyone ready?” Angela told the group before moving towards the building.

“You’re going down Bradford.” Lucy gloated as they walked through the door.

“Is that what you think boot?”

Lucy scoffed “Think? I know. Remind me again who was Mid-Wilshire’s shooting champ this year?”

“There was a scuba diver!” Cried John.

“We know.” Voiced the group.

The group divided up into their teams, going into separate rooms to get their gear.

“Game starts in five.” Nyla said as she slipped back into her teams’ room after helping Lila into her gear. “The amount of trash talk coming from them… Don’t be shocked to see Lila and Nolan team up.” She told them as she began gearing up herself.

An alarm through their room, giving off the one-minute warning. Both teams lining up outside of their doors that led to the complex.

The next alarm sounded as the doors opened, the lights off and blacklight’s on making the place glow.

“Yippie ki yay Mother-“

“NOLAN SO HELP ME, DON’T YOU DARE FINISH THAT SENTENCE.” Nyla yelled as she entered the room.

“-theresa!”

Each person began strategizing, Sterling being the first shot as Wesley rounded a corner.

Lucy was able to shoot John, who was helping Lila sneak under a platform, “Not fair Lucy!” he yelled as she ran away.

The first round went quick, the score almost even as the alarm blared, signaling their break, they congregated in one room, huddled around the TV screen showing points.

“How are they winning?” Cried Angela. “I know I shot Nolan at least five times!”

“It’s only by a few points honey.” Wesley smirked as he told his wife, taking a sip of water.

Angela glared, covertly flipping her husband the middle finger as Sterling wondered aloud. “How does a nine-year-old have more kills than me?”

Jackson laughed. “Because you play a cop on TV, Ster. Where as her mother probably gave her the good aim in her genes.”

“Wait, this says Tim and Lucy are tied as the top shooters.” Henry pointed out. “How is that possible?”

Everyone turned staring at the two as Lucy shrugged. “I told you, champion. Besides, I rarely win anything. Now Tim on the other hand, you’re always number one.” She said pointing a finger.

“Come on boot, Antonio won that one time!” he defended before explaining. “We do paintball once a month. Besides, Chen practically lives at the shooting range.”

“Only because you make me!” Lucy snorted before defending herself. “And I do have a life outside of work I’ll have you know.”

“Is that what you’re calling him? Because if I remember correctly, I had to buzz you in the other day at six in the morning wearing yesterday’s clothes because you ‘lost’ your keys.” Jackson pointed out causing her to blush. “And it wasn’t the first time either.”

Nolan propped his head on the fist of the elbow leaning on the table. “Tell me more tell me more did you get very far.” He sung.

“Shut up Nolan.” The group voiced as he raised his hands in defense.

The five-minute bell rang, half the group standing to head back to their room, Angela and Nyla moving to Lucy’s side as she began to put her device back on, shooting the test target in the room to check her gun.

“Is he a decent guy?” asked Angela.

Lucy smiled. “He is.”

“Have you done a background check on him?”

“I haven’t but I don't need to, he’s told me a lot.”

Nyla watched Lucy, her arms crossed over her chest. “You love him.”

“I do.”

Angela looked at Nyla before looking back at Lucy “Does he make you happy?”

Lucy looked at the two, her smile growing. “He does.”

“Then that’s all that matters.” Angela said. “If he hurts you, I hope he knows your family will help you kill him.”

Lucy laughed, “Not if I kill him first.”

The one-minute alarm sounded as each team re-assumed their entry positions.

Team Bravo was the first to strike in round two, Nyla taking Lila and Jackson down ten seconds apart.

Lucy quickly made her way to the second floor, finding the perfect corner that was dark enough to stay hidden with the help of her jacket hiding the glow of her target. She crouched down, keeping an eye out, watching the walkway that ran across the second floor, she knew Jackson was up here, having seen his white shirt go by in a blur as she made her way up from the first floor.

“Boo.” A voice whispered in her ear.

Lucy jumped to her feet, startled as she whipped around, pointing her gun at the person that was crouched beside her on the floor. “Didn’t your T.O ever teach you not to sneak up on someone with a gun?”

“It’s fake. And didn’t your T.O teach you to always stay aware of your surroundings boot?” retorted Tim as he stood, backing her further into the corner.

“How did you get there and how long have you been there?”

“Army crawled.” He said shrugging. “And not that long. So, who’s the guys ass I need to be kicking?”

“None of your business. But,” She told him, her tone playful as Tim stepped closer. “he’s about six foot four, blond hair, killer eyes.”

“Yeah? He sounds like a loser.”

“Well, someone has to counter his inner nerdiness.”

“Wanna play dirty?” he asked, as he moved closer, each hand grabbing for the belt loops of her pants as Lucy’s back hit the wall.

“Looks like we already are.”

“We are but,” he dragged out. “what if we teamed up to take down both sides?” he asked, leaning his body into hers.

Lucy bit her lip as she tilted her head back. “Conspiring to commit treason are we Sergeant Bradford?”

Tim moved his head down, his lips grazing hers as he whispered. "Conspiring to do something Officer Chen.” He said as he acted first, his lips capturing hers harshly, eliciting a moan from deep within as her body reacted to his touch. His fingers let go of the denim loops, hands slowly grazing the exposed skin where her shirt was riding up, causing her to shiver as she moved a leg, wrapping it around his backside.

“We’re going to get caught.” She said as someone yelled from the first floor. Tim moved his lips down her neck, his nose pushing her hair back as he sucked on the skin, a gasp escaping her lips.

“They won’t even know we’re missing.” He mumbled against her neck as his hands slid into the back pockets of her jeans, lifting her, pressing her harder into the wall as she wrapped her other leg around him.

“They’ll know when they see neither of us getting points.”

“We’re getting points.” He smirked, pulling back. “Just none they need to know about.”

Lucy fisted his shirt, pulling him into her in a hungry kiss, returning his earlier kiss with equal fervor before letting go, running her nails over his scalp as she grinded into him.

“Lucy!” Jackson yelled from the first floor, causing them to break apart. “I know you’re waiting for me!”

Lucy dropped down as Tim let her go. “How the hell did he get down there?” she asked, catching her breath as she grabbed her gun that was swinging by its tether.

“I guess you were distracted.” He told her, his tone light and playful.

Lucy moved around him, making the move to go after her friend.

“Wait.” he said as he pulled her back by the arm, twirling her into him as his lips found hers in the darkness, leaving her breathless.

Lucy moaned as she forced herself to pull away. “Later, we will finish this later.” She promised, retracting his hands from his waist as she stepped back. “And babe?”

“Yeah?” he asked stepping closer to her.

“Payback’s a bitch.” She told him as she pressed the trigger on her gun, the laser hitting the target on Tim’s chest.

Tim stood shocked as Lucy ran away. “What the hell Chen!”

Lucy’s laugh echoed off the walls as she ran down the stairs, taking out Wesley who was running up the steps “Oh Jackson.” She sung. “Wanna play a game?”

Fifteen minutes later the final alarm blared, signaling the end of the game.

“Alright, which team is ready to buy the brews?” Angela asked the group who stood waiting outside. “Drum roll please!” Lucy, Nyla and Lila, began beating their hands on their thighs.

“With 3400 points the winner is… Team Bravo!”

“In your face Bradford! Break out the money clip old man!”

Tim rolled his eyes at his girlfriend’s antics before stepping closer, “Twenty bucks says Jackson will be wasted by the end of the night.”

Lucy looked at Jackson who was pouting. “Make it loser pays for ice cream after paintball next week and you’ve got a deal.” She told him sticking out her hand.

“Deal.” He told her accepting her hand, lingering for what was probably too long for ‘coworkers.’

The next week Lucy smiled, handing a twenty-dollar bill over to the cashier before glancing back at Tim who was trying to stop the topping avalanche that was sliding down his double scope of Oreo ice cream. “You ready?” she asked as she pocketed her change, holding out the hand that held no ice cream.

Tim smiled, hints of ice cream on his lips as he took her hand, walking out the door. “With you? Always.

[createdfromthestars]

I’ve never posted my writing before

but my love for Tim Bradford has compelled me to post something! This has not been reviewed or edited by anyone but me! This is from Tim’s point of view and him dealing with Lucy being missing. Questions and comments are welcomed!

Tim Bradford prides himself on keeping a level-head even in the most dire of circumstances. It’s what saved him overseas, and it’s what’s saved him on constant close calls out on patrol. Officer Bradford keeps his head on straight, and the only time it’s ever swiveled was when Isobel was involved. That was, until he heard Detective Armstrong say that Caleb Wright did not exist.

“That’s impossible, I saw his social media page,” he said, with more force than he intended behind his words.

He could barely keep his train of thought together as Armstrong laid out the possibility that the name was nothing more than a cover, a red herring to lead them off his scent. Lucy had been missing for over thirteen hours and the last thing he had said to her was to grab a drink. He could feel the panic rippling under the surface, threatening to engulf him at any point. But he was a seasoned cop, he could keep his nerves at bay until she was found. He allowed West to think out loud with Armstrong as he calmed himself and tucked away any of the horrible thoughts that had started to form inside his mind. Lucy needed him at his best, and that wouldn’t happen if he kept allowing his darker thoughts to be at the forefront of his mind.

~~~~

“We know they left at 9:05…,” Tim shook his head as Sergeant Grey and Armstrong debriefed the precinct about Lucy’s situation.

“Las Torres, a bar, she just wanted to go for a drink,” Tim couldn’t believe that this was his reality. “No,” he threw back at himself, “she wanted to go home. You convinced her that she would be better off out with some guy she had just met!”

A flash from the day before jumped to his mind, of watching a random boy try and hand Lucy his number. His heart had beat loud and deep in his chest, his hand flying out to capture the paper before Lucy even had a chance to reach for it. It had been a long time since he felt jealous, but he quickly beat back the green-eyed monster by simply defending his actions while accosting the boy about his job. But now that jealousy had been replaced by another, disgust. In himself. Because he tried to cover up his moment of resentment by suggesting she go for drinks with someone. And who else but the guy who acted like he knew everything about police work from the two episodes of Law & Order he probably watched.

“We believe that Caleb is Rosalind’s protege, and he took Officer Chen,” Grey stated in a grave voice.

Tim could feel his breath catch in his chest. “Took, took, took,” it repeated over and over in his head. He felt sick to his stomach, his head felt like it weighed a thousand pounds, anchored down by the hundreds of possibilities of where Lucy could be in that very moment. She was in the hands of a groomed killer, and the trail of bodies behind both him and his teacher were staring Tim straight in the face. All the kills were textbook, identical to each other in the way each of the victims had been killed. Tim could see exactly how Lucy was in this very hour, most likely already tattooed with today’s date, fighting off whatever drug was still in her system. His head swung forward, unable to even look at the board or the video of this disgusting man with his arms around Lucy, like he had every right in the world to be near her. He couldn’t focus on anything, not the words that Grey was saying or even his own thoughts. It was like his mind was the frayed end of a string, sprouting off in so many different directions. He didn’t say anything as he pulled out his phone and walked out, not even bothering to see if anyone noticed his sudden exit.

“Angela,” he thought, the only thing keeping him grounded, the only lifeline he could see in this mess of his world. His friend, probably his best friend, and her detective skills could help him with this puzzle. He needed her to be able to see a solution, because he was starting to feel the walls close in. There was a darkness that was shadowing his ever move, a darkness he thought he had escaped from when Isabel left. He dialed her number, praying to whoever that she would pick up.

“What’s up,” she answered after the second ring.

“Hey. Lucy’s been taken. I need you,” he said through a clenched jaw.

Saying the words aloud felt like a jinx, like if he never said those words, there was still a chance she could run through the doors and blame unbelievable traffic for her lateness. His breathing was shallower than it had been minutes ago, and it seemed like hours before Angela responded with a simple “On my way.” He didn’t know how to thank her.

~~~~~

He walked back into the bullpen as Jackson West stated “So we have less than 10 hours to find Lucy.”

“Holy shit,” Tim couldn’t keep up. They were talking in such a clinical manner that Tim could scream.

“This isn’t any other case,” he wanted to yell, “this is one of our own! This is an officer, my rookie!”

“My responsibility, Lucy…” he was spiraling. How could he have suggested a date with someone from a bar! He should’ve asked more questions while he was here, should’ve sensed that there was something wrong with him. He drilled into every one of his boots that they always needed to trust their instincts and gut. Yet, he couldn’t even see the potential murderer standing less than 10 feet away from him.

“You suggested the date, you pushed her to go out with him,” his inner thoughts were relentlessly reminding him, “if she doesn’t come back, this is on you.” He couldn’t swallow, the fear and confusion sitting on his chest. And anger, a rage was building up like none he’d felt before. But what he couldn’t figure out was who he was more angry with: Caleb or himself.

~~~~~~

“Useless,” he thought, slamming down the phone on another raving citizen who claimed they saw Lucy being dragged into a car by none other than King Henry. He had never wanted to punch a citizen so bad before. He looked up just as Angela and Wesley walked in. He let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“Hey, thanks for coming in,” he said to Angela as he pushed back from the desk.

“Of course,” she answered, looking around at the current situation of the precinct. “Grey’s got you on tip lines,” she questioned, the disbelief evident in her tone.

“Nothing says ‘We got squat,’ like listening to the public,” he threw back, letting his irritation seep through. He knew that Angela would pick up on just how fed up he was with the whole situation. As Wesley took up his position at the phones, Tim turned to Angela and angrily said “This is useless. We should be on the street kicking down doors.” He just needed to move, to feel like he was doing something, anything, to try and get one step closer to finding Lucy.

“Who’s doors,” Angela questioned lightly.

He looked at her and quickly looked away. He saw sympathy and hopelessness in her eyes, and it was more than he could handle. The reality that Lucy was abducted by a man with two murders under his belt was pushing its way into every corner of his mind.

“I don’t know but I-I just can’t sit here,” he whispered. Suddenly the room felt too small, the lights too bright, the noises too loud. He turned around and stomped off towards the bull pen. He could feel the string unraveling even farther. He knew he couldn’t be in the middle of the room, with all the useless noise of the public.

“Wait up,” Angela called from behind him.

“I’m fine, just blowing off steam,” he didn’t even bother looking at her, he knew she’d hear him. His legs seemed to be on autopilot, he didn’t even know where he was heading.

“I get it,” she threw at him, “but you’ve got to get your head in the game.

Tim rolled his eyes to the ceiling, thinking that maybe he made a mistake in calling her in. He turned to look at her, his eyes narrowed slightly “I don’t need a pep talk.”

“Then why’d you call me? Clearly you need to get something off your chest,” Angela’s voice was rough, but filled with concern.

Tim looked around, his thoughts moving a mile a minute. This is why he called her, because Angela would make him face facts he wasn't comfortable admitting to anyone. Not even himself. He looked away from her, trying to organise his thoughts for a moment, ignoring the ever constant “your fault, your fault,” that had been rattling around his brain all day.

“Look, she-she wanted to go home,” he said to her, his voice cracking ever so slightly. His throat tightened, making it harder to speak “Go to bed. I told her that she should focus on something else.”

As the words came spilling out of him, he could feel a stinging in his eyes, and his hands couldn’t seem to stop moving. He felt his lip tremble and tried to swallow the shame and guilt that he could taste in his mouth. But it was no use.

“She went out with Caleb because I told her to,” the blame evident in every word he spoke. He searched Angela’s face, dreading that after she heard the part he played in Lucy’s abduction that she would agree with his inner voices. And he wouldn’t even blame her because he even agreed with them. He was to blame. But instead, tears welled up in her eyes and she shook her head.

“You couldn’t have known,” she spoke with a tender conviction.

Her faith in him, as a cop and a person, pushed him even farther to the edge. He couldn’t understand it, because he no longer could see it, the darkness creeping closer, threatening to drown him in despair.

“But I should've, I'm a cop,” he emphasized, moving closer to her. He brought his hand up, “I was standing this close to the guy. Ok, right across from him and I never saw him coming.”

The words caught in Tim’s mouth for a second, he couldn’t figure out why he needed to prove to Angela that he was to blame. Maybe it was for the fact that the real person to blame was nowhere to be found, and he himself made for a close and convenient punching bag. His eyes didn’t leave hers, and he could feel them pleading with her to give him something, anything, reassuring. She merely stared at him and let him continue his thoughts.

“But she did though, she-” he looked away, remembering Lucy’s face when she questioned his advice. She seemed confused by his suggestion of a drink over a nap, and he should’ve recognized that she was more excited for her bed than the company of another.

“Some part of her didn’t feel right about this whole thing,” his eyes found Angela’s once more. As he talked and recalled Lucy from the night before, things began sliding into place in his mind.

He shook his head slightly and said, “She hesitated.”

He wouldn’t be persuaded, he had made camp in his thoughts, knowing he was to shoulder the blame forever. Because Lucy knew, her instincts had told her something was off, he was the one who couldn’t sense anything. Tim had allowed a quick flash of jealousy to blind him to the actual threat of Caleb Wright.

“And I-” his voice held little emotion as he came to the realization that he could never be forgiven, “-I pushed her right at him.”

[emilynthephoto]

I’m so glad we got to rewatch this episode tonight along with 1x07 for Chenford Week. This scene, paired with the scene on the other end of this just gives me butterflies.

To me, when we are talking about underrated Chenford moments, this one doesn’t get enough attention. It might be the number one for me.

You could go back to the pilot, already she’s seeing a very vulnerable side to him but up until this point, he’s really pushed it back. And she’s kind of let him. Before she meets Isabel, he’s really fighting. He doesn’t want her to see that side of him. He’s really trying to hide it. His walls are up. But, this is something I love about her and I can imagine one of the things Tim has loved about her too. She pushes back. She fights. As Jennifer said about Lucy on Shop Talk this week, Lucy is ballsy. She’s not really afraid to speak up and fight for what is right for her and the people around her. She sees that he’s spiraling out of control again and there’s a care and concern there for him and for the sake of her safety and her career. So she pushes back.

I love this excerpt from Eric during S2. Lucy returned Tim’s fire 😡 with care 🫶

http://hollywoodlife.com/2020/05/10/the-rookie-bradford-lucy-romance-season-2-finale-eric-winter-interview/

I like how emotions were just blowing up, a big combustion between the two before she goes up and then as you see in this clip when she comes back down, everything just fell. Waters have calmed. And there’s this really sweet exchange of understanding and respect between the two. They’ve dropped the TO/rookie persona in this moment. And you never really see the contention like this between the two again (minus a bit of it in 1x05, but even in that Tim had his own moment of listening to what Lucy’s words and making actions to correct things) Tim doesn’t really yell or talk down to her like she’s unworthy to be standing next to him. He went soft (in the best humanistic way) with her very early on, and that has stayed since.

Now that we are where we are with them, this to me is one moment that highlights how they are at home with each other. Every time I go back to the kiss, I feel that way, because of everything they’ve been through and this was the start of it.

IMO, it’s the beginning of all of it. Even the playful competitive dynamic they have. And when they have arguments like in 2x01 or 2x19. There’s been this confidence in Lucy to continuously push back because that’s really what Tim needs. She found that out that day.

I’ve certainly talked about this scene, but with every rewatch, I find some other nugget of beauty within it. I will will never stop talking about likely. It’s just an amazing beautiful moment. 🥰