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rookie-love-7a19 · 2 months ago

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Could Get Messy

Summary: A close call makes Tim and Y/N reevaluate things.

Pairing: Tim Bradford x Y/N

Warning: Explicit. Smut. Vaginal fingering. Protected PinV sex. Slight implied age gap. Slight power imbalance. (Tim is the reader's T.O. But there are no dom/sub leanings in this fic. Maybe another time. 😉 No use of coercion or anything similar.) Bit of angst. Fluff.

Word Count: 3,050

A/N: Okay, so this is the very first fic I'm writing for the Rookie, and therefore, also my first fic I'm writing for Tim Bradford. Be gentle. 😁 At some point, if I get enough interest, I'll start a tag list and a Master List for Rookie fics. But for now, I'm just kind of seeing what the interest is like. 😊 Hope you enjoy!

The noisy cacophony of the Mid-Wilshire station was muted as Y/N wandered down the hallway away from the buzz of the bullpen. As she’d changed out of her uniform and showered, she’d thought and thought about what she might say to Tim. She couldn’t imagine what he was going through right now, and never wanted to find out.

She approached the room where he sat quietly, his back ramrod straight, arms crossed over his chest. His blue eyes stared intensely at the opposite wall, obviously not taking in anything in front of him. She knocked gently on the doorframe, not wanting to startle him, but he simply turned his head slowly to look at her.

“Hi.” She said as she moved into the room. “I thought I’d check in before I left. Do you need anything?”

His jaw clenched and he shook his head. “No. I’m fine. Just waiting for Sergeant Elias.”

Y/N nodded, cringing internally at the name of the IA officer who was known for his hard questions and cold demeanor. “Well, I’m sure everything will be fine. It was a clean shoot, Tim. You did everything right. That’s what I put in my reports.” She hesitated. “You saved my life.”

He stared at her without blinking. “Yeah.” He said quietly.

Y/N opened her mouth to say more, though what that was going to be, she wasn’t sure. What could she say? Thank you? I’m sorry? I know it’s tearing you apart that you ended the life of a nineteen year old kid. You had no other choice. If you didn’t take the shot, I’d be dead.

Maybe she would have said all of that, or maybe none of it, but before she had the chance to decide, Nolan walked in. He paused, looking back and forth between them. His voice was steady and reassuring, the way it always was during a crisis.

“Hey Tim, I’m here as your Union rep, the Sergeant is right behind me. Y/N you can’t be here.”

She nodded. “Yeah, of course.” She turned back to Tim. “I’ll see you. Let…let me know if you need anything.”

Tim nodded once, brusquely, and she turned to leave, but the door was suddenly blocked by Sergeant Elias and Sergeant Grey. She felt slightly cowed by the two very large men that outranked her so completely. But she raised her chin as Sergeant Elias turned his cold gray stare in her direction.

“Officer Y/L/N, is there a reason you’re in here conferring with your T.O?”

Y/N shook her head. “I wasn’t conferring, sir. Just offering him my support and thanking him for saving my life. You know, the shooter was point blank range from my face and his finger was on the trigger. If Sergeant Bradford hadn’t taken the shot, you’d all be scraping my brains from that warehouse wall.”

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Nolan wince at her harsh visual, and Sergeant Grey was scowling. Sergeant Elias gave a grim, humorless smile.

“Thank you for that dramatic replay of the day’s events, Officer. Am I right in assuming you’ve already given your statement?”

Y/N nodded and the Sergeant dropped his fake smile. “Then we don’t need to hear them again. You are dismissed.”

Both Sergeants moved out of the doorway and Y/N beat a quick retreat past them and out of the building.

***

Later that night Y/N sat in front of her TV, not actually ingesting any of the news that was on the screen. Today was the closest she’d ever come to being dead, and she was having a hard time getting over it. She supposed it was probably not something a person just “got over” and she shouldn’t try. She’d been ordered to see the police psychiatrist, and she’d make the most of those meetings to try and work through it.

She was more worried about Tim and whether he’d be cleared of the shooting. Her mind kept alternating back and forth. One minute she was sure he'd be cleared (how could he not?) and the next she was terrified he wouldn’t be.

But no, she shook her head again, he’d done everything right, Grey would have his back and so would Nolan. That had to count for something.

As she lay there on the couch, with her thoughts swinging wildly back and forth, there was a sudden pounding on her door. She jumped up and ran to it; when she yanked it open, Tim was on the other side.

“What the hell, Boot, did you even look to see who it was? What if I was a serial killer?” He asked immediately, with his scowl firmly in place.

Y/N rolled her eyes. “Well, you’re not. What are you doing here? How did everything go? Have they cleared you?”

Tim shook his head. “No, not yet. They finished their questioning and sent me home. I should hear by tomorrow. And I’m still not finished reprimanding you for opening your door before you were sure it was safe to do so.”

Slight annoyance flared in Y/N’s belly. “We’re not on duty, so you're not my T.O. right now. You can’t reprimand me for how I behave in my own home.”

Tim’s scowl got deeper. “First of all, I’m always your T.O. and second, I’m warning you that what you just did was dangerous. What was the point of saving your life today if you’re just gonna be stupid and throw it away the first chance you get?”

Y/N felt her annoyance dissolving, as she saw the flicker of fear and sadness enter Tim’s soft blue gaze.

She nodded. “You’re right, sir. I’m sorry. I usually check, my mind was just….elsewhere.”

Tim exhaled deeply and Y/N realized they were still standing in the open doorway. She stepped back. “Come in.”

He stepped through into her living room, and she closed the door behind him. He was out of uniform, wearing black jeans and a dark blue t-shirt under a white hoodie.

It was the first time he’d been in her house, and the informal nature of everything, both of them out of uniform, the soft, warm lighting of her living room, the lack of radio chatter and traffic noise in the background, was amplifying the strong pull that had existed between them since day one.

Her fellow rookies had teased her for ending up with the legendary Tim Bradford as her Training Officer. He was renowned for being an exemplary T.O., but also for being very hard on his rookies and not giving an inch.

But she’d been just fine with that; she’d rather be trained by someone who was hard on her but didn’t miss anything, than be trained by someone who went easy on her and left her feeling unprepared. Being a cop was a tough calling, and if she wasn’t up to it, she’d rather she find out quickly.

No, his training methods hadn’t been the problem. The problem had been the immediate attraction she’d felt to him. It wasn’t that strange she supposed - the man was gorgeous, sexy as hell, and a damn good cop - she was sure she was hardly the only woman at Mid-Wilshire who had those kinds of feelings towards him.

But she was the only one who had to ride next to him all day, every day. She was the only one who fought alongside him, constantly watching him risk his life to keep the city safe. It was a daily struggle to keep her distance from him, to not just lean forwards sometimes and press her lips to his. His smiles were rare, but they filled her with sunshine when they actually appeared and made her want to wrap her arms around him.

She knew she was fully in love with her T.O. which was definitely a problem.

And now, here he was, out of uniform, in her living room, looking at her in a way that had her stomach turning somersaults.

His gaze was heated and possessive. She couldn't hold it very long, glancing down at her carpet and swallowing convulsively. The silence was thick with tension and Y/N was wringing her hands.

She looked towards her little kitchen, lifting a hand in that direction. “Do you want a, uh, a coffee or something? A beer?”

“No.” Tim said roughly and his tone brought her eyes back to him. He stepped a little closer. “You said to tell you if I needed anything.”

Y/N nodded and cleared her throat. “Yeah, of course. What do you need?”

Tim's jaw clenched tightly before he reached out to cup her cheeks in both hands.

“This.”

His mouth landed on hers softly, just sipping at her lips. A sound escaped the back of her throat, half surprise, half need. Tim groaned and tightened his grip.

His tongue reached out to press gently against her lips and she happily opened up for him, melting against his hard body and gripping the edges of his open hoodie.

He swept inside, deepening the kiss, and making a shiver run from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. His hands slipped down over her shoulders, dropping to her waist and squeezing into her flesh there.

He slanted his mouth over hers again and again, swallowing down all of her little mewls of need. He backed her up slowly until she was pressed against her living room wall.

He pushed his knee between her legs, before pinning her lower body to the wall with his hips. He pulled away from her mouth and both of them were left panting.

Y/N opened her eyes, and was immediately and completely lost in the ferocious desire stamped across his features. He lifted a hand to run his thumb across her kiss-swollen lips.

“I’m sorry, Y/N, I shouldn't be here, we shouldn't be doing this.” She saw the doubt slip into his gaze and she shook her head, denying it.

He sighed and dropped his forehead to hers. “But I was a millisecond away from losing you today.” He closed his eyes and then buried his face in the hair that fell over her shoulder. “I can't fucking lose you.”

Y/N felt tears prick the backs of her eyes. She pushed her hands under his hoodie, so she could wrap her arms around him tightly.

“You didn't though. You didn't lose me.” She pressed light kisses along the strong column of his neck. “You won't lose me.”

He nodded and pulled back a little, catching her gaze. She was happy to see the doubt receding and the heat increasing.

“I can go, if you want.” He whispered as he tilted his head, and his mouth attached to her pulse point.

She shook her head vehemently and pushed the hoodie from his shoulders. “Don't you dare.”

He slipped his hands up under her shirt and over her ribcage, before sighing. “This could get messy, you know. We're breaking about a hundred rules here.” His thumbs brushed against the underside of her breasts. “We should take a step back. Reassess.”

Even as he said it, he pressed his hips more firmly into her and she could feel the hard length of him against her inner thigh. His mouth trailed hot and wet over her collarbone.

“Yeah,” she whispered absently, “yeah, reassess. Good.”

She pulled his t-shirt up over his head, biting her lip as she finally got her hands on his warm, taut skin. She ran her fingertips down over his stomach, making the muscles tighten beneath her touch. She groaned as she looked at him, letting her fingers seek out and trail over the small scars that marred his otherwise perfect torso.

He reached for her belt and Y/N let her head thump back against the wall. He unbuckled it and unzipped her jeans. He lifted one hand to cup her breast through her bra, while his other slipped into her jeans and past her panties.

His long middle finger slipped between her folds to gently brush against her clit. Y/N gasped and gripped his wrist as he groaned.

“Fuck, baby, you're so soaked. Is this all for me?”

She nodded erratically. “All, always for you.” She moaned.

He pushed her bra up and out of the way so he could dip his head and suck one of her pebbled nipples into his mouth, making her cry out.

“Tim, oh god!”

She buried her fingers in his hair, keeping him pressed against her. His tongue flicked across the aching bud quickly, before letting his teeth nip and pull on it.

He let his thumb take over the sharp circles on her clit as his forefinger and middle finger slid through her slick to sink deep into her body, curling just right to press against her sweet spot.

Her hips thrust forward and she bit into his shoulder to keep from screaming. The bite brought out a harsh groan from Tim and seemed to rip away the last bit of his remaining hesitancy.

He quickly pulled his hand away from her so that he could push down her jeans, and panties. She kicked them off while he pulled her t-shirt and bra off.

She fiddled with his belt buckle, becoming increasingly frustrated when she couldn't get it open. Finally he just playfully slapped her hands aside to do it for her.

When his belt and zipper were open, she pushed his jeans down, cupping him through his underwear, and biting her lip at the size of him. He hooked his thumbs into the elastic waistband and pushed them over his hips.

Y/N felt her mouth water at the sight of his huge cock resting against his stomach. She tentatively reached out and wrapped her hand around him. He was so silky and warm, and hard as a rock.

“Damn, Y/N, you have no idea how often I've imagined this exact scenario.”

He lifted her easily and she wrapped her legs around his waist.

“Bedroom?” He croaked out and she nodded, pointing towards the room.

He slammed his mouth down on hers as he carried her into her room, sucking the air from her lungs and leaving them both disoriented. As he walked further into the room, he bumped into the bed and sent them both toppling down onto it.

Laughter erupted from both of them, which slowly turned back into gentle kisses. Tim pulled them both more fully onto the bed, kissing up and down Y/N’s neck and throat. When they were fully settled, and Y/N's body was covered head to toe with his, he pulled back slightly to stare down at her.

“I don't know what's gonna come tomorrow, and maybe I'm being a selfish ass by being here, by lying here with you.”

Y/N shook her head and opened her mouth to deny it, but he pressed a finger to her lips.

“But as long as you want me here, I can't make myself leave. I told you I've dreamed of this, imagined you like this a thousand times.” He shook his head. “But that's a lie, cause nothing I've imagined could ever have compared to this.”

He kissed her slowly and deeply, stamping her as his alone. He pulled back to kiss along her jaw and whisper in her ear. “Do you have condoms nearby? I don't really wanna make a run to CVS right now.”

She giggled, punch drunk on him. “Top drawer.”

He nodded and pulled it open. He found one of the foil packets and ripped it open with his teeth before rolling it down his length.

Then he took himself in one hand and slid his smooth, thick cock through her slick before slowly sinking into her with a harsh groan.

“God, baby, you're so fucking perfect. So tight and slick and warm. Never could have imagined this kind of perfect.” He reiterated.

Y/N pushed her head back into the pillows and pressed her nails into his shoulder blades as she arched into him. He began to move inside her, slowly pushing in and out, giving her time to adjust to him, but going slightly deeper with every gentle thrust.

But she was desperate for more. “Tim, oh god, please, I need you harder, faster.” She begged.

He grunted his capitulation and began to rocket his hips into her, their bodies slapping together. She met his every thrust eagerly, always desperate for more of him, to feel him sink ever deeper into her.

She wrapped her legs around his hips, trying to press him into her like a brand. She wanted to tattoo his fingerprints onto her skin, so she'd never lose the feeling of him gripping her so tight.

“I'm so close.” She whispered into his ear as he buried his face in her neck.

“I know baby, me too.” He groaned.

His hips increased their pace, the head of his cock dragging over her sweet spot again and again until the coil in her belly finally sprung free and she shouted her release. Tim's hips faltered slightly as her clenching heat sent him over as well.

They laid still for a long time, sweat glistening, breaths panting and hot against each other's skin.

Finally Tim rolled off of her, pulling the condom off and tossing it in the waste basket beside the bed. He got up and wandered into her ensuite, coming back with a warm cloth that he used to clean her up. When he was finished, he threw the cloth in the hamper and came back to lay beside her.

He stretched out on his side and pulled her back against his chest. He tucked the blanket around them and rested his chin on the crown of her head. His arm was like a warm, iron band around her waist, keeping her close and safe.

He spoke softly, repeating his warning from earlier. “Things might get messy tomorrow, baby. But whatever happens…I'll never regret this.” He paused a beat and when he spoke, his voice was hesitant. “You?”

Y/N shook her head as she snuggled herself more deeply into his arms. “No, never.”

#tim bradford x reader #tim bradford x y/n #tim bradford smut #tim bradford fluff #tim bradford angst #tim bradford #the rookie #tim bradford fanfiction #tim bradford fanfic #the rookie fanfiction #the rookie fanfic

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justabigassnerd · 8 months ago

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Unexpected Visitor and Revelations

Pairing - Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x Bradford!reader

Word count - 4,843

Warnings - swearing, angst, fluff, Jake almost punches Tim, Tim's a bit of an ass at first (and potentially OOC), alcohol, brief mentions of military

Summary - one evening at the Hard Deck, your brother decides to visit, meaning you and Jake have to confess your relationship status

A/N - hey y'all. sorry it's been so long since I last uploaded a fic, my motivation took a divebomb so finishing this took longer than expected. it's been a hot while since I wrote for Jake but I had fun with this! as per y'all, please send in requests, feedback, and enjoy!!!

Much like your older brother, Tim Bradford, you had grown up in a rough household. You had wanted out the first chance you had, so when Tim joined the Army after moving out, you had wanted to do a similar thing a couple of years later when you finally turned eighteen. Only you found yourself more drawn towards the Navy, and instead of wanting to throw yourself on the front line the same way your brother did, you decided to go to college, get a medical education and become a nurse within the Navy and funnily enough, it led you to meet your boyfriend Jake Seresin.

After a few years of moving around from base to base, even helping on certain deployments, You found yourself getting a permanent position in Top Gun’s medical centre, and one day a rather handsome aviator had been brought in after an ejection during his training session. You had heard him outside your office insisting he was fine and didn’t need any sort of evaluation but the second he walked in and locked eyes with you, he never wanted to leave the room. He started coming to your office complaining of various minor things like headaches and stomach pain so that he could have a ten-minute conversation with you. You had somehow unknowingly made Jake uncharacteristically nervous, and it took him a few unneeded visits to your office to get the courage to ask you out for drinks.

And from there your relationship blossomed.

Two years later and you still hadn’t yet told your brother of your relationship with Jake. You truthfully didn’t communicate enough to warrant telling him such information. You knew he was busy with his career in the LAPD and you were always up to your eyeballs in various Navy personnel and their ailments. But part of you wished that he’d respond to your texts and calls instead of only contacting you when he saw fit.

“Hey, Darlin’. I was thinking we could head to the Hard Deck for some drinks tonight.” Jake muses from where he is lounging on the couch, his eyes flicking up from his phone screen to look over at you as you enter the house, kicking your shoes off at the door.

“What did Bradley challenge you to this time?” You ask with a laugh, entering the living room as Jake gets up from the couch, meeting you halfway, sweeping you into his arms and pressing a delicate kiss upon your lips.

“Why do you always assume Bradshaw challenged me to something?” Jake asks lightly, his hands coming to rest on your hips as he pulls you ever so slightly closer.

“Because you either go to the bar straight from work. Or you get home and start texting the Daggers and then one thing leads to another and you’re asking to go to the Hard Deck because someone, usually Bradley, has challenged you to something and you’re incapable of saying no.” You say with a smile, watching as Jake rolls his eyes jokingly.

“It was a pool match,” Jake reveals, smirking at you.

“Told you.” You say, raising an eyebrow as you pat Jake’s chest.

“So… are you coming?” Jake asks with a raised eyebrow, testing the waters.

“Of course, I’ll come. Can’t support my boyfriend from home can I?” You say, smiling at Jake before he leans in for another kiss.

“Perfect. Because I need my good luck charm.” Jake whispers against your lips softly both of you smiling as you pull away.

“I better get changed.” You say, pressing one last kiss to Jake’s lips before heading upstairs to shower and change into something. You pick out one of your favourite outfits, put it on and admire yourself in the mirror with a smile before you finish getting ready and heading downstairs to join Jake who smiled widely.

“Lookin’ gorgeous, Darlin’.” He says, already grabbing the keys to his truck and gesturing for you to come with him, letting you take his hand with a grin. Jake leads you out to his truck, opens the door for you, and lets you get comfortable in the passenger seat before closing the door after you. He then rounds the truck and gets behind the wheel to begin the drive to the Hard Deck. As soon as Jake pulls out of the driveway, one of his hands naturally comes to rest on your thigh, and both of you are unable to stop the smiles widening on your faces.

Pulling up at the Hard Deck always filled you with excitement. The nights were never repetitive and you loved watching the aviators and their friendly competitions as they’d attempt to win free drinks from each other, only stopping when the familiar sound of the bell rang out, signalling a free round from the person who ignored Penny’s rules. As you entered the familiar bar, you smiled at the familiar patrons, giving them friendly nods as you passed them by before you made your way over to where the rest of the Daggers were hanging out by the pool table.

“So, you didn’t run away then?” Bradley teases from where he was leaning against the pool table, pool cue in hand as you and Jake approach the group.

“In your dreams, Bradshaw.” Jake retorts, scoffing lightly as he takes the spare cue from Javy’s outstretched arm.

“I’m going to grab us some drinks. Do you want a beer? I’ll drive tonight if you want.” You offer, resting your hand on Jake’s shoulder and giving it a soft squeeze as he smiles at you.

“You sure you’re okay driving? I can go one night without drinking if you want a couple of drinks, Darlin’.” Jake then says, his eyes scanning yours for answers as you nod.

“I’m fine to drive tonight. I’ll have just as much fun without the alcohol.” You say reassuringly, shifting your hand to pat Jake’s chest before turning on your heels and heading over to the bar, greeting Penny with a smile and ordering a drink for yourself and Jake. Once you get both drinks, you make your way back over to Jake who is beginning to set up the pool table with Bradley, both of them exchanging friendly teasing as they prepare their game.

“Just on time. Are you ready to see me kick Bradshaw’s ass?” Jake boasts, taking the beer bottle from you as Bradley rolls his eyes behind Jake’s back.

“Two years of dating and you can’t make Hangman less of an asshole?” Bradley asks, glancing over at you as you shake your head with a shrug.

“It’s a work in progress.” You reply, a teasing tone to your voice as you briefly glance in Jake’s direction.

“You love it, don’t lie Darlin’,” Jake says with a wink, making you giggle lightly before you lift your drink to your lips to take a sip.

“Can we quit the yapping and start the game? I’ve got good money on this.” Mickey complains, gaining joking glares from the Daggers as Reuben reaches over to slap Mickey on the back of the head lightly.

“Did you really bet on this?” You ask in a hushed tone as you sidle up alongside Mickey, your eyes fixed on Jake as he takes his first shot.

“Yeah. Coyote came up with the idea and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get some money out of him.” Mickey replies, glancing over at Javy who was studying Jake’s moves carefully.

“I take it you bet on Bradley winning then?” You muse lightly, taking another sip of your drink as Mickey nods sheepishly.

“Yeah… sorry,” Mickey admits, making you chuckle and shake your head.

“Don’t apologise. I won’t be the one having to pay up when Jake wins.” You joke, nudging Mickey lightly as he laughs.

“Wanna bet?” Mickey says, raising an eyebrow as you scoff lightly.

“I’m good. I don’t want you to lose too much of your money.” You tease before shooting Mickey a quick wink and crossing over to Jake.

“Hey, Darlin’, what were you and Fanboy talking about?” Jake asks, leaning back against the wall while Bradley readies himself.

“Oh, nothing much. Just finding out about the bets going on.” You reply nonchalantly, leaning into Jake’s side as he wraps an arm around your middle, pulling you close.

“Bets, huh? Are you not getting involved?” Jake asks, looking at you, one eyebrow cocked in amusement.

“I already know you’re going to win. I’d feel too mean taking people’s money on top of that.” You say with a soft smile as Jake lets out a soft chuckle.

“You’re too good, Darlin’. I’d be taking advantage of my incredible skills to win all the bets I could.” Jake jokingly brags, kissing the top of your head as you laugh, lightly elbowing Jake in his side.

“Hey, Hangman. If you’re done flirting, it’s your turn.” Bradley calls over to Jake, watching your interaction with an amused grin.

“And he has the audacity to call me an asshole when he’s the one disturbing my time with my girlfriend,” Jake whispers against the shell of your ear, his breath tickling your ear as he squeezes your waist slightly, manoeuvring around you and stepping up to the table to take his next shot as you watch with a smile. You continue to watch the game with a smile, taking small sips of your drink as you watch the game progress. As time passes, you begin to feel flushed, the heat of the bar beginning to feel suffocating so you approach Jake once more, taking his hand softly to get his attention as he smiles at you softly.

“I’m going to step outside for some air.” You say, not missing how Jake’s expression quickly became concerned.

“Are you feelin’ okay?” Jake asks worriedly, his eyes searching yours for an answer.

“I’m fine. It’s just a little hot in here so I just need five or ten minutes outside.” You explain as a cheeky smile makes its way across Jake’s face.

“I knew I was good-looking, Darlin’ but I wasn’t aware I was making the whole bar hotter.” Jake teases, making you roll your eyes as you laugh.

“You’re insufferable.” You joke, making Jake’s grin widen.

“Yet you love me,” Jake says smugly.

“That I do.” You admit quietly, giving Jake a soft kiss before taking a step back and heading out onto the porch of the Hard Deck, the cool air hitting you like a ton of bricks as you sigh in relief. You quietly watch the waves crashing against the sand, taking in the beautiful views of Miramar. After ten minutes of enjoying the cool evening air, you hear the door swing open behind you before a pair of arms wraps around your middle.

“Guess who won, Darlin’?” Jake asks, a large smile on his face as he presses repeated kisses to your cheek.

“Was it Bradley?” You say teasingly, turning in Jake’s arms and smiling at him as he raises an eyebrow in challenge.

“Where did all that faith in me winning go, huh?” Jake replies, his teasing tone matching yours as he pulls you a little closer.

“You know it never went anywhere.” You reply quietly, winding your arms around Jake’s neck as his smile widens, leaning to meet you halfway as your lips connect. One of your hands finds its way into Jake’s hair, running through the short hairs on the nape of his neck as he pulls you impossibly closer, squeezing your waist slightly as he deepens the kiss.

“y/n?!” At the sound of a shocked voice saying your name, you pull away from Jake, looking over in the direction of the voice, and quickly notice your older brother staring at you with a look of absolute shock.

“Tim, what are you doing here?” You ask, moving away from Jake slightly as you turn to face your brother.

“I wanted to come and visit. I thought I could surprise you when I saw you were here and I find this happening?” Tim says, eyes wide as he gestures between you and Jake who subconsciously tightens the arm he wrapped around your waist.

“This is your brother?” Jake whispers, putting two and two together.

“Jake this is my brother, Tim. Tim, this is Jake, my boyfriend.” You say, deciding now was the best time to introduce them.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Jake says, a friendly smile on his face as he holds his free hand out towards Tim who glares at the outstretched hand before focusing on you.

“How long have you been together?” Tim asks, an almost accusing tone to his voice as his gaze flicks between you and Jake, watching Jake’s hand slowly drop, returning to his side.

“Two years.” You state proudly, leaning closer to Jake’s side.

“And you didn’t think to tell me?” Tim questions accusingly, his glare hardening by the second. You were aware of the side eyes you were on the receiving end of from the other patrons of the bar that were out on the porch but with Tim’s accusing tone you couldn’t help but stoop to his level and continue to argue.

“I’m a big girl now Tim. I don’t need to tell you everything. We barely talk enough as it is. I don’t expect you to tell me when you get into a relationship-”

“If you were newly dating him I’d understand why you weren’t ready to tell me, but two years? I thought you’d at least have the decency to tell me by now.” Tim interjects, his anger rising.

“Would you have even cared to pick up the phone if she rang? I may not know the ins and outs of your relationship but every time y/n calls I’m the one watching when her face falls when she gets no response.” Jake says angrily, dropping his hand from your waist so he can take a protective step forward, manoeuvring himself in front of you slightly to shield you from Tim’s lethal glare.

“Did I ask for your input? This is between me and my sister.” Tim says lowly, stepping closer to Jake who clenches his jaw, his hands balling up into fists but holding himself back.

“When you’re being an asshole about something that has quite frankly been none of your business, I’m going to have an input.” Jake snaps, feeling the urge to punch Tim grow stronger and stronger until he feels your hand gently grab his wrist, stepping alongside him.

“Hey, Jake. Why don’t you step inside and hang out with the others and cool off? I think Tim and I are overdue a conversation.” You say softly, your hand drifting from his wrist to his hand, gently prying his closed fist open and interlocking your fingers.

“Are you sure?” Jake asks, his voice quickly becoming soft and gentle as he faces you.

“I’m sure.” You confirm with a nod. At your confirmation, Jake nods softly, pressing a soft kiss upon your lips.

“Get me if you need anything.” Jake then whispers softly, shifting his gaze to give Tim one final warning glare before making his way back into the bar.

“Let’s sit over here.” You say quietly, leading Tim down to one of the benches sat just by the sand. Both of you settle onto the bench, watching the ocean quietly for a moment before you let out a small sigh.

“So why are you here? How did you even find me?” You ask, struggling to believe that Tim came just purely for the reason of it being a surprise visit. That just wasn’t in Tim’s character.

“I still have you on that phone tracking app. I check on it sometimes… I also wasn’t lying about it being a surprise visit. But… someone did push me to visit. She said something about not distancing myself from you. You’re the only family I have left and I was wrong to barely communicate with you.” Tim says, glancing at you, a soft expression not many get to see on his face.

“I’ve missed you. It used to just be us against the world but that stopped so quickly I don’t think I was ready for the change.” You whisper softly, a ghost of a smile on your face as you look at your brother.

“I’ve missed you too. I’m sorry for the way I’ve been handling communication with you over the last few years.” Tim apologises, already prepping himself for you to reject his apology.

“It’s okay. I can imagine life in the LAPD keeps you on your toes.” You say softly, reaching out and resting your hand on Tim’s shoulder.

“It’s not an excuse. What if you had needed me? Did you need me at all?” Tim asks, concern all over his face as you nod lightly.

“Things get a little lonely while Jake’s on deployments. But I can handle it.” You assure softly, frowning lightly when Tim shakes his head.

“I should’ve been there for you,” Tim says apologetically as you take your hand off his shoulder, resting it in your lap as your frown becomes a soft, reassuring smile.

“Well, you can start now, right? We can make more of an effort to meet up and talk.” You offer gently, watching as Tim nods, a small smile of his own making its way onto his face.

“We can. So… how did you and Jake meet?” Tim asks, smoothly changing the subject as you roll your eyes jokingly.

“If you must know, he came into my office after an ejection for a check-up. I heard him from a mile away complaining about how he didn’t need to be there in the first place but he changed his tune as soon as he came into my office.” You explain, chuckling fondly as you relive the memory of meeting Jake for the first time.

“And he’s treating you well?” Tim then enquires, wanting to make sure you were happy with Jake.

“I’ve never been happier with anyone than I have been with Jake.” You admit with a smile, watching as Tim nods, clearly happy that you were happy.

“Have you got anyone?” You then ask curiously, not missing the way your brother’s eyes widened slightly and a slight blush crossed his cheeks before he nodded slightly.

“I do yeah… her name is Lucy. She’s actually the one who talked me into coming to visit. You’d probably love her.” Tim admits, a small smile gracing his face as he talks about Lucy.

“I might have to come to LA so I can meet her. It’s only fair since you’ve met Jake.” You say, your smile widening as Tim lets out a breathy laugh.

“Hey, I feel like I owe Jake an apology. I was pretty rude to him and I’d like to meet him properly.” Tim then says, becoming more serious as you nod and get to your feet.

“Come on. We’ll head in and you can properly get acquainted with Jake.” You say as Tim stands up alongside you, following you into the Hard Deck, and you expertly manoeuvre your way through the various patrons until you find Jake with the other Daggers by the pool table. Upon noticing you approaching, Jake lights up, swiftly crossing to you and bringing you into his arms, noticing Tim over your shoulder and fighting back a frown.

“Is everything okay with you guys?” Jake asks quietly, pulling back to look you in the eye.

“Everything’s good. We’ve talked it out and Tim wants to get to know you so make an effort please?” You ask, your hands moving to rest on both of Jake’s shoulders as his hands drift to your waist.

“I was willing to make an effort at first but then he was a dick to you,” Jake says with a slight frown, his gaze flicking to glance at Tim who was awkwardly mingling away from the group before focusing on you.

“Tim knows he owes you an apology. Just meet him halfway.” You request softly, watching as Jake sighs lightly before nodding.

“For you, I’ll try. But if he’s an ass to you again we’re heading home.” Jake says before you give him a soft reassuring kiss, hoping both Tim and Jake are able to form some sort of friendship. After pulling away from the kiss, Jake heads over to Tim, as you follow behind.

“y/n said you wanted to talk?” Jake says, folding his arms across his chest as Tim nods.

“I wanted to apologise for the way I acted earlier. It wasn’t right of me to be so rude to you for no reason.” Tim apologises, studying Jake’s expression, briefly glancing at you as Jake remains stonefaced.

“It wasn’t just me you were a dick to.” Jake states simply, making you speak up.

“He’s already apologised to me, Jake.” You say quickly, defending your brother from Jake’s potential anger.

“You’re right. I was rude to y/n too and that wasn’t okay either. We’ve talked it out and we’ve agreed that we’ll make an effort to communicate and meet up more.” Tim explains, his gaze flicking between you and Jake who nods slightly.

“I better not find out you stop talking to her after this,” Jake says, watching carefully as Tim shakes his head.

“I won’t let myself. I don’t want to lose my sister.” Tim says, looking over at you and smiling softly which you mirror, the action finally getting Jake to soften.

“Okay. Fine. Let me buy you a drink and we can talk properly. Darlin’, are you good to stay with the others while we talk?” Jake says, at first directed to Tim before he turns to face you, watching you carefully as you nod.

“I’ll be fine. You go and talk with Tim.” You assure Jake softly, waving him off and watching as Jake leads Tim over to the bar, both of them sitting on a stool as Jake orders drinks before you turn to join the Daggers.

“Here you boys go,” Penny says, placing the two beers down on the bar counter, watching as they each take a beer with a nod after they pay for their drinks before focusing on other customers.

“So, y/n said she met you after you went through an ejection. That makes you an aviator, then?” Tim asks, after taking a sip of his beer, watching as Jake nods.

“Yeah, I am. That group over there with y/n is my squadron. We’ve been a permanent squadron just longer than I’ve known y/n.” Jake replies, glancing over at you laughing with the Daggers.

“I used to be in the Army. I served on a couple of tours myself.” Tim says as Jake turns around to face him, smiling.

“At least you had the sense to get out of there. I’m glad y/n was smart enough to join us in the Navy.” Jake says teasingly, chuckling as Tim quirks an eyebrow.

“If that helps you sleep at night,” Tim says with a laugh, lifting his beer bottle to his lips and taking a sip.

“I mean I sleep very well at night. Especially considering-”

“You know what, you can end that sentence there.” Tim quickly says, holding his free hand up, grimacing at the thought of what Jake was going to say.

“Alright, alright,” Jake says with a laugh, holding his hands up in surrender as Tim rolls his eyes.

“You know. y/n told me how happy you make her. I’m glad she has someone like you.” Tim admits quietly, but somehow Jake hears him, instantly softening, his eyes flicking across to you as the corners of his lips tug up in a small smile.

“I don’t deserve her. She makes me so unbelievably happy. So I’ve made it my mission to make her as happy as she makes me.” Jake replies, his voice quiet as he turns back to face Tim who nods in some semblance of approval.

“I can tell you both love each other. But if she ends up telling me you did something to break her heart I won’t be afraid to hurt you.” Tim says, suddenly becoming serious as Jake nods.

“Well, the same can be said for you. If I find out you’ve cut communication with her again or are just being an all-around shit brother, it won’t just be me tracking you down. It’ll be those guys too. They love her just as much as I do.” Jake says pointing over at the Daggers who were all far too busy chatting with you and playing darts and pool to notice Jake pointing them all out as a warning to Tim.

“You’re very protective over her. I appreciate that. And I won’t fuck up. I won’t let myself lose my sister.” Tim says, nodding when Jake glances back over at him.

“Of course I’m protective. y/n is the love of my life. But I also know she can hold her own if she needs to. I know what you mean though. I’m an older brother as well, it would be hard for me to handle seeing my sister with a partner because well… she’s my little sister I want to make sure she’s safe from any heartbreak.” Jake admits, thinking of his younger sister and how he’d react if he went to visit her one day and found out she was dating someone.

“You’re a good guy, Jake,” Tim says, offering a hand out towards Jake who smiles before grasping his hand, shaking it firmly.

“You’re not bad yourself Tim. I think we’ll get along.” Jake says, releasing Tim’s hand and moving to hold his beer bottle up in an act of cheers. Tim gently taps his bottle against Jake’s before the two men exchange a nod, solidifying a friendship.

“How has it been going over here?” You ask, getting the attention of both Tim and Jake as you stand alongside Jake.

“I think we’re going to get on well, Darlin’,” Jake says with a reassuring smile, his free hand grabbing yours and squeezing softly, pulling you a little closer.

“Good, I’m glad. I didn’t want to have to break up a bar fight or something.” You laugh as both men’s jaws drop in mock shock, both of them insisting that they’d never do such a thing.

“You picked a good guy, y/n,” Tim says with a soft smile, nodding in approval as you smile gratefully in return.

“Thank you, Tim. I’m so glad you came to visit. Even if it was a surprise and we argued at first.” You admit with a soft laugh as both Jake and Tim nod with laughs of their own.

“I’m glad I came too. Look, as much as I’d love to stay longer, I might need to head home. I’ve got an early start tomorrow and I don’t want to get caught in traffic.” Tim says, noticing how you frown slightly before you nod, understanding why he needs to go.

“Okay. Text me when you’re home. I’ll have to find time to come and visit you in LA.” You say as Tim stands up, moving to hug him tightly.

“I’d love to have you come visit me in LA. I’ll keep in touch.” Tim says, squeezing you softly before releasing you. When you step back, Jake shakes Tim’s hand.

“I’ll see you around, Tim,” Jake says with a smile.

“Definitely,” Tim replies, releasing Jake’s hand, both of them nodding at each other before stepping back, letting you lead Tim to the door to say one last goodbye, watching as he gets into his truck and drives off to head back to LA. After Tim has driven off, you make your way back into the bar and over to Jake who sweeps you up into his arms, holding you close.

“Thank you for everything tonight.” You whisper only audible to Jake who moves to kiss your temple softly.

“You don’t need to thank me. I did nothing. I’m just glad you and Tim have been able to make amends.” Jake says with a soft chuckle, hugging you a little closer.

“You supported me and tried to get to know my brother even if you almost punched his lights out earlier.” You say, pulling back enough so you could look Jake in the eye, your hands gliding up to his shoulders and winding around his neck, fingers playing with the hairs on the nape of his neck.

“For you, I’d do anything,” Jake replies softly, leaning in closer as you mirror his actions, leaning in until your lips connect, kissing softly, not caring about the things going on around you.

“We definitely need to plan a trip to LA. Tim told me he has a girlfriend and I need to meet her.” You mumble as you pull away, hearing Jake hum lightly in response before the reality of what you said sinks in and his eyes widen.

“Wait. Tim has a girlfriend?”

Top Gun tags (comment or ask to be added):

@malindacath @kmc1989

#justabigassnerd #justabigassnerd writes #top gun #top gun maverick #top gun fic #top gun maverick fic #hangman top gun #jake seresin #jake seresin x reader #jake seresin x you #jake seresin x y/n #hangman x reader #hangman x you #hangman x y/n #jake 'hangman' seresin #jake 'hangman' seresin x reader #jake hangman seresin #tim bradford #tim bradford x sister!reader

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afictionaladventure16 · 1 year ago

Note

Hiii!! i love all your writings and saw that you wanted an idea for tim bradford angst.

if possible, can you do tim bradford x teen!daughter where she gets held hostage or in trouble and he become really overprotective and worried for her?

thanks so much!! 🩷🩷

Safe & Sound (Tim Bradford x Adopted!Daughter)

Pt. 2

The Rookie Masterlist

Warnings: Mentions of kidnapping, stabbing, mentions of self-harm, beating, and potential death.

Word Count: 11,027

A/N: Alright, this is the fic that I wrote because of the poll and this request. I hope you guys enjoy it! High key, proud of this one since it is the longest fic I have written! Tim Bradford requests are open! Also, if there are mistakes... um... no, there isn't... ignore it... lol and I know there wasn't much Lucy in this one, I realize that after I wrote everything... I promise to write more Lucy in the next ones.

Side note: Diego Luna is Diego Garcia

Gael Garcia Bernal is Gael Garcia...

Y/N's eyes darted between Angela and Y/N's dad for the past ten minutes as they argued over where the centerpieces should go and for some reason, Y/N felt like this was something she’d flipped about. Yet, here they were flipping out about the position of the centerpiece.

“What do you think?” Angela finally asked y/n, her hands on her hips and a stern look on her face.

“Does it matter?” She asked.

Y/N could see the switch flip in Angela’s eyes, Tim couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle before placing a soft hand on Angela’s shoulder, “Just put them how you want, Angela, we have more important things to worry about,” he had waved the white flag.

Angela nodded, “you’re right,” she began, her eyes landing on y/n, “We still need you to shower, get dressed, and do your hair and makeup. All in under,” she looked at her watch, eyes widened as she realized the time. “Two hours!” She exclaimed.

Y/N let out a sigh, “Alright, let’s go.” She followed Angela out of the banquet hall.

Suppose y/n had asked her ten-year-old, scared self that in a few years, she’d be surrounded by people who loved her like they shared the same blood, with no conditions attached. That she’d be getting ready for her quince and that she was happy. Her younger self would have called her crazy, mostly because, at the time, she didn’t see any hope. Yet, here she was, looking at herself in the mirror as she wore her quince dress, hair styled in a half-up and half-down with curls, and the makeup wasn’t over the top but complimented her face.

“What do you think?” Angela asked, grinning from ear to ear as she looked at her in the mirror.

“I love it,” y/n smiled, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

“Oh no,” Angela quickly grabbed a tissue and helped y/n wipe away the tears before it ruined her makeup, “What’s wrong? Is there something you don’t like?”

y/n couldn’t help but let out a small chuckle, “No, it’s not that,” she glanced back at herself in the mirror. “I just never thought I’d be this lucky.”

Angela smiled, she opened her mouth to say something but quickly turned at the sound of a knock at the door. “Can I come in?” Tim asked from the other side of the door.

Angela rolled her eyes, “Come in.” Tim entered the room, “you’re supposed to be keeping an eye on everything,” Angela scowled.

Tim held his hands up, “In my defense, Lucy said she had it handled and rushed me to come get dressed.”

Angela sighed, “Alright, well I guess I should get ready, you don’t mind if I use the bathroom to change?”

Tim shook his head, “by all means, go ahead.” Angela walked out of the room. Y/n couldn’t help but continue to stare at herself in the mirror, “You look beautiful, sweetie.”

“You think so?”

Tim nods, “And I’m not just saying that because I’m your dad and I have to.” He walked over and planted a kiss on top of her head, “Our ride will be here an hour, so why don’t you help Angela get ready.”

“On it,” y/n smiled and walked out of the room.

Within the hour, everyone had gotten ready and it was time to head back to the banquet hall. It wasn’t long until y/n was back at the banquet hall, making an entrance to her guests clapping. It all felt surreal and she didn’t want it to end.

She danced with her friends as planned, and then surprised her guests with a surprise dance. By the time it was all over, she was exhausted, but when she heard the music slowly die down she was quick to catch on to what was going on.

“If I could have everyone’s attention,” Tim began, as he waited a few seconds for everyone to quiet down. “I would just like to thank you all for coming out tonight, it means a lot to us. I also have a small speech prepared, I’m not accustomed to how quince’s go, but I’ve been told that I need to make a speech.” Tim scanned the crowd, his eyes landing on y/n, he smiled, “As many as you know, Y/N is adopted, but that doesn’t mean I love her any less, if anything it means I love her more. I think I knew from the day I met her, that there was something special in her and that I wasn’t just supposed to save her that day…” Tim could recall that moment when he knew that somehow you were destined to be a part of his life and somehow you were brought into his life to save him from his pain.

~~ Then ~~

Tim cursed under his breath when he told himself it was a quiet shift because only a second later he got a call about a possible double homicide with a little girl who had called 9-1-1. He knew that whatever this little girl saw, it would stay with her the rest of her life and this wasn’t the first time he had answered calls like these. Yet, something about this one felt different.

He was the first one on the scene when he arrived at the house, he took out his gun and slowly approached the house, the front door was already open. Slowly, Tim made his way through the house, checking every room as he walked through. He stopped when he walked into the master bedroom, seeing the bodies of a woman and a man on the floor. He walked over and checked for a pulse.

“Dispatch, this is Officer Bradford, we got two DBs on the scene,” Tim said into his walkie. Tim could hear the distant sounds of sirens approaching, backup had arrived.

A sound of ruffling came from behind him, he quickly turned around to face a closet door. Tim raised his gun as he slowly approached the door, “this is LAPD, come out of the closet,” Tim stated, and he was met with silence. He opened the door slowly, his eyes widened when his eyes landed on a little girl. He lowered his gun and bent down, “Hey, it’s okay.” He tried his best to sound as soft as possible, but she inched backward until she hit the wall. He noticed her eyes darted behind him, his heart raced as he turned around but no one was there. His eyes landed back down at the bodies on the floor. He blocked her view with his body.

“Do you want to play a game?” Tim asked, y/n looked up at him and gave him a small nod.

“Alright, the rules are you have to close your eyes okay? Can you do that for me?” Tim asked. Y/n gave him a nod and closed her eyes. Tim got up, picking you up in the process. He was surprised at how light she was, given her age. He took her outside where other officers and paramedics began to arrive, one of the paramedics walked over to the two of them.

“She doesn’t seem to be injured but I would like to get her checked out, just in case,” Tim began.

The paramedic nodded as he reached out for her, but she quickly sunk more into Tim’s arms. The paramedic glanced at Tim, “looks like you got a puppy,” he commented, “mind carrying her to the rig?”

Tim let out a small sigh before following the paramedic to the rig, he held her in his arms as he sat in the back of the rig while the paramedic did his thing. She clung to his side the whole time, and for some reason, Tim was okay with it. Yes, it happened from time to time and sometimes Tim wished he was never put in that situation but this time, he felt this was where he was needed.

~~ NOW~~

“Little did I know that I was to gain a daughter that day and I am proud of the young lady she is becoming,” Tim glanced over to where y/n was, a prideful smile on his face, “Happy birthday, sweetie.” There was more that Tim wanted to say, stuff that made him feel uncomfortable in front of a room full of friends and family. He wasn’t uncomfortable because he didn’t want to say it, it was more because he never showed that side of him to those who barely knew him.

What he wanted to say would have to wait.

The party quickly resumed with everyone back on the dance floor and having the time of their lives. It wasn’t long before the night slowly began to die down, people began to go home and soon enough it was only a few people left. Y/N could feel the drowsiness hitting her eyes as she sat at one of the tables, she was thankful that she chose to get a second dress for the end of the night. Y/N was done with your quince dress an hour after she put it on and somehow Angela knew y/n would need a second dress.

“Tired?” Tim asked as he sat down on the chair next to y/n. She slowly nodded, laying her head on the table.

“Why don’t the two of you go home, I have people coming by in the morning to clean up,” Angela commented as she walked over to the table.

Tim nodded, gesturing for y/n to get up, “Thank you, again, Angela.”

“Hey, you helped me plan my wedding, the least I can do is help you plan your daughter’s quince, especially since you have no experience in this criteria.”

“Well, I appreciate it,” Tim hugged Angela, letting go to grab some of y/n’s things.

Y/N got up from the table and hugged Angela, “Thank you, Angela. You made my quince the highlight of the school year.” Angela smiled and placed a small kiss on Y/n’s forehead.

“Make sure to mention me in your popularity speech,” she winks.

“You’ll be the first one I thank,” y/n joked. She followed Tim out of the banquet hall.

“How are you feeling?” Tim asked as the both of them got in the truck.

“Sleep deprived.”

Tim grunted, “What?”

“Well, we have a birthday tradition we haven’t done this year.” She gave him a confused look, “Our hot chocolate at midnight,” he said in a surprised tone.

She let out a small chuckle, it was a tradition she had unknowingly started on her first birthday with her dad, “I completely forgot about that.”

“How could you forget? It’s a sacred tradition and we are about an hour late.”

She playfully rolled her eyes, “It slipped my mind with all the quince craziness.”

“You’re forgiven,” he smiled, starting the truck to head home. It wasn’t long before she was asleep, being tired and going on a car drive was not a good combo for her. It felt like seconds after she had closed her eyes, she was being woken up, only to realize that she had been asleep for twenty minutes.

“Come on, let’s get you to bed,” Tim suggested as he grabbed some of her things from the back seat.

She followed him inside the house, “I’m still down for that hot chocolate,” she commented.

“You sure?”

“It’s a tradition,” she smiled, “I’m just gonna take off all this makeup, give me five minutes.”

Your dad watched as you walked into your room, you were too stubborn for your own good and somehow he felt like he was to blame for that.

Tim went into the kitchen to make the two of you hot chocolate, he was adding marshmallows when everything went dark. “Crap,” he muttered to himself. “Damn outages,” he jumped into action, rushing over to the drawer where he kept his emergency kit, including his flashlight.

“Y/N, I’ll bring over some candles!” He yelled out. He waited for your response but he did not receive any, he was trying not to panic, maybe you were so busy taking off your makeup still that you didn’t get the chance to respond. But given the last time the power had gone off, he was expecting a response. Yes, it was the summer and there had been outages but it had mostly happened during the day.

Kojo began to whine and ran over to your door, beginning to scratch at the door. Something was wrong, Tim didn’t hesitate to run over to your door, “Y/N?” He called out. He waited another few seconds for you to respond. When you didn’t it was like all the alarms inside Tim’s head went off, “Y/N?!” He yelled. Again, no response.

He couldn’t wait any longer, he opened the door to find an empty dark room, he ran over to your bathroom and it was empty. He felt his heart drop, and he ran out into the hallway, “Y/N!?” he screamed. He went to every single room in the house, any place he thought you would hide, but why would you hide? To play a game of hide and seek? He didn’t know, he wished that was what was happening, He hoped. He stood in the middle of the living room, his breathing was erratic as he realized that you were gone. You were gone and it was while he was home, where he could protect you. Regardless of what happened, Tim felt responsible for everything.

His hands shook as he dialed 9-1-1, when he heard the voice on the other line, he couldn’t say the words. Maybe because saying it would mean it was reality, it wasn’t some nightmare he could just wake up from.

“Hello? 9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” The lady asked again.

Tim felt tears forming in his eyes, “My-my daughter is missing,” he choked out a sob before giving the dispatch his address.

“Sir, I need you to remain calm, can you tell me your daughter’s name and age?”

He let out a shaky breath, “Y/N,” he felt another sob making its way up his throat, part of him wanted to throw up. He didn’t know why he felt like throwing up, but the feeling was making its way up. “She just turned fifteen,” He managed to say.

“Do you know where she was taken from?”

Yes, he did. She was taken while I was present, he thought. “Our home,” He held back his sob.

“Can you describe what happened? What was she wearing?”

He needed Lucy. He needed someone to take over for him, he couldn’t do this. All he wanted to do was to run out into the streets and find her himself, but he knew he wouldn’t hold back if he did. He would tear whoever took her limb by limb, he wouldn’t show any mercy.

“Sir? Are there any open windows in her bedroom?”

It was like everything he learned in the academy, everything he had done on the job flew out the window the second he realized she wasn’t in her room.

He walked into the bedroom once more, “There is,” he said as he stared at the open window, “she doesn’t open her window, her screen ripped a while back.”

“Can you describe what happened before you realized she was missing?”

“I-I was making us hot chocolate and then the power went out.”

The dispatcher kept Tim on the phone until officers arrived, it didn’t take long for word to get to Sergeant Grey and somehow he arrived seconds after the first officer.

Sergeant Grey took matters into his own hands, calling up Angela and Lucy to the scene, one because Grey knew he needed the best detective on this case and the second because Tim needed the support right now.

“I need you to walk me through this Tim,” Angela said softly as she sat beside Tim on the couch.

He clasped his hands together, hoping it would stop the shaking, he was shaking so much. No matter what he tried it just wouldn’t stop. “I went into the kitchen to make us some hot chocolate and the power went out. I called out for Y/N and got no response, I gave it a second because I know sometimes it’s hard for her to respond when she’s taking off her makeup.”

Angela couldn’t help but smile at how much Tim had become a girl-dad within the past few years. He knew everything about his daughter and the habits she had. If she were on her time of the month, he was quick to get her the things she needed without being a guy about it. There were even times when Y/N’s period got so bad, that he allowed her to stay home from school. In Angela’s eyes, he was the ultimate girl-dad and she knew how lucky Y/N was to have him as one.

“I then walked over to her bedroom and called for her again and when she didn’t respond a second time I knew something was wrong. The third time I called out for her, I didn’t wait to go in the bedroom, that’s when I realized she-She was missing,” he choked out the last part, Lucy rubbed small circles on his back. She was trying her best to be his support system in his time of need.

Angela remembered noticing most of the neighborhood was out of power when she drove up, it could have been a planned thing or just a coincidence, “didn’t you just upgrade your alarm system? Especially the cameras?”

Tim instantly knew what Angela was trying to bring up, he quickly brought out his phone and pulled up the app. “Usually after an outage, the cameras remain on for ten minutes,” he commented, rewinding the footage to when they had arrived from the quince.

“There!” Angela pointed out, “That car pulls up a few houses down the same time you guys pull in.” They kept their eyes on the car as they watched the footage. They saw as the power went out and they saw the bushes on the side of the houses moving and then the car driving off in a hurry.

“It’s too dark to see anything,” Tim felt defeated. At this point, he knew that he wasn’t getting y/n back tonight, she wasn’t safe.

“Send me that footage, I’ll have my guys work on it. We’re not stopping until she’s home and she’s safe. For now, you should stay at Lucy’s,” Angela stated.

He shook his head, “We need to get out there, I need to be doing something to find her. Let me help.”

Angela shook her head, getting up from the couch, “Trust me on this, Tim. I know you want to be there, you want to go out and find her but you can’t. You need to trust me, I will find y/n and when I do, I’ll hold those who took her accountable.”

Tim opened his mouth to protest, “She’s right, Tim,” Lucy added. “The best we can do is be on the sidelines.”

Tim felt angry at them for, in football terms, benching him, when he felt like he should be out there with Angela trying to find his daughter. “When you were taken, we all looked for you, including Wesley. So don’t bench me. Don’t tell me to just stay home and not do anything, not after she has been kidnapped right under my fucking nose.”

Angela looked over at Lucy with a knowing look, “All alright, but you’ll be taking orders from me, what I say goes. I can’t afford to lose any of you if anything goes sideways.”

“Okay,” Tim said.

“I need you to promise me that when I tell you something you will listen,” Angela stated. Tim hesitated, he wanted to promise her, but also, he felt like there could be many situations where defying her orders could save you. But he needed to trust Angela. “Promise me, Bradford!”

“I promise.”

She let out a deep sigh, “Alright, let’s get to the station, we have a lot of work to do and my guys need to do a sweep of the house to see if they can find anything.”

The team spent the rest of the night at the station, they were trying to make a connection to the previous break-in, hoping that they could find something that could trace them back to y/n’s whereabouts. But with everything that they searched through, they had no luck.

Tim and Lucy sat in the conference room where they had a board up with potential suspects on the kidnapping, people who lived nearby and were on the offenders list. It was all dead ends. Angela had left to retrieve documents on Y/N’s adoption, mostly about who her biological parents were.

“Fuck!” Tim yelled as he threw papers across the conference room.

Lucy looked at him with concern on her face, “Tim, we’ll-”

“Don’t,” he snapped, “this is all my fault.” Tears formed in his eyes as he sat down on one of the chairs. A shaky sob escaped his lips, “I can’t lose her, Lucy. I can’t. I don’t know how to live in a world where she isn’t my daughter. I know we joke about having kids, but I only have one of her. Nothing will replace her and I never want to replace her.”

Lucy sat beside him, “I know,” she softly said.

“I can’t lose her. I don’t think I would be able to handle it.”

This was a side of Tim that Lucy was beginning to see more and more now that they were in a relationship. It was a side of Tim that she wished more people knew about, but she understood why they didn’t. Yes, he had this mentality that if he showed this side of himself to just anyone then there would be no room for people to take him seriously.

But here he was, showing this side of himself in the middle of the conference room, where the walls were made of glass, making them the attractions in a zoo. Anyone could see, but they were in their little bubble for the moment. What happened beyond those glass walls didn’t matter, who saw them, didn’t matter. What mattered was that she was there for him in his need.

“You know when I first met you, I never would have imagined you had a kid, let alone had adopted her. But then I saw her and the way you were with her and I could just tell, she was your kid. If you hadn’t told me that you had adopted her, I would have never guessed it.” Lucy’s fingers brushed his chin, pulling his face to look at her, “I know you will search every inch of this city to find her, but remember that you have a team behind you that is searching with you. We will find her, Tim.”

Tim felt tears falling from his eyes, “it’s all my fault, Lucy. I was supposed to keep her safe.”

She shook her head, “It’s not your fault, Tim. You did everything right you kept her as safe as you could.”

Angela walked into the conference room with a beaming smile, “I found something.”

Tim quickly got up from his seat, “what?”

“I had to do some bribing, but I got y/n’s adoption records uncovered and her biological parents aren’t who they said they were.”

“What?” Tim asked in disbelief.

“Her father was one of the sons of one of the biggest drug lords in Mexico, apparently he came to the U.S. to start a fresh new life with his wife and newborn daughter,” Angela hands Tim a photo of y/n’s biological parents when she was just a newborn. For some reason, Tim felt speechless as he looked at the photo in front of him. He wondered what his daughter was like at that age, the thought of it, made his heart ache. He hated that he missed out on so much, it was something that given their situation was bound to happen, but he felt grateful that he was given the chance to be her father now.

“She was a cute baby,” Angela commented as she watched how Tim was so focused on the photo in front of him, he probably didn’t even hear a word she had said a second ago.

“She was,” Tim smiled before putting his focus back on Angela, “you were saying?”

She couldn’t help but let out a dry chuckle, “As I was saying before you got into a trance, it looks like Gael and Luna, Y/n’s biological parents were killed by one of another drug lord's men. Hearing this news caused his father to have a heart attack and he almost literally died from a broken heart causing the younger brother of Gael, Deigo, to take over daddy's company.”

“You didn’t know any of this?” Lucy asked.

Tim shook his head, “All I was told was that it was a robbery gone wrong, obviously someone wanted to cover this up.”

“And I have a lucky guess on who that was,” Angela said as she put up a picture of a man who looked similar to Diego, standing next to another man. “The man on the right is Diego Garcia, Gael’s brother and now rightful leader of one of Mexico’s biggest mafia, and the other guy Jesse Ortega, A.K.A. El Patron, One of Mexico’s biggest drug cartels.”

“So, what are we thinking? That Jesse has y/n?”

Angela shook her head, “I have more, the way y/n’s biological parents were murdered is similar to how y/n was almost kidnapped and then kidnapped. They also caused a power outage before entering the home, now the question is-”

“Why in the hell would they want y/n?” Tim interrupted.

Angela shrugged, “leverage? All I know is that we need to find someone who has a connection with Diego and we need to find it fast. We know what these people are capable of.” She looked down, regretting her words as soon as she had said them, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

“No, we have to face the reality,” Tim uttered, “there is a chance…” he stopped, he couldn’t believe that he was going even to say it, “a chance that she may come back.”

“We’re not going to let that happen,” Lucy said.

Tim gave Lucy a hopeful smile, she was optimistic even when those surrounding her weren’t. She was optimistic in an annoying way that if she had ever stopped, he would miss it.

It had been what felt like a week since y/n had seen the sun since she remembered what it felt like to feel the comfort of her bed. She had been tied up on a chair since she’d been kidnapped, only allowed to get up to go to the bathroom or to stretch for ten minutes. Her captors were human enough to allow her just that. The only way she knows what time it is is by the sound of birds chirping outside, she knows it is morning by the sound of the mourning dove and when it is night by the sound of the crickets and frogs.

She knows she has to be near water because of the frogs and because of how some of the men complained about the mosquitos. This is how she spent her time, studying.

She has studied her captor's moves and the daily routines they did to make the time go by. She’d be lying to herself if she said she wasn’t at all scared because every minute that passed by her fear worsened. One thing in particular was that they hadn’t given her much attention. They gave her a small bottle of water that she was supposed to make last for the day, and a small meal a day which always looked like leftovers of the meal they chose not to eat.

Y/N jumped in her chair to the sound of a door slamming, she could hear footsteps escalating towards her, and her eyes widened as the door to the room she was in swung open. One of the guards that sat in the room was quick to react letting out a relieved sigh when he realized who it was.

“Dude, why do you have to come in like that? You almost gave me a heart attack,” The guard commented as he took a seat once again.

“We have to get out of here,” the guy that entered the room says.

“What?”

“Our location could be blown, it’s been a week since we’ve heard the word,” the guy makes his way towards y/n, tugging at her arm, a gesture for her to get up.

Y/n groans in pain, her legs sore from being in a position for so long, “What about-”

“He’ll know where to find us, plus, at this point, I feel like he’s just taking his sweet ass time to come and get his prize.” The man led her out of the room.

“Wait!” The guard said as he reached for the blindfold in his back pocket, tying the piece of fabric around her eyes. “Alright, now let’s go.”

Y/n felt herself being led down a dirt path, and then being pushed into the trunk of a car. Then it was silent for a moment before she heard the roar of the engine and they were moving. This was her moment, she slowly began to loosen the rope tied around her wrists, she had been slowly working on it when her captors weren’t in the room. She had almost had it this morning before she was interrupted. The relief came instantly, as she brought her arms in front of her to bring down the blindfold. To her surprise, the trunk felt like being in an abyss, she was surrounded by darkness. Her hands searched above her, she knew there had to be a latch of some sort to open this trunk. Unless her captors were smart enough to remove it.

She was beginning to give up, feeling tears beginning to form in her eyes. “Please,” she begged to any god that existed and was listening. All she wanted to do was go home, she wanted to feel safe in her dad's arms; Wondering why he hadn’t found her yet, but she knew that he would. Any moment he will be here to rescue her.

Maybe that’s why they had to move locations.

Her hands continued to trace the fabric above her, she let out a small gasp as her fingers touched something that wasn’t fabric. She took in a deep breath and pulled on the piece of plastic and in an instant the trunk opened. Y/n jumped out of the trunk with no hesitation, she yelped as she hit the ground and rolled on the pavement.

Y/N let out a pain-stricken yell as she slowly got up to her feet, she heard tires screeching to a halt.

“Fuck,” she said, turning around to see the car she had just jumped out of coming to a complete stop. Y/n only had a few seconds to take in her surroundings, it was dark and there was nothing but trees from what her eyes could see.

She heard the engine beginning to come closer, it was now or never, she ran towards the trees. The sound of a car door closing caused her to use all her energy to run faster, but she could feel it quickly draining. Maybe this is why they fed her so little, to keep her from having the energy to run.

The lack of food and water was getting to her, but she knew she couldn’t give up, she needed to find safety.

The crash came quickly, one minute she was alert and running and the next she was on the ground. She was quick to come to, she let out a sob as she attempted to get back up.

“Not so fast,” One of the men says as he grabs her arm, “Nice try.” He picks her up from the ground, holding a tight grip on her arm. “I got her!” he yells out.

Footsteps could be heard coming closer to where they were, “Fucking bitch,” the other guy, who happens to be the guard, says. He swings his arm back, his fist meeting Y/n’s mouth causing her to lose her balance. She lets out a small sob, “Let’s get back to the car, Hugo.”

Finally, a name. Hugo helped y/n back to her feet, “You know he’s not gonna like that you did that,” he commented. “You know how he is about his things.”

The guard shrugged, “it’ll just be a slap on the wrist.”

Time was slipping by like a thin thread that was hard to see and hard to get a hold of. Tim felt like he was frozen, watching as his friends and family came by the house day by day to check up on him. Lucy came every day to walk Kojo because if she didn’t know any better, she would have sworn he never left his spot on the couch. It had been weeks since their last breakthrough, the day after Y/N was kidnapped, and since then every lead they have had led them to a dead end. At some point, Tim was beginning to lose it, he felt anger residing within him.

Anger towards himself and to y/n’s captors. He had anger. After all, he was confused and angry because he couldn’t crack the case. He felt like he should be able to find her within a second, but when he was left with nothing but crumbs that once served as hope, he slowly fell into his pit of despair.

Angela didn’t give up, she knew there was something within the lines that she must have overlooked. She wasn’t going to let the guilt win her, not when it had won over Tim. She knew there had to be one still searching through the crumbs that were left of this disaster.

“We’re going to find her, Tim,” Angela said, walking around the coffee table to come face-to-face with her best friend. “Do you hear me?”

Tim continued to stare into the blank space that was the TV. his eyes never leaving his reflection.

“Tim, you can’t give up. You need to be strong for y/n because when we find her she’s going to need you more than ever,” Angela began to say. “She’s going to need her dad to bring her back to life, we have no idea what kind of hell she is going through righ-”

“How do we even know she’s still alive?” Tim finally spoke up, breaking his eye contact with his reflection to look at Angela.

Angela could see the fear in his eyes, the hope and desperation that still lay within them but was withering out, “How could you think that?”

Tim turned away, blinking his tears away, “You and I both know the chances of survival of someone being kidnapped, especially those who are gone for weeks.”

“You can’t think that way, you need to think like a cop-”

“I’m thinking like a father, Angela!” Tim yelled. “My daughter could probably be dead in some ditch and I have to prepare myself for that possibility. I have to prepare myself for the possibility that she-” Tim let out a cry, “she might not come home,” he sobbed.

“And I don’t know how to live with it. I don’t want to live in a world where she isn’t in it,” Tim cried. “She brought me so much happiness when I couldn’t find any and now she’s gone and I couldn’t stop it,” Tim looked at Angela with glass eyes, “I was supposed to protect her, so what kind of father does that make me?”

Angela pulled Tim in for a hug, “you can’t always protect them, Tim. We all know that you can’t blame yourself for something that was out of your control.” Angela released the hug, holding Tim’s head in her hands, “I need you to pull yourself together, not for me or Lucy, but for Y/N. She needs you.”

Tim knew Angela was right, he had to pull himself together. He gave her a small nod, as he got up from his spot on the couch and walked to the hallway, “Where are you going?”

“To shower, I doubt you want me finding my daughter when I stink like dirty laundry,” he shouted out.

Angela rolled her eyes, grabbing her phone from her pocket.

I somehow got him to shower

She had sent a text to Lucy, who decided to stay back at the station to give the paperwork a second look. Lucy had felt like all her attempts on trying to get Tim off the couch had failed, all she had received from him were grunts or blank stares. She never took it personally, but knowing it didn’t take Angela long, made her heartache.

They’ve been best friends for a while, she thought to herself. She shook her mind off of it before looking back at the paperwork.

Before she could continue what she was reading, she was interrupted by a knock at the door. She turned to see an unfamiliar face smiling back at her, “Hi, I’m looking for a Tim Bradford.”

Lucy found it strange to see civilians inside the station at such a late hour, but maybe he wasn’t a civilian. “Um, h-he’s not here at the moment, but can I help you?” Something about this man looked familiar to her, she just couldn’t figure it out.

“I must speak to Mr. Bradford,” the man said as he glanced outside the door. Lucy quickly caught on to the men guarding the door. She glanced back down at the photos in front of her before turning back to look at the man at the door.

“D-Diego,” Lucy mumbled as she got up from her seat.

The man sighed, “I’m not here to hurt you, I’m here to help,” he held up his hands. “You can search me and my men, you might find a gun on them, but they know not to do anything stupid, especially inside a police station.”

“How did you get in here?”

“It’s fairly easy when you spend your whole life doing these kinds of things,” he smiles before pointing to a chair near Lucy. “May I sit?”

Lucy nods, “Why are you here?”

“Like I said I want to help, now how long before Mr. Bradford gets here?” Diego looks at his watch before glancing at Lucy.

“Lucy?” Tim yelled out as he walked into their apartment, he was worried sick after she stopped answering his calls when she had texted Angela to meet at her apartment.

“Why the hell would she want us to meet here?” Angela asked as she closed the door behind them.

“Oh good,” Lucy said as she came out from her bedroom, “I know you guys have a lot of quest-”

“Why did you stop answering my calls?” Tim asked as he pulled Lucy in for a hug.

“I’m sorry, I just got caught up on-” Lucy realizes mid-sentence that Tim has a tighter grip on her, “I-I’m sorry, Tim.” For a moment, she let it slip that maybe not answering her phone caused panic to surge through Tim’s body. She could only imagine what he could have been thinking on the drive over, the worry he must have felt.

“ ‘s alright,” Tim says as he lets go of the embrace.

“Now can I have an explanation as to why all of our documents are in your apartment and not at the station, and how the hell did you get this big ass board here in thirty minutes?” Angela asks.

“I had some help,” Lucy began to say.

“Lucy, I can not thank you enough fo-” Diego stops mid-sentence, a smile forming on his face, “Mr. Bradford, it is so nice to finally meet you.”

“Diego Garcia,” Angela quickly drew out her gun.

Diego held his hands up, “I come in peace and empty-handed, Detective Lopez.” Angela gave a knowing glance towards Tim, “Yes, you can even search me, even though Lucy here already has.”

“Twice,” Lucy added.

“But if it makes you feel better, I’ll allow a third pat down,” Diego smiles.

Angela holsters her gun, “I’ll trust Lucy’s word,” she says, “now explain.”

“Well, after you left, Diego showed up and at first he would not tell me anything unless Tim was there, but I managed to get him to tell me some of what he had to say and given the situation, I felt it would be better if we met here. Away from the station, so we could all talk privately,” Lucy explained, she waited for a few seconds for someone to say something. Angela stood there, staring at Lucy like she was trying to make sense of it all. “Well?”

“I’m still trying to figure out if what you did was stupid or smart,” Angela then looks over at Diego, “and you’re awfully brave for coming into a station considering who you are.”

Diego smirks, “I am a wise man and as a wise man I know that you only have information on what others have said about me. But I am willing to risk it all if it means that my y/n is safe.”

Angela turned her head slightly at what Diego had just said, “Surprised you even care when you didn’t even take her in after her parents were brutally murdered.”

Diego took a deep breath, “I thought it would be for the best that she stayed away from this lifestyle, it’s what my brother would have wanted.” Diego noticed the photos that fell out of one of the folders, he couldn’t help himself as he began to look at them.

“Then explain why Jesse Ortega has my daughter,” Tim said, “Because for the last few weeks, nothing has been making sense to me.”

Angela saw the way he looked at those photos like they were his prized possessions, it was then that realization hit her. Nothing was making sense because it wasn’t true. “He doesn’t have to,” Angela said, suddenly understanding.

Diego looked at her, it was the look in Angela’s eyes that made it clear to him, that she knew the truth. Everything he had heard about how great of a detective Angela was, was finally coming to light. He gave her a nod to continue.

“I so happened to stumble upon a photo the press took of you and a woman,” Angela took out her phone, sliding through some photos before she landed on the one she needed. She held up the phone, “A woman who looks similar to Y/N, if I didn’t know any better, I would have thought this was her mother, but from records, it shows that Isabella, Gael’s wife, is y/n’s mother. Not Camilla, your wife who so happened to pass away around the same time y/n was born.” She received a confused expression from Tim, “You see, The only reason why Jesse would want anything to do with y/n is because she isn’t Gael’s daughter but Diegos,” Angela explained. “But it doesn’t explain why Gael took her here to America to start a new life.”

Diego sighed, “My wife, may God rest her soul, she passed when y/n was born and I already was worried about raising a child in such a lifestyle, but leaving was harder than it looked. My brother and his wife had wanted to leave for a while, so, I told them to take y/n and leave for the States. My father got word of this and told him he’d give him his blessing if he killed Jesse’s father,” Diego paused, recalling the day it happened like it was just yesterday. “The only person other than my father and brother who knew of y/n’s existence was my best friend, Jesse.”

“Some best friend you were,” Angela commented, “Why kill his father?”

“For the same reason, every other narco kills another. Territory. My father, although I loved him, he was greedy. He let the money get to his head and he wanted more. With territory came power, he wanted us to show him how we loved him. In a fucked up way, he only asked of this to have someone else do his dirty work for him,” Diego explained. “My brother was to kill Jesse’s father in exchange for ‘Freedom’ but look where that got him.”

“Still doesn’t explain why Jesse wants revenge from you if Gael was the one that killed his father,” Lucy commented.

“Because when it came down to it, my brother couldn’t kill him and I didn’t allow him to. We told my father what he wanted to hear and that’s that.”

“You killed Jesse’s father,” Tim understood. “That’s why he came after y/n, to hurt you in the same way you hurt him.”

Diego nodded, “I loved my daughter and I wanted a better life for her. You gave her that,” He said looking at Tim. “Which is why I am here to help you guys find her, what you do with me after that doesn’t matter. All I want is for her to be safe.”

Tim understood what he meant, the feeling of just wanting his daughter to be safe regardless of what could happen to him. He would do the same in a heartbeat if it meant he could have y/n here safe and sound.

“How can we trust you?” Angela asked.

“You can’t, but then what other option do you guys have?” Diego asked.

Tim sighed, “Do you have any leads on where they might be keeping her?” He ignored the looks he got from Angela and followed Diego over to the board that had all of their leads.

“Do you trust him?” Angela asked Lucy, they both watched Diego and Tim talk off to the side.

“If it means getting back y/n, then I do,” Lucy said.

It’s been over a month. Over a month and y/n had been starved, deprived of water and sleep. She felt like she was going insane as she was held up in a small room with only a mattress on the floor. For over the past hour, she had listened to the muffled voices outside the door, every moment that passed she had hoped to hear some sort of salvation in this pit of hell.

The door opened and the man, whom she knew by the name of Hugo, came in and hastily picked y/n up from her position on the mattress. Her heart quickened as she was led into the main room, which to her looked like an old office.

Before she could muster up the strength to say anything, she heard a voice call out from the end of the room, “She’s the spitting image of her mother,” a man scoffed as he appeared from the shadows.

Hugo places y/n on a chair, before tying her hands behind her, “W-what’s going on?”

The man who had just spoken, grabbed y/n by the chin, inspecting the bruise on her eye, “Who did this?”

“S-Sergio,” Hugo stuttered. “Ya sabes como se enoja,” (you know how he gets angry.

The man took in a deep breath, “I’ll deal with him later.” his attention focused back on y/n, “I always knew you would grow up to look just like Camilla.”

“Who’s Camilla?” Y/n asked.

“Why you’re mother of-” The man smirks, “Of course,” he said in realization, “you still think Isabella and Gael are your actual parents. We have a lot to uncover then.”

Y/n looked at him with a confused expression, was Gael and Isabella, not her parents? They had raised her, she remembered seeing photos of them with her as a baby, even as a newborn. It didn’t make any sense to her.

“You must be wondering, ‘Jesse, what do you mean?’ well, let me explain it to you,” Jesse, the man from the shadows, began to explain, “Your real father is Diego, Gael’s brother, your mother died while giving birth to you and so your father, Diego sent you with his brother to the states. Before he did that, the cowards killed my father. I took revenge when I killed Gael, but upon coming up to recent news, I found out that it wasn’t Gael who killed my father, but Diego. So, here I am out seeking revenge for my father’s death again.”

This all felt too much to unfold, the man who y/n mourned, the one she thought was her father was just her uncle. It didn’t make her feel any less of him, but it made everything… different.

“What are you going to do with me?” y/n asked.

“Have you ever been to a rage room y/n? I hear they’re pretty popular in Los Angeles?” Jesse asked as he walked over to a table that was off to the side, on the table y/n could see tools that ranged from hammers to even a drill.

her eyes widened as the fear crept up within her when she saw Jesse grabbing the hammer. “I’ve always wanted to go to one, let out all the anger I felt since my father’s death. I have let that anger live within me for far too long and I think it’s time to let it out, don’t you think?” Jesse smirked as he glanced over at y/n.

Over the past week, Diego, Tim, Lucy, and Angela had spent most of their time in Lucy’s apartment. Diego calls people one after the other trying to figure out where Jesse could be holding y/n. He felt it was somewhere in Mexico, given that Jesse rarely came to the States unless something went wrong with his shipment. For the most part, it was Diego’s men who searched every lead they had in Mexico, it wasn’t until today that they finally had a breakthrough.

Diego came rushing into the apartment, “I got something!” he yelled, phone in his hand as he rushed over to Tim. Diego hesitated, “I-I don’t know if you should look, it was even hard for me to see this photo.”

Tim prepared himself for what he would see, “Show me.”

“Tim,” Angela warned with concern in her voice.

He shook his head, “No, Angela, I need to see her.”

Diego showed them the photo of y/n. In the photo, she was tied to a chair, she was bruised from head to toe, with blood covering most of her body. Tim held back a sob as he read the sign that was hung around her neck.

‘Esto es para mi papa,’ it read. (This is for my father)

“The window in the back shows the ocean. I know that view from anywhere. It’s where me and Jesse met for the first time, where our friendship began and ended,” Diego explained. “I can get you on a plane there tonight.”

“No, if this is where she is at, we have to do this the right way,” Angela began. “The LAPD-”

“The LAPD doesn’t have jurisdiction in Mexico, if anything you would have to call the feds and you know the feds wouldn’t care about a little girl that is kidnapped unless there is a big bust for them.”

Tim sighed, “he’s right.”

“So we just join him to Mexico?” Angela asks.

“We take matters into our own hands like we did to save you.”

Angela thought about it for a moment, she knew what they were doing was risky, but it was a risk Tim was willing to take to get his daughter back. A risk they made to get Angela back when she was kidnapped not too long ago too.

“Alright,” Angela said.

It wasn’t long until they were on the plane to Mexico City where Diego said the old office was. Tim and Angela mentally prepared themselves for what was about to happen, one they didn’t know if they could trust the people they were with, and second, they didn’t know what kind of condition y/n would be in.

Lucy wanted to join them but decided to stay back just in case. She was in constant communication with Tim just in case something were to happen.

“We’re almost there,” Diego announces as he comes back from the cockpit area and takes a seat on one of the chairs. “My men are ready to meet us at the landing zone, we will head straight to the building when we land,” he began to explain. “I’ll have a paramedic waiting nearby to take care of any injuries on y/n.”

“You can pull those kind of strings?” Tim asked.

“With the right kind of money, yes,” Diego smirked.

Angela scoffed, “I have a question for you,” Diego nodded for her to continue, “Why let Gael take y/n? Why not live a life outside of this business with your daughter?”

Diego sighed, placing the glass of alcohol back down on the small table in front of him, “Because my brother and his wife could give her something I never could have.”

“What’s that?” Tim asked.

“Family.”

“I disagree, I think you don’t need a mom and a dad to be a family. It’s ideal, but look at where she’s at now, no offense, Tim,” Angela said.

Diego nodded in agreement, “Alright, you caught me.” He took a swig of his drink before placing the now-empty glass back down, “The first week was the hardest,” Diego admitted. “Then as she began to grow, I just couldn’t do it. She reminded me so much of Camilla… It hurt to even look at her. Gael and Isabella couldn’t have kids and the way they always loved her as her own, I just felt like they would have given her the love I couldn’t give her.”

Tears began to form in his eyes, “and I was right. I was told Gael and Isabella died trying to protect y/n. They made sure she was hidden so she wouldn’t be” Diego choked on his words, “I don’t regret the decision I made, I just regret that I couldn’t save them.”

“Patron, Hemos aterrizado, ” (Boss, we’ve landed) One of the flight attendants said to Diego, quickly walking back over to the flight attendant station in the front of the plane.

“That’s our ten-minute mark,” Angela commented.

Tim felt his heartbeat quicken, anxious to get out of this plane and find y/n. He felt every minute that went by was a minute too long, a minute too late.

Y/n cried out in pain as Jesse backed away, he shook his hand, wincing in pain.

“Ah, don’t worry, little y/n. Soon enough you won’t be feeling any more pain,” Jesse winked as he walked back over to the table. For the past week since Jesse had made an appearance, it had been constant torture for y/n. The only break she had was when Jesse left to go eat or sleep, otherwise he found entertainment in torturing her with different techniques.

“P-Please,” y/n begged.

He jammed a knife into the table, he let out an annoyed groan before grabbing a piece of cloth that was nearby. Walking over to y/n, Jesse jammed the cloth into her mouth and then tied it on the back of her head.

“That’s better,” he smiled, walking back over to the table. He grabs the knife again and walks over to y/n, “Cuando yo estaba mas joven,” Jesse began to say, “when I was about your age actually, the girls used to grab a knife and make these marks on their skin,” he traced the knife along Y/n’s wrists, “Ahh, just like these,” he says as he traces the white lines that were scattered along y/n’s wrists. Scars that told of a past of darkness that she once battled.

“Let’s have some fun,” he winked, letting the knife sink into y/n’s skin along her abdomen, she screamed into the piece of cloth that was in her mouth. Jesse let go of the knife, leaving it in her abdomen, walking back over to the table, and grabbing a large bowl of water.

Jesse walked back over to Y/n, she frantically shook her head, knowing exactly what he was thinking. He smirks as he dunks her head in the bowl, leaving it there for a minute before letting her back up for air.

Y/n tried her best to hold her breath, but with her mouth being gagged she found it more difficult than the last time. She hoped he was done for the night, that any moment he would walk out of that room.

“Can’t forget about this,” Jesse comments as he takes the knife out of y/n’s abdomen causing a rush of blood to ooze out.

The door abruptly opens, “We’ve got a problem,” Hugo says with urgency.

“Can’t you handle it?” Jesse says through gritted teeth.

Hugo shakes his head, “It’s Diego, he’s here and he has company.”

Jesse groans in frustration, walking over to the table to drop off the bowl and knife. He sees a piece of rope, it is now or never, and he grabs it.

Tim followed one of Diego’s men through the building, searching room by room for y/n. He was surprised by the small amount of guards that were within the building so far, it could only mean that the main floor would have more.

Jose, the man who was taking the lead, led them to the final and top floor. Tim could hear a couple of shots before he heard people grunting, “She’s in here!” Jose yells out. Tim looked back at Angela who nodded for him to go as she walked over to one of Diego’s men who had one of Jesse’s men on the ground.

Tim quickly rushed into the room Jose had called out from, he scanned the room, seeing Jose with Jesse on the ground. Then his eyes darted to the small figure on the chair, “Y/N!” He calls out as he runs over to her, quickly untying her hands. Y/n slumps over in her seat, Tim is quick to lean her body against him, helping her onto the floor.

“Hon, it’s me,” he says, not getting a response from y/n. “Come on, baby girl, you gotta wake up for me,” the tears began to form in his eyes, he felt for a pulse, it was weak but it was there. He looks over at Jesse, “What did you do?!”

Jesse smirks, his eyes darting over to the door. Tim looks behind him to see Diego at the door, “Ojo por ojo.” (an eye for an eye)

Diego felt the anger rise within him, he felt like he was on autopilot as he pulled the gun out from his back holster, pointing it at Jesse without hesitation, he pulled the trigger.

“Now we’re even,” Diego mutters. He pulls his attention back over to Y/n and Tim, quickly noticing the pull of blood forming before them, “she’s bleeding,” he quickly takes off his coat, handing it to Tim.

Tim presses the coat on the stab wound, “we need to get her to the paramedic,” Diego says. Tim picks Y/n up, following Diego down the flight of stairs and outside to the paramedics. Tim got into the ambulance with Y/n, he held her hand throughout the whole ride.

He couldn’t help but notice the condition her body was in, the scars on her body, the bruises, and the mark that was red around her neck. If they had been a second late, she probably would’ve been gone. No, Tim couldn’t think that way. She’s safe now, she’s alive and she’s with him.

Tim stayed by y/n’s side every single day at the hospital. It had been a couple of days and she had yet to wake up, the doctors said it was due to her injuries, but Tim was worried it could be something worse. Eventually, they were given the okay to transfer back to the States.

To Tim’s surprise, Diego never made an appearance at the hospital in Mexico City. He kept his promise, he helped them find y/n, and to Tim, that was all that mattered.

Once they were back in the States, Tim couldn’t find the courage to leave y/ns bedside still. He continued to wait for her to wake up, the doctors told him to give her body time to recover but just wanted to hear her voice. He wanted her to know that he was sorry.

“Wake up,” Tim whispered as he gently placed his hand on the side of y/n’s face, “You need to wake up, hon.”

Tim felt his eyes getting the best of him, he let out a deep sigh as he laid back in his chair. Lettin sleep overcome him.

It was only an hour after Tim had fallen asleep that y/n began to wake up, the lights from the room blinded her as she opened her eyes, an instant headache. y/n groaned, wincing from the brightness, “Dad?” she called out.

Tim thought it was odd that the elephant in his dream was calling him dad, slowly he was driven out of his dreams and jumped up. He frantically looked around, “Dad?” he heard y/n say.

“Oh my god, you’re awake!” Tim announced, getting up from his seat and running out to the hall, “she’s awake!” he announced to one of the nurses, and they both rushed back into the room together.

The nurse quickly checked y/n’s vitals and her stitches, “We’ll have to do some more testing, but from what I can tell, you’ll be making a full recovery,” she announced with a smile. “I’ll be back to check on you in an hour, let me know if you need anything,” she smiles as she walks out of the room.

Tim pulls you in for a hug, careful not to hurt her further, “you’re awake,” he breathed out.

y/n let out a relieved breath, holding onto Tim as tight as she could. y/n felt tears brimming her eyes as a sob escaped her lips. Tim rubbed small circles on her back, “I-I thought I was never gonna see you again,” she sobs.

Tim places a small kiss on the top of her forehead, “You’re safe now,” he says as he lies on the bed with y/n, never letting go of her hug. “That’s all that matters to me right now.”

“How did you find me?”

“We had some help,” Tim explains.

“Was it from Diego?” Tim looked at her with a surprised expression, “Jesse told me everything, he knew Diego was on his trail.”

“Diego mentioned that,” Tim sighed, “How do you feel?”

“Like I’m probably gonna need therapy for the rest of my life,” she comments, letting out a small chuckle.

Tim couldn’t help but chuckle, “I’ll get you the best therapist there is, I’ll even get you a thousand stuffed animals if that makes you feel better for a thousand minutes. Hell, I’ll even get you another dog, I don’t care, just as I know you are home and you are safe and sound.”

Y/n couldn’t help but smile, but it soon falters, “Do we have to talk about what happened?” she asks.

“Not if you don’t want to, I’ll understand if you want to talk to a therapist instead. What you went through was heavy and…. I’ll understand.”

She nods, Tim watches as her mind wanders off, “I thought I was gonna die,” she begins to say, “and for a moment all I could think about was missing you. Missing our Sunday brunches with Kojo and even missing our softball practices.” She looks at Tim with tears in her eyes, “I was so scared.”

“I should’ve been able to protect you,” Tim whispers. “I’m so sorry, y/n.”

“It’s not your fault,” Y/n says, “I don’t blame you at all for any of it, you’ve always been there. You’ve protected me from the first moment I met you and you have never stopped.”

Tim felt a surge of love and pride within him, he had helped raise a brave young woman whom he was proud to call his daughter.

“I love you,” he says, pressing a gentle kiss on y/n’s forehead, his voice choking with emotion. “You are indeed the strongest person I know and I will always be here for you, no matter what.”

Y/n leaned against his shoulder, and the two of them lay there in silence for a moment before turning the T.V. on. He knew that he was going to need to help her through the tough times ahead, juggling a normal life with school and friends while also dealing with this trauma. Tim knew the next few months were not going to be easy, but he was more than willing to be the rock y/n needed to get through this. It all seemed fine now, but he knew the emotional toll a traumatic event like this could be on a grown adult, but imagine a teenager.

It was a lot to take in and it was going to be a lot of therapy.

For now, all that mattered to Tim was that Y/N was found and she was now safe and sound.

#tim bradford x reader #tim bradford x y/n #tim bradford x teen!reader #tim bradford x you #the rookie #tim bradford teen!reader #tim bradford x teen!reader angst #tim bradford angst #tim bradford x adopted!daughter #tim bradford x daughter!reader #tim bradford x reader angst #tim bradford x daughter!reader angst #tim bradford oneshot #lucy chen #tim bradford

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northhopest · 2 months ago

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7x10: Chaos Agent

Alexi used this episode as a promo for Zander’s music, and you know what? I’m not even mad. The major disappointment with Zander was not performing Cop Cuties.

The cold open with him being Celina’s date with a hidden agenda to get closer to Nolan is comical. I also love Bailey and Celina’s mother/daughter relationship even though Jenna’s only 9 years older than Lisseth.

Daddy Cop: Tim’s Version

I’m not surprised that Lucy knows Daddy Cop. In one of my fics, she sings it so much that their 3 year old daughter ends up innocently singing it to Tim.

This Chenford and Nolan scene also speaks to Chenford’s progress. Compared to that godforsaken food truck scene in 7x02 when Lucy made that problematic paying off her “debt of gratitude” to Tim statement, this scene was classic Chenford.

Up until 7x07, I was one of Chenford’s biggest critics and up until 7x05, I was extremely protective of Lucy. They jumped right into the season with flirting (Tim) and bantering (Lucy) without a roadmap of where they’d been during the hiatus. The season became more enjoyable for me once Tim started showing his feelings. Tim is actively trying to fix what he thinks is irreparable. He didn’t even do this with his wife (7x07). Once the damage was done with Isabel, he moved on. But with Lucy, it’s different.

Lucy: I don’t understand why men take everything so seriously Tim: I don’t see how you can generalize something like that Lucy: Experience

There are different ways to interpret “experience.” If this is a Cholan reference, I hope whomever wrote this episode gets skunked.

I think it’s her being spicy towards Tim in a sarcastic/feisty way and telling him that he takes everything so seriously.

The Lucy that sang Cop Cuties, bantered with Tim, and then had her hand on Tim’s arm in the raccoon scene was different from the Lucy that bantered with Tim in 7x01. She didn’t have the stiffness of 7x01, the morning after avoidance of 7x06, nor the love declaration avoidance of 7x08. I see that as progress. He’s been doing the work to work his way back into a place where she’s comfortable with him. That took time. His hard work is paying off because the Lucy in these two scenes, “experience” jab aside, is seemingly the Lucy in S5 that stole his radio.

Chenford: Miles’ Biological Parents

Smitty sneaks off into Tim’s old office to eat his donuts (and, let’s be honest, take a nap). Smitty almost face plants when Tim shoves him. They did it for comedic purposes, but shoving a coworker is grounds for termination in real life.

Tim and Lucy give conflicting advice to Miles about what to do with the raccoon. Lucy undermining Tim in front of his rookie is funny yet disrespectful—no one else could get away with that. Tim lets Lucy get away with it. “Small doses” Tim will let Lucy get away with just about anything if it doesn’t harm her. But if the roles were reversed and he undermined Lucy in front of her rookie, fandom would be in hell over it.

Lucy and a rodent (quick take)

Rodent: You think this guy is really gonna come back for her?Lucy: I think there is no guy Me: I think there is no cancer Rodent: Holy cow, that’s wild. She seems so innocent. Me, since December: Rodent’s evil. If Lucy’s career gets tainted by yet another white male (Nolan, Bradford, Primm, Rodent) I’ll - Fandom discovering Rodent's true colors: Holy cow, that’s wild. Rodent seems so innocent.

Lucy and Her Stepmother

I love Luna’s sass as she asks Lucy “why?” Why is she asking Luna about a shady oncologist? It seems more reasonable for Wes, Angela or Nyla to prod into Hasanoff.

Also Lucy’s stepmother: I will not tell your father unless I need to.

I love the way Luna reads Lucy like an open book. Lucy counts her losses and spills the beans. They have the insurance talk. Luna tells Lucy “If I needed a doctor to lie for me, Hasanoff is who I would go to.” The Watch Commander’s wife took all of a minute to figure out that Seth is lying. She’s not messing around. I think she knows about Seth’s mishandling of the Wildfire. There’s just no way Grey didn’t go home that evening and vent to Luna.

Look, Lucy would not go to the Watch Commander’s wife for work help if she didn’t need it. It’s a cry for guidance. She needs to know her instincts about Seth are correct and Luna tells her without telling her that it’s correct. I was in Lucy’s shoes last year, trying to figure out my own five player trade. You get to the line as close as you can without crossing it, and the other party does too. Just enough information is exchanged to make your move.

He’s Definitely NOT Undermining Her

I don’t think Tim was undermining Lucy in 6x01. I think he gave her what she asked for but I don’t think she used her words correctly to ask him for what she truly needed. Tim would give her anything as long as it doesn’t harm her. He’s perceptive for a guy but he’s still a guy. She knows that about him. She knows HOW to ask him and how he’s going to respond. As she told Isabel, she’s got him all figured out.

All season long, he’s giving her space and agency to deal with Seth. She asks him for help and he gives her distance to figure it out while still having her back when things go south.

When she calls him after her conversation with Luna, he doesn’t tell her what to do until she asks for it. When she does, he gives her the tools to make her own decisions. He’s in crisis mode at Mid Wilshire with the inmates but he still picks up her call. Husband material.

Bye, bitch.

There’s a missing scene between Lucy’s phone call to Tim and Seth’s firing. Tim told Lucy to get the hospital to draw Seth’s blood. Lucy never asked Seth on her own. She went back to the station to deal with Zuzu, had a conversation with Tim, Tim gave her a gameplan, they briefed Wade, and arrived at the hospital as a unit. I think Chenford both knew that Seth would retaliate against Lucy if it were just her asking Seth. He’s taken advantage of her all season, he’ll try to do it again if it were just her asking him to submit to a blood draw.

Seth is a white man. Tim, Nolan, and Wes are too but they’re cut from a different cloth. There’s privilege at play but the latter three wouldn’t knowingly use it to their advantage. Seth would. Seth is always using his status as a young white man to his advantage. Compare what he gets away with to Miles who gets away with nothing. Miles would never try anything with Tim. Miles tried with Lucy until Tim shut him down. Seth tries with Lucy all the time, even after Tim shut him down. It’s difficult for women to train male rookies. It’s even more difficult for women of color to train white male rookies. You’d have to be a Nolan type for it to be effective.

I think this is the main reason why Lucy didn’t ask Seth to submit to a blood draw without backup, and why Tim and Wade are involved. She recognizes what’s happening. Tim can’t get Seth to submit to a blood draw, he’s not Seth’s TO. But Wade can.

Tim is so over it the moment he sees Seth.

Wade lays out the grounds for termination. Only Wade can officially terminate Seth. This mirrors 7x04 when Tim told Lucy they should talk to Wade about Seth.

A switch goes off in Seth. He has no reason to be nice and clumsy anymore. He turns mean.

Tim then gives Seth the procedures following dismissal. I think if Tim were Seth’s TO, he’d lay down the rules and escort Seth off the property himself. But I think there’s the unspoken status at play again, Tim recognizes this, and, accompanies Lucy in escorting Seth.

Lucy is Never Alone

One of Tim’s most powerful lines in S1 is when he tells the criminals that he’s never alone and the LAPD shows up in the air, on the ground, etc.

Lucy is never alone, either. She has powerful people in her corner. Luna gave her solid advice. Wade, though there were still messes to be dealt with at the station, went to the hospital just for her and arranged for another officer to stand guard in place of Seth.

And Tim. Tim won the 7x01 bet with the rookies, and Lucy’s career remains unscathed since she went through the proper channels. It’s a win-win.

Tim Bradford would do anything for Lucy Chen. She may not want to go to him for advice about her personal life, but keep in mind that she shares an apartment with Celina and Rachel. Tim is there where it counts, where it matters, where it’s essential. He’ll protect her with his life.

Grey Needs a Vacation

Grey looks like he needs an all-expenses-paid trip to Palm Republic.

Quick Takes

They wrote a whole episode around Zander and a raccoon. How?

The unique title card was a hint that this wasn't going to be your typical episode.

What are county inmates doing in city jail?

I love how gentle Tim is with Smitty after Smitty gets beaten up

The raccoon saved Tim’s life and singlehandedly made sure that Chenford is NOT bones.

I saw some chatter about Melissa being the only one who cares about Lucy. That’s simply not true. There are probably a hundred people involved in making Lucy Chen, Lucy Chen. From Alexi to Judy to Tamiko who does Lucy’s stunts to Mike who photographs Lucy and the rest of the cast, everyone CARES about Lucy.

I do not care for the slender man story or those kids. There are other ways to get Lucy and Seth (and Wade and Tim) to the hospital to fire Seth.

This episode was PEAK chaos. I can’t wait for the April Fools one to outdo it.

#I didn't proofread this #Don't ask me how I wrote an essay about Chenford out of an episode that had almost no Chenford. I don't know either.#chenford #the rookie #Tim Bradford #Lucy Chen #Sergeant Chen #Tim x Lucy #Lucy X Tim #S7 #7x10 #Melissa o'neil #Eric Winter #my metas

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avada-kedavra-bitch-187 · 11 months ago

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We need a Tim Bradford fic where it’s based off of the Dim and Juicy episode where instead of Lucy being the doppelgänger it’s reader and the reader and tim are already married with kids but it’s weird to see each other like that and the interviewer asks weird questions because of it and Tim gets mad and maybe the kid runs up to dim or juicy saying something like mama or daddy or something and the reader and Tim have to explain

Also Tim is 100% a girl dad but it’s hard because he could be amazing with a boy as well so maybe twins a boy and a girl the girl being youngest and the brother is protective

I wanna thank @fluentmoviequoter for making this

More than meets the eye by @fluentmoviequoter

#tim bradford the rookie #tim bradford x y/n #tim bradford x you #tim bradford x reader #tim bradford #rookie x you #rookie x y/n #the rookie x y/n #the rookie x you #rookie x reader #the rookie x reader #the rookie

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chenfordsource · 2 years ago

Photo

Thank you all for your participation in Chenford Week 2023! Seeing the turnout this year was genuinely incredible; the love for our favorite ship led to nearly 300 creations, including fanfics, gifsets, edits, and fanvideos and playlists.

With so many creations, there was no way for everyone to keep up throughout the week, so we put together a master list of all the Chenford Week 2023 content.

The list is organized by day and content type; we hope it helps navigate the amazing content created for the event. If we’re missing your entry or any links don’t work, please let us know.

Thank you all for your incredible Chenford Week work this year!

Fics:

Day 1 (Inspired by Canon Day)

Ohio Laundry Room by silverskull

What Tim Needs by aleclightwoodgirl

Ghost of You by girlintotv

More than ever by rissachenford

Chenford Cam Watchers by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

Watching by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

watching my heart (go round and around) by jennahbennah

We could build a house away from here(I just wanna get warm with you) by niamsagram

Unless it is (Lucy's POV) by TheChandom

fight the frost (of the morning blue) by fromiftowhen

Up is down, down is up by ImperiumWife

Never Underestimate a Bradford by gemma_chenfordfan

you know the greatest films of all time were never made by quesera

A Little Mystery to Figure Out by westwingwolf

Always find you by thatfandomwriter

Your string of lights are still bright to me by Lxvechenford

safe in your arms by Ellitheria

Palms by L56895

Daddy Cop - Arrest me but make it sexy by AllMyTomorrows

Daddy Cop by Lucychenford

It's a Daily Struggle by mom2kmt

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 1 by elementsofemily1193

let's build a life by itsgrangerweasley

the best thing that's ever been mine by BimadaBomily

i'll make it through if i stick to you (cover your body in superglue) by lucychens

Event Horizon by TheRogue16

My Favorite Line was "Can I Call You Sometime?" by TheAwkwardAnglophile

We Need To Talk by PBenjamin012215

no safer place than with you by madneyfiles

Forever Looks Like This by ameliagiovanna0

Day 2 (TV Tropes Day)

Glad You Exist by aleclightwoodgirl

Bear it all by myrandomfandomramblings

Not our parents by thatfandomwriter

The Night Before - an Epilogue by mom2kmt

'Til Death Do Us Part by girlintotv

when you're by my side by chenfordspiral

Fluff 'n' Stuff by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

Bedtime Stories by Tiger_Lily24

I Won't Say No by firstdegreefangirl

Evergreen by silverskull

maybe we'll discover (what we should have known all along) by jennahbennah

find the one you can't live without by HeyItsEm

Just when I thought our chance had passed (You go and save the best for last) by niamsagram

i had a feeling so peculiar (this pain wouldn't be for evermore) by quesera

I always look after you by Lxvechenford

Woke up in love by TheChandom

Not Our Bed. It's Mine. by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

Looks Like She's In Love by westwingwolf

Burning For You by meghansarchive

Breathe Again by RogueTwelve

Haunted by liaromancewriter

and i can't sleep at night (every time i close my eyes, i'm torn between two lives) by BimadaBomily

The Weak Link by Ellitheria

Mid-Wilshire Family Barbecue by AllMyTomorrows

Breaking up was Easy in the 90s (Tim's POV) by WannaBeBold

Here Comes the Sun by achegaby

I'll Take care of you by rissachenford

When I Taste Tequila by ImperiumWife

Surprise! by LondonRih

looking at you (with pride in my eyes) by TheRogue16

I miss you, I'm sorry by Lucychenford

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 2 by elementsofemily1193

i met you on the rooftop, shining with the moonlight by lucychens

My One and Only by PBenjamin012215

This Is It by ameliagiovanna0

A Hell of a View by RogueTwelve

roadtrips & lifetimes by paldogangsaan

Day 3 (Something's Missing Day)

The Babysmitter by westwingwolf

I Think Kojo Had a Nice Day by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

Missing Piece by thatfandomwriter

Lucy's internal monologue during the 5x02 ending by myrandomfandomramblings

man of honor by paldogangsaan

i can go anywhere i want (just not home) by quesera

Angela Lopez, Detective by gemma_chenfordfan

run into the night (like the sun won't ever come up) by chenfordspiral

You Left Them Like That? by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

One Of These Days by silverskull

Unexpected Turn of Events by aleclightwoodgirl

I Want You to Say (that you want me to stay) by firstdegreefangirl

I only talk to God when I need a favor (But I'll pay for all I've done, just please don't let me lose her) by niamsagram

you OWE me, baby by Ellitheria

You think I'm pretty? by AllMyTomorrows

Drunk in Love by Spindos

Slow Sweet Nothings by BimadaBomily

Silence Runs Deep by MrsHannahLongbottom

True Crime by Lucychenford

The Story Of Us by girlintotv

you're barely waking (and i'm tangled up in you) by jennahbennah

Fly me to the Moon by achegaby

Lost and Found by ImperiumWife

Finally! by PBenjamin012215

Secret Love by WannaBeBold

Anchor by TheRogue16

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 3 by elementsofemily1193

Trapped by liaromancewriter

make it feel like there's nothing left but you and i by lucychens

Channel 9 (Missing Chenford Moments part 2) by TheChandom

When I Taste Tequila by ameliagiovanna0

Day 4 (Happy Hawley-Day)

The Best Bling Store by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

Just some fall things by thatfandomwriter

If We Took A Holiday by westwingwolf

one minute to midnight (let's start the new year right) by BimadaBomily

you keep his shirt (he keeps his word) by chenfordspiral

And, somehow, I know that you and I would've found each other (We would of been Timeless) by niamsagram

Wedding Day Jitters by ImperiumWife

One Last Secret by silverskull

The Cold Really Bothered Tim Anyway by Bluenet13

I Love You, But No. by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

Our Secretly Perfect Holidays by girlintotv & thatfandomwriter

How did you know? by AllMyTomorrows

Speechless by Lucychenford

Snow on the Beach by myrandomfandomramblings

I've Got Plenty to Be Thankful For by achegaby

And It's Like the Fog Has Lifted by TheAwkwardAnglophile

in paper rings, in picture frames, and all my dreams by quesera

Time For Me To Come Home For Christmas. by PBenjamin012215

Unless it is (Tim’s POV) by TheChandom

Underneath the mistletoe by aleclightwoodgirl

what do I do with this (with a love that won't sit still) by TheRogue16

when my heart finds christmas (i hope it finds you too) by jennahbennah

three words that became hard to say (i and love and you) by lucychens

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 4 by elementsofemily1193

I can't lose when I'm with you by Tiger_Lily24

Day 5 (Love Languages Day)

Love Language by thatfandomwriter

i'm just like 'hey, are you okay?' by BimadaBomily

Words of Affirmation by aleclightwoodgirl

I Will Serve. I Will Be of Service. by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

I Swear That I Am Up to No Good by Bluenet13

I'm Glad You're Here by firstdegreefangirl

you know what it was (he is in love) by quesera

We keep this love in a photograph; We made these memories for ourselves by niamsagram

Keeping you Close by Lucychenford

Tomorrow is Another Day by HeyItsEm

Centrifugal Motion by silverskull

i think of you (and it's alright) by jennahbennah

Give Me All Your Love Now by westwingwolf

I love that its not hard ( to be in a place where laughing's easy) by achegaby

i already know that there ain't no stoppin' your plans and those slow hands by lucychens

Hands by AllMyTomorrows

no chance, no way, I won't say (I'm in love) by TheRogue16

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 5 by elementsofemily1193

Just Like Tim by TheChandom

Goodnight by Angel_Butterfly10FrDeGSMTLC

Day 6 (Get Creative Day)

hope that it's hopeless by magnoliamica

Sunshine bar by thatfandomwriter

How To Train Your Dragon by Chry5alis

The Inheritance Clause by Torreshalstead

I Just Want You To Know Who I Am by girlintotv

i will take care of you (the very best that i can) by BimadaBomily

Take Two by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

You Move Me by westwingwolf

Forget and Forgive by silverskull

Call It Magic (When I'm With You) by TheAwkwardAnglophile

all this chemistry has got me falling (i'm definitely high) by chenfordspiral

Lost Love by PBenjamin012215

The Bradfords by Lucychenford

The Letter by firstdegreefangirl

We Got to Quit Meeting Like This by aleclightwoodgirl

you'll find the real thing instead (she'll patch up the tapestry that i shred) by jennahbennah

There you see her Sitting there across the way (You wanna kiss the girl) by niamsagram

I'm hers, she's mine by TheChandom

come, you spirit that tend on mortal thoughts by TheRogue16

Green by liaromancewriter

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 6 by elementsofemily1193

groupchat fights by paldogangsaan

take me out to the ball game by lucychens

Day 7 (Free Day)

Nightmares by thatfandomwriter

Mosaic by fuzzy_wuzzy_wuzza_writer

Something just like this by littlesnafu

Tell the truth (I look better under you) by moonycpd

Can you use these tears? (to put out the fires in my soul) by achegaby

Meeting the Family by Lucychenford

I'll Always Be by silverskull

The Night The Lights Went Out in California by westwingwolf

A Late-Night Party by LondonRih

finish what you started (push until you feel i'm about to break) by BimadaBomily

I will ease your mind by TheChandom

Breaking up was Easy in the 90s (Lucy's POV) by WannaBeBold

baby i would die for you by itsgrangerweasley

Happy Birthday by aleclightwoodgirl

ghosts in the eyes (of all the boys you sent away) by jennahbennah

Time rolls by, the clock don't stop by niamsagram

a post is worth a thousand words; a like is a worth a thousand speeches by TheRogue16

My Hero by navywife97

Seven Days of Storytelling: Day 7 by elementsofemily1193

New Years Day by chens_luv

About Last Night by Solo Ojo Jojo

Gifs & Gifsets:

Day 1 (Inspired by Canon Day)

Favorite s5 moment/Inspired by a season five song by livelovecaliforniadreams

Favorite season 5 moments by lightsparkss

Favorite s5 moments by leavingubehind

S5 moments vs. past seasons by westwingwolf

5x01 inspired gifset by firstdegreefangirl

Favorite s5 moments by chenslucy

Favourite s5 moments as Netflix highlights by timlucys

Day 2 (TV Tropes Day)

Season 5 tropes by leavingubehind

Season 5 tropes (Everyone Knows) by westwingwolf

Favorite Season 5 parallels/callbacks by livelovecaliforniadreams

2x11/5x05 parallel (inspired by sick/injured & hurt/comfort tropes) by chenslucy

Chenford + non-sexual forms of intimacy (dating edition) by timlucys

Day 3 (Something's Missing Day)

Chenford + Tumblr hashtags by leavingubehind

Missing kid AU by westwingwolf

Underrated moment: 5x12 by livelovecaliforniadreams

Underrated moment: 5x17 by chenford-fan

Incorrect dialogue: 5x02 by sgtbradfords

The Vow AU by timlucys

Day 4 (Happy Hawley-Day)

"I Can See You" - Taylor Swift by livelovecaliforniadreams

Relationship milestones/firsts: S5 edition by westwingwolf

"God Gave Me A Girl" - Russell Dickerson by firstdegreefangirl

"Love You a Little Bit" - Tanner Adell by sgtbradfords

"I Can See You" - Taylor Swift by timlucys

Relationship milestones/firsts: 5x16 by chenford-fan

Day 5 (Love Languages Day)

100 ways to say I love you by leavingubehind

The original love languages by livelovecaliforniadreams

Love language: Physical touch by westwingwolf

The original love languages by myrandomfandomramblings

Love language: Acts of service by chenford-fan

It's all about the hands by queseraone

10 untranslatable words that describe love better than you ever thought by timlucys

Day 6 (Get Creative Day)

Chenford + after work hangs by livelovecaliforniadreams

Chenford + Wade Grey by westwingwolf

Chenford + phone calls by myrandomfandomramblings

Chenford + beige/neutral color theme by chenslucy

Bumble dating app AU by chenlucys

Chenford + Lucy's apartment by chenford-fan

V.E. Schwab dedication by sgtbradfords

Chenford + otp prompts by leavingubehind

Chenford + written by Alexi Hawley by timlucys

Day 7 (Free Day)

Chenford Google Search by livelovecaliforniadreams

Chenford + Lucy's apartment by westwingwolf

Get creative - angst edition by onlyhereforangst

Chenford + domestic moments by chenford-fan

"Religiously" - Bailey Zimmerman by firstdegreefangirl

The way he looks at her vs. the way she looks at him by chenslucy

Melissa & Eric appreciation by timlucys

Other:

Day 1 (Inspired by Canon Day)

Fanart - Favorite s5 moment: 5x10 by myrandomfandomramblings

Picspam - Favorite s5 moments by buckleybrvdford

Picspam - Favorite s5 moment: 5x01 by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - Favorite s5 moment: 5x16 by chenfordspiral

Scrapbook Page - Favorite s5 moment: 5x10 by thesassywitchofthenortheast

Fanvideo - "GOOD" by Erin McCarley by lovelylavenderrose

Day 2 (TV Tropes Day)

Picspam - Trope: Battle Couple (Couples that fight together) by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - 2x11/5x05 parallel by buckleybrvdford

Fanvideo - "Mr Brightside" (Trope: Jealousy) by lovelylavenderrose

Day 3 (Something's Missing Day)

Graphic - Missing moment: the morning after by theflyindutchwoman

Fanart - Missing moment: 5x18 sushi date by CauseRSisEpic

Graphic - Missing moment: Everyone reacting to Chenford dating by buckleybrvdford

Graphic - "Missing" Kojo Poster by mom2kmt

Day 4 (Happy Hawley-Day)

Graphic - Relationship milestones/firsts: Tim and Lucy's first (and second first) date and their first (real) kiss by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - Relationship milestones/firsts: First time by buckleybrvdford

Moodboard - Tim and Lucy's wedding day by queseraone

Day 5 (Love Languages Day)

Graphic - Love language: Physical touch by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - Love language: Giving/receiving gifts in 5x16 by buckleybrvdford

Picspam - Hands, hugs, or kisses (or all three!) by chenfordspiral

Picspam - Love language: Taking pictures and making videos by theflyindutchwoman

Day 6 (Get Creative Day)

Graphic - Chenford + Kojo (a peek at Kojo's Instagram account) social media AU by queseraone

Picspam - Chenford + parking garage/lot by theflyindutchwoman

Picspam - Chenford + undercover by chenfordsbee

Graphic - Chenford + S5 texts by wanna-be-bold

Day 7 (Free Day)

Graphic - Chenford + Meleric appreciation by theflyindutchwoman

Playlist - Out of the Shade: A Chenford Playlist by tinderbox210

Picspam - Relationship milestones/firsts by chenfordspiral

Handlettering - "I can't lose you the way I lost her" by theawkwardanglophile

Graphic - How far Chenford has come in 5 seasons by myrandomfandomramblings

#chenfordweek23 #the rookie #therookieedit #chenford #chenfordedit #chenford fanfic #lucy chen #tim bradford #admin

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bluenet13 · 5 months ago

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A Very Marry Christmas - Read on AO3

Tim's plans to propose are repeatedly thwarted by Lucy's busy holiday schedule. Desperate to make it happen, he decides to take a chance during the team's gift exchange. A @chenfordsecretsanta fic for @mamadoc

'Twas two weeks before Christmas, and all through the house, the sound of Tim Bradford's footsteps echo steadily. Outside, Christmas lights twinkle brightly as Tim paces in his living room. Fifteen steps to the coffee table, ten more to the door. Another fifteen to the stairs, and finally twenty back to the opposite wall. He's counted them certainly once, possibly thrice, but most likely he's into double digits. Anything to distract himself from the small box burning a hole in his pocket.

Lucy is half an hour late. It happens often and Tim usually accepts it without complaint. But tonight, it makes him restless and so he paces. The food is getting cold in the kitchen, because it was either cold on the table or burnt on the stove. That also happens often, because one of them is almost always late, and because Tim is nowhere near a chef and dinner has been burned in more than one occasion. But not tonight. Tonight, Tim followed the instructions Genny sent to perfection, wanting the evening to be equally perfect.

It's another half hour later when keys jingle outside. Tim stops and stares, eyes wide as his hand inadvertently moves to cover his pocket.

A moment later the door opens, and Lucy is right there. She drops her bag and catches Kojo as he comes barreling down. She kisses him in the head as Tim continues staring. If he was a less confident man, he would get offended at his girlfriend kissing their dog hello before him. Instead, he patiently waits for his turn, and a minute later Lucy is back in his arms where she belongs.

"Hi Lu," he breathes into her hair, letting the familiar scent sooth the butterflies dancing in his stomach. "How was work?"

"It's been a day," Lucy sighs, "Had to break a fight at Best Buy, almost arrest a teen and treat the mall Santa Claus he brought to tears and help with a traffic accident after a poorly tied tree slipped off a car's roof in the middle of La Brea."

Tim grimaces and gently turns Lucy around so he can massage her shoulders and neck. "The joys of the Christmas season," he says sarcastically. Yet, he smiles to himself. Hoping tonight will make however many Christmases together life gifts them the most joyful of seasons as they celebrate their anniversary year after year.

Lucy nods and relaxes into Tim's touch. She closes her eyes and is nearly asleep on her feet when her phone buzzes in her pocket. Picking it up, she shoots Nolan a quick reply and turns to look at Tim apologetically. "Yeah, about that… The day is about to become a little more joyful."

Tim deflects at the inflection in her voice because they have been here before. "What did you do?" He almost tacks on a now at the end of the sentence, but he doesn't want to start the rest of their lives together with petty comments and unnecessary arguments.

"I sort of got volunteered for a community event tonight," Lucy explains, then breaks for a kiss to soften the blow. "And I sort of volunteered you to come with me."

To Tim's credit he manages to muster a tentative smile and almost convincing nod. "That sounds great, Luce."

"You're not mad?" Lucy asks, finally catching the delicious smell coming from the kitchen. "You made dinner?"

"I did, but it was nothing special. I can pack it, and we can reheat it tomorrow at the station." He fails to mention how dinner was Lucy's favorite dish as a child that she's mentioned a few times she hasn't eaten since the falling out with her parents. If she asks, he can just say he bought it, no need for her to know he spent hours cooking and start suspecting he's up to something.

"Okay, I'm sorry." Lucy smiles and it's so infectious that Tim finds himself smiling back even if his plans are completely ruined. "Let's go change into something more festive. I promised Nolan I would be there in an hour at most."

Making a silent note to have a conversation with Nolan, Tim follows Lucy into the bedroom. But not before making a stop at the highest shelf in the kitchen and depositing the ring safely inside.

-x-x-x-

Three days later, Tim puts the disappointment of the failed proposal behind him and tries again. He's just finished wiggling Kojo into a Santa costume, complete with beard and hat, when his phone rings.

He cringes when Lucy's picture pops into the screen and silently begs the universe that she's just calling to tell him she's on her way home.

The universe in turn laughs at his face, and keeps going on uncarily, as Lucy explains in his ear.

"I'm sorry, Tim. I know we had plans to go on a hike with Kojo but two of Harper's detectives called out and she needs help with an open case."

Tim sighs and lets the disappointed show on his face while masking it in his voice. "Isn't there anyone else that can help?" He tries, not wanting to read too much on the universe yet again conspiring against him.

"Yeah, but Harper asked me first. She knows I've been trying to make up for the detective's test and everything else that happened."

Tim hates that Lucy is still trying to atone for things she shouldn't be atoning for, but that's just the nature of the world and he promised himself he would be supportive. God knows he's the one that will be trying to make amends the rest of his life and it still won't be enough for what he put her through.

"It's okay. We can go on a hike another day," he says dutifully, silently beginning to get the costume off Kojo. "Be safe, I love you."

"Love you too, see you later tonight." Lucy blows him a kiss and the line goes dead.

Tim's heart sinks at the silence but he smiles down at Kojo and pats his head softly. "What do you say about going on a walk with just daddy?"

-x-x-x-

It's three nights before Christmas when Tim decides to try yet again. This time he's picked a day when they are both working so he can make sure they both end up at the restaurant like they're supposed to.

When the clock on his small office ticks five in the afternoon, he checks his phone and smiles upon seeing Lucy's text. She's just finished her last call and is on the way back to the station. Perfectly on time.

A few minutes later, Lucy pokes her head through the small gap he left open on the door and gives him a blinding smile. "I will go shower and get dressed and we can be on our way."

"Sounds great, Luce."

This time, Tim picked the fancy restaurant where they had their first date after getting back together. He almost picked a new place to signal a new beginning, but instead he chose the one that reminds them that even in life's darkest moments, when destiny or each other pushes them apart, they're still stronger together.

He reserved a cozy corner table, ordered Lucy's favorite wine in advance, and rehearsed his speech more times that he knew were necessary. Trying his very best to keep things on track and his plans in motion.

But as seconds then minutes start ticking by and Lucy still hasn't returned, Tim starts to get antsy. He glances at the small velvet box he's been holding and curses when he sees his sweaty hands are getting it damp. He dries it on his jacket and puts it in his pocket, so he doesn't oust himself when Lucy comes in.

When the door finally opens a few minutes later, it's not Lucy, but Angela. Tim curses softly, unclenches his hands, and settles on his chair. He forces his tense shoulders to drop and focuses on his best friend. She has that funny look on her face that he hates, and he just knows his plans are about to be ruined again.

"Sooo…" Angela begins and Tim cringes.

He waits and cringes some more when Angela raises her hands apologetically without having said anything that needed apologizing for. She glances at his attire and decides to sit down.

"I was talking to Nyla when Lucy came in to change and she heard us talking," Angela finally explains and Tim already doesn't like where this is going. "I was telling her how the latest case forced me to take overtime three Fridays in a row and I missed Wesley's birthday, plus the anniversary of when he proposed."

"Okay?" Tim prompts, trying but failing to wait calmly for the rest of the story.

She takes a deep breath and explains everything so quickly that Tim misses half the words, but he still gets the gist of it. Lucy felt bad so she offered to babysit the Lopez-Evers siblings so Angela and Wesley could take their reservation to make up for their missed celebrations.

"I'm sorry, Tim. Lucy looked so earnest when she offered that I really thought you guys wouldn't mind, but seeing you now…" She trails off, looking him up and down and taking in the freshly pressed suit and expertly combed hair.

Tim's shoulders slump but he nods anyway. He loves Lucy's big heart, he really does. Yet still he wishes her big heart would stop getting in the way of his.

Angela coughs and Tim realizes his silence has stretched too long to the point of suspicion. The last thing he wants is his detective friend to start detecting so he grabs her hand and squeezes supportively.

"It's okay. Don't worry about it and just enjoy the evening with Wes." He tries not to sound too annoyed, but the way Angela's brows furrow makes him think he's just failed spectacularly.

"Timothy, is there something you're not telling me?" Angela asks sweetly, in her most dangerous voice.

Tim opens his mouth to try to form an excuse when Angela lifts a finger silencing him.

"Wait, I got it." She starts ticking fingers as she goes. "You made reservations on a Friday night to one of LA's busiest restaurants and one I know for a fact you have only visited once before, when I helped you finally get your head out of your ass and ask Lucy to a first date, again. You are wearing a suit that I also know for a fact you didn't own before because I've been in your closet, and I know I would have picked this one for my wedding had it been there. You combed your hair in a way that I last saw… Never, you have never combed your hair to make yourself look like a Hollywood star and not the guy that catches people pissing on the Hollywood Stars."

She pauses, takes a big gulp of air, and goes for the killing blow. "And you're really trying to be inconspicuous, but you have been staring at the ring box-shaped lump in your pocket ever since I came in."

Tim has known Angela long enough to know that lying would be pointless, so, uncharacteristically, he decides to open up without her having to threaten him first and tells her everything. She spends about ten minutes squealing, demanding to see the ring, and hugging him to his dismay, before quickly sobering up and starting to plan with him.

-x-x-x-

In the week leading up to Christmas, Angela dutifully helps Tim plan perfect proposal after perfect proposal. They end with Tim in a Santa costume delivering gifts at the local children's hospital, Tim and Lucy babysitting Lila and Leah, Lucy volunteering them for an extended patrol so another officer could finish gift shopping, and party after party that was fun but too crowded for him to propose.

Out of ideas, and time, Tim decides to propose during the gift exchange Nola and Bailey organized for the team at their home. There are a million things that could go wrong, but everything has already gone wrong when it shouldn't, so he figures there's not much more he can lose.

With Angela's help he wraps the engagement ring as Lucy's Secret Santa present and manipulates the draw in a way that he knows for certain Lucy's name will be the one on the last paper left for him when he's purposely late to the drawing.

The evening goes well for the most part, but he's nervous as hell so Angela keeps topping his whiskey glass to keep him relaxed. He's a little tipsy by the time Bailey declares dinner over and the exchange beginning, but at least the gift is still where he left it, Lucy hasn't volunteered them for anything that would cut the night short, and no one has realized what he's planning.

As planned, Bailey opens the first gift from Celina and rejoices at the LAFD onesie. Then Nolan fist bumps James, smiling at his new tool kit, and Tamara squeals at the blouse Angela got her.

The rest of the exchange proceeds in controlled chaos but things take a turn when it's just Harper and Lucy left, and Harper grabs a box that looks suspiciously like Tim's box, same wrapping paper and all.

Tim turns panicked eyes at Angela and silently begs her to do something. Always smart and quick-witted, she clears her throat. "Harper, wait! I think you might have grabbed the wrong gift," Angela says, trying to sound casual. "Unless you have a secret admirer that's not James?" She pointedly looks at the box that clearly contains jewelry and at Nolan's gift from her husband. "I think that one is for Lucy."

Harper pauses, a skeptical look on her face. "Nice try, Lopez. But the name tag says it's for me."

She slowly unwraps the gift and by the time the lid comes off, revealing the sparkling ring inside, Tim has fully stopped breathing. Harper gasps and the room falls silent.

Harper's eyes widen in shock, and she looks around the room, confused, her eyes finally settling on Tim, then Lucy, then Tim again. "Uh, Tim? I think there's been a mix-up."

Lucy, equally shocked, looks at Tim with wide eyes. "Tim, what's going on?"

Tim's heart drops. This is not how he imagined it at all.

Still, he stands up, his face flushed with embarrassment even as his eyes shine with the determination to make this right and finally propose to the love of his life. He steps forward, takes the ring from an apologetic Harper, and drops to a knee.

"Luce," Tim begins, his voice steadying as he looks into her eyes as if they're the only two people in the room and the whole damn universe. "I had this all planned out, quite a few times actually, but life and your big heart had other ideas." He laughs and recounts every failed attempt that preceded this day, gently shushing her when she rushes to apologize in the middle of his speech. "Lucy Chen, you're the most incredible person I've ever met, and I'm the luckiest guy because for some reason you chose me, over and over again, even when I didn't deserve it. We've been through so much together and it's all taught me that life is not worth living without you. I know things haven't gone exactly as planned, tonight and before, but maybe that's just our way. Nothing about us has been traditional or easy. But through it all, we have stuck together, and it's only made us stronger. Will you make me the happiest man on the planet and marry me?"

Lucy, her eyes filled with tears, nods. "Yes, Tim. Yes! A million times yes!"

The room erupts into cheers and applause as Tim slips the ring onto Lucy's finger. He pulls her to her feet and captures her lips in a kiss that promises the future he's always dreamed of but never dared believe would happen to a guy like him.

When they break apart, their friends are right there.

Nolan clasps Tim on the back. "Congratulations, man. That was a rollercoaster."

Tim laughs, relief and happiness flooding through him. "You have no idea."

"Well, it wouldn't be a Mid-Wilshire proposal or wedding without a little drama," Wesley jokes.

Bailey grins, shaking her head. "Don't forget honeymoons, those can go awry too."

After every member of their little family has congratulated them, only Angela remains. Her familiar cheeky grin is gone and there are tears in her eyes as she smiles at them. "Congratulations, you both! I couldn't be happier." She pulls them into a hug and saves the rest of her words for later when she's writing her co-best woman speech.

Tim and Lucy forgo the rest of Secret Santa and steal a moment alone on the porch, the cold night air a stark contrast to the warmth they feel inside.

"I can't believe you did all this," Lucy says, looking at Tim with adoration. "And I can't believe I ruined your plans so many times that you had to propose in front of all our friends." Lucy grimaces and buries her face on Tim's shirt. "That's very un-Tim-like."

Tim nods, a sheepish smile on his face. "It wasn't my first choice, but it makes sense for us."

He spares their friends a glance and his mind's-eye flashes with countless snapshots of moments together. The near misses and the relief afterward, their concern after the breakup and joy when they got back together, the countless times they’ve supported each other through thick and thin. Every trial, every laugh, every moment that has led them to this point.

"Let's make a promise," Lucy says, her voice barely above a whisper.

"What's that?" Tim asks, swaying slightly with the wind in tune with the soft Christmas music coming from the living room.

"Let's promise to always find time for each other, no matter how crazy things get. To always support each other, even when plans go awry."

"I promise, Lucy. Always." They lean in, sealing the promise with a kiss, the world around them fading away. When they pull back, Tim holds Lucy's hand, the engagement ring catching the light and sparkling brightly.

"I love you, Tim. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Lucy," Tim replies, pulling his fiancé close.

They stand in comfortable silence, the sound of laughter and celebration drifting from inside. Tim gently brushes a stray hair from Lucy's face, his touch warm and reassuring. "Should we go back inside or call it a night and move the celebrations somewhere more private?"

"Let's go back inside," Lucy suggests, squeezing his hand. "But only for a little while. We have a lot to celebrate."

Hand in hand, they walk back into the house, greeted by their friends' cheers and smiles. The night continues with stories, laughter, and joy, each moment a precious memory in the making.

When they finally announce they're going home, Angela pulls Tim close and raises her glass in a toast. "To Tim and Lucy, may your love continue to grow, and may you always find happiness in each other."

"To Tim and Lucy!" everyone echoes, their voices ringing with genuine affection and joy.

Tim and Lucy thank their friends and leave the house, their fingers intertwined as they step into the night. The sky above is clear, the stars shining brightly in their honor, each one a distant reminder of the infinite possibilities that await them.

"Ready for our next adventure?" Tim asks, his eyes twinkling bright.

Lucy smiles, leaning her head on his shoulder. "Always," she whispers in the night.

And thus begins the next chapter of their lives.

#the rookie #chenford #tim bradford #lucy chen #chenfordsecretsanta24 #chenford fic #the rookie fanfic

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isca-rambles · 10 months ago

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chenford prompts/ideas

I hope it's okay to just throw prompts out like this. I'm still very new to this fandom but very invested in Chenford (being caught up with a show is the worst, why do I fall in love with these types of ships until I know how it ends?), so much so I dusted out an old tumblr account and posted a ramble on ao3. I'm down bad for these clueless fictional idiots. * What if Armstrong didn't take Caleb's deal in 2x11? As in, he arrests Caleb instead of going with him. It wouldn't change them finding Lucy, I don't think, but could give some very nice (and by that I mean angsty af) interactions between Caleb and the others. Namely Tim, of course. * Tim is the one who goes to the prison with Nolan, so he's the one who goes with Nolan to the house to confront Caleb. Does Caleb still die in the same way? Does he live? Does Tim have to sit and watch the video feed for those agonising seconds while he waits for the rest of the team to touch down, after realising Lucy isn't in the barrel in the house? * What if Tim didn't give Lucy the 'Bradford special' back in 1x09, and she still gets shot? Any excuse for feral/protective Tim, especially since he'd be even more feral after Isabel's shooting. * What if, to help Jackson, Lucy offers to switch places and become's Stanton's rookie for that last month. What's the worst that could happen? * Lucy is exposed in 1x20 instead of Tim. * Lucy has serious thoughts about breaking the door down in 1x20 when Tim is attacked * Both Tim and Lucy are exposed in 1x20 and have to quarantine together * Not so much Chenford, though obviously Chenford, but just people supporting Lucy after Jackson's death. Give Lucy all the hugs please. * One of those 5 times fics but revolving around Lucy's moonstone ring. * Lucy gets greenlit instead of Nolan * Tim helping Lucy to wash her hair after she'd been injured in some way. Not sexual, not necessarily platonic, just helping. Either as friends or established lovers, post break-up or pre. Even a fully clothed over the basin 'don't expect me to dry it too, Boot' because he felt guilty. I just love a good bit of non-sexual TLC sometimes. * Honestly, same as above but with Jackson. So definitely platonic but just something sweet and soft. Lucy needs TLC, okay? I have feelings about this. * Overprotective (not necessarily 'I have feelings for her' but, ya know, we love a clueless Tim) Tim looking out for Lucy (in that weird way of his) with some of the more asshole officers/civilians they meet through her training/time as P2. Especially if she pisses off an asshole cop (akin to Stanton. If not Stanton. We hate Stanton) for some mundane reason, and Tim has to have her back when it escalates. * Lucy accidentally pisses off a very high ranking criminal. Cue everyone protecting Lucy even though she doesn't need protecting. * Tim and Lucy chat after the Stanton confrontation. * Lucy's ill or mildly injured but pushes through/stays in work. Tim keeps pushing her and she makes a mistake and/or gets hurt. Angela, Bishop, Harper, or Grey talk with him, and make him realise he has to know when to stop pushing sometimes. * Lucy's had a particularly bad day with some shitty criminals/civilians/officers. Tim thinks he gets it but he can't, not really, so his brand of tough love isn't working as he wants it to. Lopez/Harper/Bishop and/or even Lucy try to get him to understand he'll never understand what it's like to be a woman (and one of colour) on patrol. * Lopez/Harper/Bishop etc take Lucy out after said bad day. Tim can be there with Nolan if he wants. Jackson too. Jackson gets it more but everyone needs to hear how difficult it can be. Mainly ladies supporting ladies. * And if anyone wants to take a proper shot at the long-form disjointed ramble fic I did, or take ideas from it, please do. Basically post-break up, Lucy's in a bad place and Tim goes to comfort her and I have a lot of feelings about Jackson being gone and Lucy not having the support network she should with Tim and Tamara leaving her - ao3 ramble here

That should be it for now, at least while I keep working through episodes properly (also, ugh, watching these early episodes with Nolan/Lucy stuff is just...ick after binging all the Chenford stuff first ^_^). Thank you to anyone who takes these, you're a very talented fandom with some gorgeous writers! I'm working my way through Chenford fics on ao3, but if any of these have been done before please spread the love and share some links/reccs <3

#chenford #chenford fanfic #chenford fanfiction #fanfic prompt #isca prompts

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falcqns · 1 year ago

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the weight of the world (atlas has abandoned his post) chapter two

✰ 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠: Tim Bradford x Lucy Chen x Tamara Colins

✰ 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: the aftermath of Tamara’s breakdown.

✰ 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: custody arguments, Tamara is younger in this fic, chenford are still together but arent okay, parental death (not chenford), mention of parental alienation, mention of guns and violence. tagging @natashasera

don’t forget to read and reblog, and i do not give permission for my works to be posted anywhere other than tumblr. thank you.

When Tim opened his eyes the next morning, the first thing he saw was Tamara, curled up beside him. After she had broke down and yelled at him for the first time last night, he had scooped her up, and carried her into his bedroom, where he laid down with her, telling her how much he loves her, and that he was never going to leave as she drifted off to sleep.

He hadn’t even stopped to think about how everything that was happening between him and Lucy was affecting Tamara. He knew the 16 year old saw him as a father figure, but he never knew how deeply those feelings ran until last night. Seeing Tamara, someone who he viewed as his daughter, break down, scream, and yell at him the way she had last night, broke his heart. Seeing her confess the reason her parents had passed away broke him even more. All he wanted was for her life now to be happy and calm, and him not opening up to Lucy and her was clearly bringing up reminders of the pain she felt when she was barely 4 years old. He knew it wasn’t fair to either of them, he just didn’t know how to go about fixing it.

But before he could even ponder it, his phone began to ring. He glanced at the caller ID, and took a deep breath when he read Lucy’s name. He answered the phone, and sat up in bed as soon as he heard Lucy panicking on the other end of the phone.

“Luce, what’s wrong?” He asked, and Lucy took a deep breath before answering between her sobs.

“Tamara’s not here,” She said, her voice growing more and more high-pitched as she began to speak. “Sh-she was here last night but I just went to get her up for school and she wasn’t here. I-I-I tried calling her and I don’t know where she went!”

“Luce, it's okay, she’s with me,” He answered, hoping it would calm Lucy down. To his surprise, however, it had the opposite effect.

“What do you mean, she’s with you?” Lucy demanded. “Why is she with you?!”

Tim sighed. “She had a nightmare after our argument last night but didn’t want to disturb you so she came to me.”

“And you just didn’t think to tell me?” Lucy yelled. “I am her legal guardian, for god's sake! I am her parent, and it never crossed your mind to tell me that the child I have custody of was there with you, someone who does not have custody of her, and you just didn’t let me know? Are you insane?”

Tim sighed angrily, before throwing the blankets off of him, and getting out of bed. He stepped out of the room before he responded, not wanting to wake Tamara.

“Look, I get it, you’re under a ton of stress right now, and I know that I haven’t been the easiest partner, but we both know that I am just as much Tamara’s parent as you are. I know I don’t have custody of her, and no legal right to her, but it's not fair for you to throw that in my face. The only reason I didn’t text you to let you know she was with me was simply because I was focused on making sure she was okay, because she scared the shit out of me, Lucy.” He said, his voice cracking. “She came over, screamed and yelled at me, and then was crying on the ground because she was fucking terrified I was going to leave her.” He yelled, before opening the patio door and letting Kojo out, and stepping out behind him. He took a deep breath and continued, trying his hardest not to yell.

“Lucy, she confessed to me how her parents died. The only thing on my mind was comforting her because she called me her dad and she just,” he sniffled. “She needed me. She was the only thing I could focus on. I'm sorry I didn’t text you to tell you, because legally, yes I should have, but she’s my kid too, Luce. Has been since she stole your car.”

It was silent on the other end of the line for a moment before Lucy spoke again. “I’m coming over.”

“Luce,” Tim tried to cut in, but Lucy didn’t give him a chance.

“Tim, I'm coming over, and we are going to discuss this as adults, and as her parents, okay?”

Tim sighed. He had known for the past 6 years that when she makes a decision, there's no changing Lucy Chen’s mind. “Okay.” He said. “I’ll see you when you get here.”

—-

20 minutes later, the front door to his house was opening, and Lucy came in. “Where is she?” she asked Tim, and Tim pointed down the hallway to his bedroom door.

“She's in there, still sound asleep.”

Lucy nodded in response, and looked around the living room before making eye contact with Tim. “So, uh,” She stuttered. “What did she tell you?”

Tim was unsure if he should tell her. It was Tamara’s story, would she be mad that he told her first? “Luce, I dont think it’s my place to tell you.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw the anger reignite in Lucy’s eyes. “Are you kidding me? You’re going to keep that from me too? I am responsible for her emotional and mental wellbeing as well as physical, I need to know so I know how to help her through this.”

Tim groaned. “I am not trying to keep anything from you, okay? I realized that mistake last night, and I’m sorry that I pushed you two away. I shouldn't have. But this?” He said. “This is something that has to come from her.”

Lucy laughed angrily and threw up her hands, trying to turn away from Tim, but he grabbed her elbow and turned her back.

“I’m saying that because it was awful, Lucy. It was horrible. No child should have gone through what she did, and it breaks my heart to think that our argument caused those memories to come back. I’ve already hurt her enough in the last 24 hours, I can’t hurt her anymore by telling her story.” He explained, and Lucy calmed down, seemingly for the first time since she woke up, if the way her whole body sagged was any indication.

“You’re right,” Lucy said. “I know you’re right, I-” she began, tears returning to her eyes. “I was just terrified when I woke up and she wasn't there. I thought Ray came back and did something to her.” Tim immediately shook his head and pulled her into his arms. She remained stiff, and although it hurt that she didn’t melt into him like she normally did, he accepted it. He had hurt her, she needed time to process it.

“It's okay, she’s safe.” He whispered. “I’m sorry I didn't let you know she was with me, I should have.”

Lucy pulled out of his arms, and stepped away from him. “I’m going to go lay in bed with her.” She said, “And later you and I are going to discuss a custody agreement for her because despite me being angry and frustrated with you right now, she deserves to see you, and I’m not going to alienate her.”

Tim nodded at her. “Thank you. I know I don’t deserve it, but still, thank you.”

Lucy shook her head. “No, you do deserve it. I meant what I said about how you'd be a good dad one of these days. You already are.”

—-

For the next few hours, Tim tried to keep himself busy, and keep himself away from the bedroom where his daughter and Lucy were sleeping, although it was hard. He took Kojo on a long walk, cleaned the garage, and even rearranged the food in the fridge. Eventually though, he had to go into the bedroom after Kojo ate too much grass and threw up on his pants.

He tried to be as quiet as possible as he entered, seeing Lucy passed out asleep with Tamara in her arms. He assumed Tamara was asleep too, until he stepped on a creaky floor board and it caught her attention.

“Dad?” she whispered, and Tim smiled to himself before answering.

“I’m here, bub.” he said, grabbing a pair of pyjama pants from the dresser. “I’m just grabbing a pair of pants, Kojo got sick on my jeans.”

There was rustling behind Tim as he quickly pulled on his pants, and threw his dirty ones in the hamper. When he turned around, Tamara was sitting up in bed, rubbing her puffy eyes.

“I-Is mom mad at me?” she asked quietly, and Tim immediately crossed the room and sat in front of her on the bed.

“Why do you think she’s mad at you?” He asked, reaching out to hold her hand.

She sniffled, blinking away the tears in her eyes. “I heard you guys talking.”

Tim sighed, and moved closer to her. “She’s mad at me, not you. I didn’t text her and tell her that you were with me, and when she went to wake you up for school and saw that you weren't there, she got scared, and then got angry at me for not telling her that you were safe with me. And then she kind of forgave me when I told you why she came, but then got angrier when I told her that you had opened up to me about your birth parents, but then wouldn’t tell her. So basically she’s just really angry at me.” he said, a slight smile on his face.

“But I heard her say something about a custody agreement,” Tamara said, her lower lip wobbling. “D-Does she not want me anymore?”

Tim immediately shook his head and wrapped his arms around her. “Oh bubba, no.” he assured her. “She had brought up the fact that she is the only one with custody of you and how I should have told her that you were with me, and I argued that just because I don't legally have custody of you doesn’t mean that I'm not your parent. The custody arrangement is just so you can still see the both of us even though we’re going through a rough patch, okay?”

Tamara nodded, shakily inhaling. “Okay.” she said quietly, before glancing next to her at Lucy, and then back at him. “Do you think I should tell her?”

Tim shrugged. “It's up to you. I think that it’s important that you tell her, so that she knows how to properly support you through this, but if it's too hard for you to talk about, then, don't put yourself through that.”

Tamara nodded again. “I think I should. She deserves to know.” Tim pressed a kiss to her forehead.

“Okay. I’m going to run out and get groceries, do you want to come?” He asked, but Tamara shook her head.

“Nah, I’m going to wait for Mom to wake up and then I’m going to tell her,” She said, “Just, rip the bandaid off, i guess.”

Tim nodded, a small smile on his face. “Okay.” he said. “Call me if you need anything, okay?”

Tamara nodded as she laid back in Lucy’s arms, her head finding her mom’s heartbeat. “Okay.”

—-

Just after the door closed behind Tim, Lucy stirred, her eyes opening and finding Tamara immediately. “Hey, you.” She said quietly. Tamara looked up from where she was scrolling on ClipTok, and locked her phone.

“M- Lucy!” Tamara said, and smiled when Lucy wrapped her arms around her. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I was coming here.”

Lucy sat up. “I don’t want you to apologize, okay?” She said, reaching dow and stroking Tamara’s cheek. “I’m just glad you came somewhere safe.”

“So you’re not mad at me?”

Lucy smiled. “No, of course I’m not mad at you. You needed your dad, and you came to him.” Lucy blinked back a tear. “I’m glad that, despite how hard things are between Tim and I right now, that you have him to come to. I could never be mad at you for something like that.”

Tamara nodded, and sat up too. “What did he tell you about last night?” Tamara asked.

“Not much. He just said that you yelled at him, cried, and then told him what happened with your birth parents.” She said, “He didn’t tell me much, even though I pretty much demanded he tell me, but he was insistent that it's up to you whether you tell me or not.”

Tamara nodded, looking down at her hands. “I want to tell you.”

Lucy shook her head and moved closer. “You don't have to. It’s all up to you whether you tell me or not. I don’t want to push you, okay?”

“No, I definitely want to tell you.” Tamara said. “The only people who know are my social worker, and the cops who worked the case. And, Dad, now I guess.” She looked up at Lucy. “I think it’s important that you know, since you’re my mom now.”

A smile broke out on Lucy’s face, and she reached her hands out towards Tamara’s where they were resting in her lap. “Did…did you just call me ‘mom?’” She asked, shakily.

Tamara bit her lip, her chin quivering slightly. “Yeah, is that okay?” She asked, uncertainty in her voice.

Lucy nodded, sniffling. “Okay? It’s more than okay. It’s…the greatest give you could give me. I’m honoured that you chose me to be your mom.” She whispered as she wrapped her arms around Tamara. She pulled Tamara down onto the bed, and the two of them wiggled around as they got comfortable. “Okay, now,” Lucy said, pressing a kiss into Tamara’s hair. “Take your time, and let me know if you need a break.”

Tamara nodded before speaking.

“When I was four, my parents got into a huge fight. I mean they got into fights all the time, but this time was different. My mother had been cheating on my father with their dealer, who was also my fathers best friend. He had come home and found them in bed together, and my father lost his mind. I ended up hiding in the closet because I didn’t want his wrath turned onto me, and as I was trying to block out the noise when I heard my mother scream.”

She paused to take a deep breath in before continuing. “She kept asking him to stop, to calm down, telling him that she was sorry, but he just kept screaming at her, calling her names, and telling her that she was a dirty cheater. She kept screaming, and then he started screaming louder, and then there was a gunshot. It was quickly followed by a second gun shot and then everything went dead silent. I didn't leave that closet until the cops carried me out of it.”

Lucy sniffled and choked back a sob, hugging Tamara tight to her chest. “Oh baby,” she whispered into Tamara’s hair. “I'm so sorry you had to experience something so terrifying. You're safe now. You're with us, and nothing will ever hurt you again."

Tamara sniffled, trying to stop her tears from falling, but when she heard Lucy start to sob, she couldn’t stop them.

“You were just a baby,” She said, her hand running through Tamara's hair. “You deserved to be loved and protected, not hurt like that.” she whispered. “Thank you for telling me that, even though it was probably hard to open up like that.”

Tamara nodded. “The reason I came here last night was because I dreamt that instead of my mother and father, it was you and dad. I knew Dad would never do something like that, and I was scared, even though I knew it was just my mind playing tricks on me. When you went undercover on the Teska operation, I confessed to him that I had had a nightmare and he bought me Godzilla. He said ‘Just imagine Godzilla squashing all the bad guys in your dreams, and if that doesn’t work, you can always call me.’ That’s why I came to him instead of you.” She said, 'And you were exhausted, I didn’t want to wake you up.’

Lucy wiped her eyes. “Thank you for opening up to me, and for trusting me with this. For the record, you can always wake me up, okay? But I am glad that you went to Dad when you needed someone. I’m glad you’re not bottling this up. I know this isn't easy for you, but I promise you, me and Dad are going to do everything in our power to protect you, love you, and support you. We’re going to get through this, okay?”

Tamara just nodded, a small smile on her face. She finally had a family.

#chenford #tim bradford #lucy chen #tamara colins #tim bradford x lucy chen #lucy chen x tim bradford #tucy #tucy chenford

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fluentmoviequoter · 5 months ago

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Lonely Christmas

hot cocoa bar celebration🧤❄️🎄 | requested here

Pairing: Tim Bradford x fem!Army vet!cop!reader

Summary: During a Christmas Eve night shift with Tim Bradford, you glimpse what is behind his tough exterior.

Warnings/Word Count: vague depictions of veteran-specific depression, brief angst, Tim yells at r, fluff and comfort. 1.1k+ words

A/N: This is a dynamic (Tim with a partner who was also in the Army) that I've had on my mind for a while. While this is a really fast-paced blurb-like fic specific to Christmas, I'd really love to write more of this pairing if anyone is interested. Sorry for the short length but I really wanted to get it done before Christmas Eve🫶🏼

Working the night shift on Christmas Eve feels like the opposite of a Christmas miracle. The long night is made worse when you’re partnered with Tim Bradford. He’s had something against you since you joined the department after leaving the Army. Though you’ve never spent more than a few hours with Mid-Wilshire’s grumpiest officer, you know he doesn’t like you, so you decide to stay quiet and obedient to make Santa’s job – and your own – a little easier tonight.

“Merry Christmas,” you greet as you enter the passenger seat of Tim’s shop.

Tim huffs, and you set a small treat bag of cookies from a nearby bakery in the console without a word.

“Thanks,” he mumbles.

“Is Christmas Eve usually hectic?” you inquire.

“Depends on the year. Based on the last few weeks, I’d say it’ll keep us busy.”

You nod, then inquire, “Any plans for Christmas tomorrow?”

“Nope. Heads up, grey Challenger.”

“I’ll run the plate,” you offer, secretly wishing you were in a sleigh rather than a shop.

“VA Hospital reported a disturbance,” dispatch radios. “Two armed men forced their way into a room and have barricaded themselves in with equipment.”

“Responding,” Tim replies. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” you inquire softly.

“Try to twist this into some merry Christmas thing. We’re vets, we know there are plenty of people like us spending the holidays alone, grieving for those we’ve lost, and I don’t need you to make this specific slice of reality any harder than it already is,” Tim snaps. “So, let’s deal with this call like it’s not Christmas and move on.”

As your shift comes to an end, with the brutal reminder that lonely people go to extremes even during the holidays and several emotional bruises from Tim snapping at you more than often, you try to remind him that he is not alone. Over the last few years, you’ve learned to take Tim’s attitude and swings from helpful superior to the short-tempered Bradford the station knows him as in stride.

Walking through the station to return to your lonely home, you’re surprised to hear Tim call your name. You turn to face him, and he pulls his backpack strap tighter against his shoulder. It’s nearing midnight, almost Christmas, and you’re expecting one more reprimand to conclude the all-but-perfect night shift.

“Do you want to come over for dinner?” he offers. “My sister dropped off a casserole this afternoon.”

“Dinner at midnight?” you clarify with a grin. “I’d love to. Only if you’re sure, I don’t want to impose on you on Christmas.”

“I’m free for the next few hours.”

You follow Tim out of the station and tip your head in thanks after he opens the passenger door of his truck for you. The ride to his house is quiet, only the low humming of instrumental Christmas music filling the space as Tim navigates the quiet (for once) streets of Los Angeles.

“What are you doing for Christmas?” you ask as you enter his home.

“Going to visit my sister and nephews for lunch and gifts,” he replies. “You?”

“I’ve got a few people to see.”

Tim nods and begins preparing the food. You start to speak simultaneously, and your expression of gratitude is cut short when you smile. “Go ahead,” you murmur.

“I wanted to apologize for earlier,” Tim begins. “I shouldn’t have snapped at you about the vet in the hospital. It just… it reminded me of one of the guys in my last unit. Seeing people like us struggling around the holidays is hard, but you know that, and I had no excuse to yell at you like that. So, I’m sorry.”

“I do know that, but I can also understand that your response is valid. I probably would have overstepped, and honestly I’d rather you yell at me before I can do something that pushes you away rather than letting me do it and suffer the consequences.”

Tim’s brows pinch as he asks, “And what do you think the consequences would be?”

“Let’s just say I would hate to end up on the Bradford Naughty List.”

Tim’s face shifts into a smile as he shakes his head, and you grin at him before offering to get plates for dinner.

Something shifts beneath your cheek, pulling you from a peaceful slumber. You don’t sleep well most nights, and for a moment, you think Christmas magic lulled you to sleep. Then you realize that the fabric under your face looks awfully familiar. Sitting up, you press your lips together as you watch Tim blink and look at you. You remember eating dinner side-by-side and watching a rerun of It’s a Wonderful Life. You had no intention of falling asleep together, or in his house, for that matter.

“You look your cutest like this,” Tim rumbles, his voice thick with sleep and concerningly unfiltered.

“But I just woke up,” you argue.

Tim nods, his full attention on you, and states, “I know what I said.”

“I- I should probably go. You have your family to visit. Merry Christmas, Tim, and thanks again for dinner.”

While you gather your things, Tim watches your movements from the couch.

“Why do you care so much?” he asks.

“About what?” you ask, looking up from your bag.

“Me, people… You tried to make last night feel like Christmas. Why?”

You shrug. “Everyone deserves some magic, and there’s no better time than Christmas. And, as for you… I have an idea of what it’s like. I do know that it’s not easy, and though I can’t imagine what you’ve dealt with specifically, you haven’t let it keep you from seeing the good in people. Even if you don’t let on that you do.”

“I see the bad too.”

“Job hazard. Despite seeing that bad side, you still let people close. That’s why I care about you, because you’re a good person.” Tim opens his mouth again, and you add, “That last point was objective, it’s not up for debate.”

“Do you want to stay?” Tim asks after a moment. “You shouldn’t be alone on Christmas, either.”

“Your family,” you remind him.

“I’m sure they have an extra plate,” Tim teases.

You gesture to your outfit and slept-on hair, but Tim stands and lays his hands on your shoulders.

“I already said you look your cutest like this.”

“Thought you were incoherent and half-asleep.”

“But don’t I see the good in people?”

Your head falls back as you groan. Tim offers to drive you home to let you get ready, and you realize that you wouldn’t mind spending Christmas with him and his family. Even if he yells at you and calls you cute mere hours apart. It’s part of his Tim Bradford charm.

#fluentmoviequoter hot cocoa bar🧤❄️🎄#tim bradford x reader #tim bradford fic #tim bradford the rookie #tim bradford imagine #tim bradford #the rookie x reader #the rookie abc #fem!reader #hanna writes✯

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morganupstead · 1 year ago

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It feels like we talked about that an eternity ago, because it kind of was in theory but it also wasn’t that long ago???

I’m gonna need that kojo fic like asap bc I miss that adorable little monster more than most human people on this planet ✨😂

I didn’t think we’d get such a lovesick look on Tim Bradford’s face this early in the season though, I’m not complaining I’m just utterly genuinely flabbergasted. That promo?? Where did that come from.

We are not ready *correction I am not ready*

it feels like these promo stills for 6.01 and 6.02 have jumpstarted my heart like a defibrillator jolting me back to life because suddenly I have the energy and motivation to write every single chenford fic idea I’ve had but never finished and also write the dozen NEW ideas I have gotten all at once

#chenford #the rookie

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luandti · 3 years ago

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you guys, I am completely overwhelmed by your kind words and enthusiasm for my crack fic :D also i am sorry about all the (spelling) errors I made in part 1. I typed that at 6am before work

So, here is part 2 (you can find part 1 here)

Sgt. Grey: apparently Smitty put a Bradford name tag on Chens uniform today.

Sgt. Grey: When confronted he told me he was an ordained minister

Aaron: what?

Wesley: he knows that he can’t marry people without their consent, right?

Inmate 6782 joined using this group’s invite link

Inmate 6782: Hey guys, so nice to see you all hard at work! this inappropriate meddling in your co-workers relationship will make it safer out there for all of us. thank you

Sgt. Grey: who is this?

Nolan: Oscar? is that you?

Genny: who is oscar?

Sgt. Grey: Mr. Hutchinson! Are you serious? calling the prison right now!!

Inmate 6782: Ugh Sergeant, don’t be such a kill joy (pun intended) :D

Inmate 6782: Let me in on all the fun! Oscar loves love

Nyla: how did you get in here?

Inmate 6782: I am friends with Smitty on facebook

Sgt. Grey: of course you are

Angela Lopez removed Inmate 6782

Patrice Evers: Dear all, but why is Mr. Hutchinson in prison? Is there hope for him? Yours sincerely, Patrice

Wesley: MOTHER I swear to god!!

Inmate 6782 joined using this group’s invite link

Inmate 6782: Guys, wait. I can help!

Angela Lopez: how?

Nolan: @Angela Lopez you can’t be serious

Inmate 6782: I am a psychopath, right? I could help you using more drastic measures. first suggestion: i kidnap Ofc. Chen and we see what happens?

Celina: I think my psychic warned me about this situation

Bailey: Yeah, I think we should go with the other plan and pretend to set Lucy up with somebody from my work

Angela Lopez removed Inmate 6782

Nyla: anyways.... are there any news about that fake date? @Bailey

Bailey: not yet. this is harder than I thought!

Bailey: apparently even half the fire department knows about Tim and Lucy

Bailey: yesterday, when I asked Sam if he would go on a fake date with lucy, he said to me (and I quote)

Bailey: “do I look like I have a death wish? you know Sgt. Bradford is armed, right?”

Nolan: this is crazy

Celina: they have such a powerful bond. i am not suprised so many people notice.

Aaron: I made a list of all the “secret” looks they gave each other yesterday...

Angela Lopez: everytime Tim calls her chen instead of lucy i die a little inside!

Celina: btw: I know “erotic fanfiction” is banned but I wrote some cute domestic fanfiction last night when I couldn’t sleep... anyone interested?

Wesley: do you guys ever think that maybe we should leave them alone? and that maybe this whole group chat is morally wrong?

Nyla: did you ask yourself that when you asked elijah for help? that it might be “morally wrong”?

Patrice Evers: Dear Son, what is Nyla talking about? Love, your mother

Wesley: Regretting A LOT of decisions right about now1!

Wesley left the group

Angela added Wesley to the group

Angela Lopez: @Wesley stop beeing such a drama queen babe

Nyla: @Angela Lopez you should divorce him tbh

Tamara: guys, focus! we need a new plan

Nyla: we could try the undercover thing again

Nyla: worked the first time?

Nolan: @Sgt. Grey

Sgt. Grey: Just to be clear: you want me, your boss, to send two of my police officers into a fake uc op?

Nyla: pretty much! would be great if it happend sometime within the next 10 days

Tamara: is that when you placed your bet?

Nyla: @Tamara no comment

Genny: we should call it “operation lovebirds” and it is just my idiot brother and lucy wearing fancy clothes and going on dates <3

Nolan: @Genny we don’t really name our operations but the rest sounds actually good

#chenford #chenford fic #this is getting out of hand!!#i am laughing so hard at my own jokes #it is embarassing #thank you all so much for enjoying this

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silverskull · 2 years ago

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Actually, Actually

“‘Isabel’, huh?” Tamara had scooched up behind her, and was pointing conspiratorially at the pair on the couch. “Is that the ex-wife, Isabel?”

Lucy shushed her, nodding and bouncing on the balls of her feet in agitation.

“Isn’t that a little weird? What is she doing here?” Tamara fancied herself a detective, but her whispering could use some work. Lucy raised a silencing finger to her lips.

“I don’t know. And, yes… it’s a little weird.”

...

“Isabel’s getting married,” Tim said, his jaw stiff. Lucy raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“Oh, that’s… congratulations!” A ball of nerves she hadn’t originally noticed released itself in Lucy’s chest, and she smiled warmly at Isabel. Isabel returned the smile, but Tim reached for Lucy’s hand, gripping her fingers firmly.

“There’s a problem with the divorce.”

This time, she felt the nerves wrap themselves around her lungs.

“Oh?...”

“It never got filed,” Isabel blurted out, wringing her fingers in her lap. “The papers got lost in the mail.”

“But that…” Lucy began, her mind unreeling a timeline of Tim, “That means-” FULL FIC BELOW, as always, comments and reblogs are LOOOOVVVEEE and if you'd like to drop anything over on AO3 (the formatting's a little nicer, lbh) I'd love you even more!!!

“Isabel. She’s in town and needed to talk.”

Tim was jittery, flipping his phone around in his hands, triple checking the screen to see that the call had definitely ended. Lucy bit her lip, sternly hiding her own agitation behind a tranquil exterior. They did this - one taking on the role the other needed. It was her turn to be the calm one for him, despite the cascade of butterflies in her tummy.

“Is everything okay?”

He gave his head a quick shake.

“I don’t know. She didn’t say.” Then, the reality of his brief answers to Isabel’s questions hit him, and he grimaced. “I should have told her I’d meet her at a cafe. I wasn’t thinking when I told her to come here. Look, I’ll-”

“Tim.” Lucy grabbed his wrist, her grip steady and calming. “It’s fine. It’s fine.” She smiled up at him, leaning in close to force him to look at her. “It’s not a big deal. I’ll get some coffee ready.”

She kissed him quickly, tilting his chin with her fingers, and smiling against his lips. (If she’d known a few years ago how swiftly her kiss could recalibrate Tim Bradford, she’d have had a very different rookie experience.) Tim sighed into her, nodding in agreement before finally stuffing his phone into his back pocket. She held him there for a second, swaying them together gently, until he dropped a kiss on her nose and pulled back. Lucy smiled and turned for the coffee maker while Tim picked up Lucy’s discarded knife and began chopping up the rest of the fruit for their breakfast.

***

When the knock came, neither of them had time to stop Tamara prancing out of her room and answering the door, tilting her head in confusion (just like a puppy, Lucy thought, distractedly) at the stranger outside.

“Um, Isabel, hi,” Tim nearly tripped on the legs of Lucy’s chair as he hurried over to greet their visitor. “That’s Tamara. She was supposed to be studying.” Tamara looked affronted, folding her arms and crossing into the kitchen with a glare at Tim.

“Well maybe she was also expecting her study buddy?” she hinted, leaning back against the kitchen island and watching while Isabel took a tentative step inside the apartment door.

Lucy shot Tamara a look as she followed Tim, nervously tucking her hair behind her ear as she tried to conjure a welcoming smile.

“Hi. I’m Lucy - I don’t know if you remember-”

“I remember you.” Isabel’s first words were abrupt, but not sharp, and her hands twitched in front of her as if she wanted to reach for Lucy. “We met. And we talked. On the phone.”

Lucy nodded, Isabel’s nervousness transmitting across the space between them, and she smiled brightly, tamping down the feeling and gesturing into the living room. “Please, come in, come in. Can I get you some coffee? Tea?”

“Oh, no, thank you,” Isabel smiled too, finally stepping far enough into the room for Tim to close the door behind her. “I don’t want to take up too much of your time.”

Isabel made her way to the couch, followed by Tim, who gave Lucy a grateful smile and squeezed her hand as he passed. Lucy shuffled back into the kitchen beside Tamara, refilling her mug from the hot percolator while she watched Tim sit down at the other end of the couch.

“‘Isabel’, huh?” Tamara had scooched up behind her, and was pointing conspiratorially at the pair on the couch. “Is that the ex-wife, Isabel?”

Lucy shushed her, nodding and bouncing on the balls of her feet in agitation.

“Isn’t that a little weird? What is she doing here?” Tamara fancied herself a detective, but her whispering could use some work. Lucy raised a silencing finger to her lips.

“I don’t know. And, yes… it’s a little weird.”

Tamara picked up Tim’s knife, looking busy by methodically slicing some grapes, her eyes and ears riveted on Tim and Isabel on the couch. Isabel was speaking fast and low, gesturing nervously with her hands, but she was too far away to hear clearly.

Lucy wasn’t quite sure what to do with herself, and was just debating the merits of hiding out in their bedroom when Tim looked up and beckoned her over. She went to him, pulling the patterned ottoman out from under the shelf and close to Tim’s side as a seat for herself.

“...well, Dave went to get the certificate approved, and that’s when we found out.” Isabel was just finishing her sentence when Lucy sat, and she could feel Tim lean towards her, his body tense and tight as he listened.

“I knew we’d both signed the papers, but when they got lost, I didn’t have a permanent address, and by the time they made their way back to you, I guess you’d moved … out.” Isabel glanced thoughtfully at the room around her, taking in Lucy’s colourful décor, her eyes eventually landing on Lucy herself. She swallowed.

“Isabel’s getting married,” Tim said, his jaw stiff. Lucy raised her eyebrows in surprise.

“There’s a problem with the divorce.”

This time, she felt the nerves wrap themselves around her lungs. “Oh?...”

“It never got filed,” Isabel blurted out, wringing her fingers in her lap. “The papers got lost in the mail.”

“But that…” Lucy began, her mind unreeling a timeline of Tim, “That means-”

“Dave and I can’t get married until it’s dealt with.” Isabel finished, her words not quite tracking with Lucy’s train of thought.

“What do we have to do?” Tim’s voice was crisp and practical, but his palm against Lucy’s was hot and strained, and she ran her thumb over his knuckles in soothing circles.

“Right, well, I’ve got the paperwork here-” Isabel began rooting in her bag as she spoke, pulling out a thick brown envelope full of white pages. “We can get it backdated, fortunately, but it has to be witnessed and notarised by a county clerk, then go through the system for approval. Our lawyer is going to try and put a rush on it, what with the wedding date so soon, but without approval from - I don’t know, the DA himself - it could take weeks.”

Isabel was flustered, flicking through the pages to point to all the sticky-marked signature lines, but Lucy felt Tim perk up, his back straightening as he picked out the same salient point of information as her.

“Wait, you said the DA could get this done more quickly?” Tim butted in, putting his hand on top of Isabel’s paperwork, stalling her fidgety motions. She looked up at him distractedly, patting the papers into a neat pile on the couch between them.

“Well, yes. As a civil affair, it has to go through the office anyway. But it’s not as if we actually know the District Attorney, right?” Isabel began to laugh, but stopped abruptly when she caught the look on Tim’s face.

He gave Lucy a quick smile, squeezing her fingers as he stood and pulled his phone out of his pocket.

“I’ll be just a minute.”

Isabel’s eyes tracked him as he dialled a number, curiosity furrowing her brow, before she turned back to Lucy.

“Does he actually know the DA?” she asked, leaning across the couch.

Lucy gave a small laugh.

“Well, Angela - you remember Angela Lopez?” She waited for Isabel to nod in confirmation before she continued. “Angela is married to an ADA. Wesley Evers. He’s a good guy. If he can help, he will.”

Isabel closed her eyes, chuckling softly to herself.

“Angela Lopez married to an attorney? There’s something I never could have imagined.”

Lucy smiled, brief images of Angela and Wesley’s courtroom wedding flashing through her mind: their little group laughing and bantering through an unexpected arrest in a cascade of fluttering rose petals.

“You don’t keep in touch with Angela?” The question was out before she could think better of it, and Lucy felt her cheeks redden in consternation. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have-”

“No, no. It’s not a thing.” Isabel shook her head, smiling amiably. “I didn’t know Angela that well. Or Talia either. I’d see them sometimes with Tim, but I didn’t really hang out with his Mid-Wilshire crowd. We mostly had our Academy friends together, but it was so hard to sync our work schedules from two different divisions, that we usually just spent our down time with one another.” She considered Lucy for a moment, tipping her head to the side. “Are you still in Mid-Wilshire?”

The flush in Lucy’s cheeks had died down while Isabel spoke, but it came back now in full force at the attentive look in her eyes.

“I… am. Yes. Actually. And so is Tim. But we work in different departments - he’s in Metro, I’m still on Patrol, but I’m looking at advancing- well, I’m not gonna stay there forever - in Patrol, I mean, not Mid-Wilshire - and I’m actually- It’s kind of funny, I guess, but I’m thinking-”

“Wesley can meet us at his office.” Lucy was saved from her ramble by Tim’s return and she let out a shaky breath, wondering why she’d suddenly decided to share so much personal information with her boyfriend’s not-quite-ex-wife. “He’ll get the ruling done today, but we need to leave now.”

Isabel stood up sharply, clutching her papers to her chest.

“That’s fantastic. I can call us a ride share.”

“No, I’ll drive. It’s not a problem.” Tim shook his head, directing Isabel back towards the door of the apartment. Isabel smiled at Lucy as she passed, resting her hand on her arm briefly.

“It was good to see you again, Lucy.” Her eyes held more words than her lips were saying. “Take care.”

“You too.” Lucy returned her smile, resisting a perplexing urge to hug the woman.

Isabel left them, heading for the door and exchanging a few pleasantries with Tamara - still blithely eating grapes at the counter - while she waited. Tim turned to Lucy, grasping her elbows and dipping his head close to hers.

“I’m sorry about all of this.”

“Don’t apologise. It’s not your fault.” Lucy patted him on the chest, smoothing out the small creases on his shirt. “Our plans can wait. I’ll be here when you get back.”

He leaned in to kiss her, holding her face between the palms of his hands for a few long seconds, his thumbs drifting across her cheeks and into the strands of hair below her earrings. Of all the unexpected moments this morning had brought, this one would seem to hold the most likelihood of embarrassment: being thoroughly kissed by her former training officer, in front of her teenage puppy and his ex-wife. Instead, she felt a warm glow spreading through her; the solidity of Tim’s arms below her fingers, his stubble grazing her skin, the musky scent of his shampoo - it grounded her and reminded her that they were here, together, now. They’d chosen each other time and again, and again , and nothing as small as a legal paperwork hiccup was going to derail that.

“I’ll be home as soon as I can,” Tim said, smiling and running his fingers from her hair onto her arms and down to join her hands. He took a step back, then dropped one quick, impulsive kiss on her lips, before turning and striding to the door, holding it open for Isabel.

Tamara waited until the door was nearly closed to yell after him.

“See you later, Dadford!”

Lucy gave an indignant cough, glaring speechlessly at Tamara.

“What?! He’s still married to the woman! I’m not about to make this easy for him!”

Tamara threw her hands up in the air, grabbed a slice of toast, and flounced off back to her bedroom.

For a few moments Lucy hovered aimlessly beside the couch, her thoughts running a mile a minute. Tim? Isabel? Still married? Wesley… Wesley would fix it. Definitely. Yes. This wasn’t a big deal. Unusual, sure, but a big deal? No. No. Tim would get it sorted out, and their day would be back on track. Just another hilarious story for the grandkids.

She snorted her amusement into the silence, and shook herself out of her reverie. There was plenty to do to keep herself busy - to keep herself from overthinking, - and she began by tidying away their breakfast dishes while humming soothingly to herself.

***

“So… Lucy Chen, eh?”

Tim prepared to scoff, but an image of Lucy hovered before him - her hair soft against the bright yellow of her blouse, his necklace glinting in the hollow of her collarbone, her eyes big and warm and gazing up at him with trust and lo-… feelings… - and he rolled his eyes instead, shaking his head in mild exasperation.

“You’ve barely even kept in touch with your rookies before. Must be something special about this one.” Isabel was smiling, but he couldn’t let that slide.

“She hasn’t been a rookie for a long time. We’re not even in the same department anymore.” “She mentioned that - you made the move to Metro?” Isabel chuckled, shaking her head. “Tim Bradford; first Sergeant Supervisor, now Metro Liaison. I never thought I’d see the day.”

“You missed the part where I was Court Liaison Sergeant for a whole month.”

Isabel twisted in her seat to look at him, her jaw dropping open in surprise.

“A desk job? You? Seriously?”

Tim shrugged, keeping his eyes on the road. “It was a stepping stone.”

“To what, exactly?” Isabel could still see through his ruses, and he almost laughed. He wasn’t going to get caught up in this though. Not right now.

“So tell me about this Dave guy.”

Isabel sat back into her seat, playing with the zip on her purse.

“He’s an accountant. You’d hate his job, but you’d like him. He’s a good guy. A decent man. Like you.” She threw Tim a half-smile. “We met at a drama group. He came to support a friend, but he and I got talking and…”

“One thing led to another.” Tim supplied, helpfully.

“Yes. And now he’s unintentionally become lead carpenter on our set design team. And my fiancée.” Isabel finished, flipping her hand over to let the sun catch the bright sparkle of her engagement ring. “And he knows about my past, before you bring it up.”

“Wasn’t gonna.” Tim replied, although the thought had occurred to him.

“Well… good.” Silence fell between them as Isabel considered her fingernails and Tim waited for the lights to change. “I am sorry about springing this on you. I’m sure you and Lucy had more important things to do with your day off.”

Tim snorted, turning the corner a little too quickly. “I’d say it’s pretty important to make sure my divorce is actually real.” He felt bad as soon as the words were out of his mouth, Isabel shrinking in on herself in the seat beside him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean… That came out wrong.”

“It’s okay.” Another silence descended, until Isabel drew a deep breath, pulling herself upright and straightening out her neck. “So… how long have you two been living together?” “We- what?” Tim swerved around a cyclist, who was almost as startled as Tim himself. “We don’t live together!”

“Oh, well excuse me.” Isabel seemed amused by his alarm, a smug smile playing around her lips. “The Rams fixtures on the coffee table, the orange protein bars on the counter, those god-awful sliders inside the bedroom door? Not to mention your apparent teenage daughter, Dadford…”

Tim could see his own reflection gaping in the wing mirror, but his entire vocabulary had completely evaporated from his mind.

“And when I asked you for your address, you just reeled off that apartment building on automatic. I was a little surprised, I’ll admit. I always thought you were a house-guy, not an apartment-guy, but I guess it all makes sense now.”

“No. I-” Tim held out a hand to stop her flow of words. “I’m still a house-guy. I mean, I have a house. My own house.”

“Oh yeah? And when’s the last time you were at ‘your house’, Tim?”

“I don’t…” Tim suddenly found himself drawing a blank, recalling a late-night check in to adjust the sprinklers in his garden, but no other specifics. With Genny simply delighted to have Kojo for extra protection, and Kojo likewise thrilled with both her regular hours and the boys’ regular ball-throwing, Tim hadn’t really had a reason to visit his own house in several weeks.

Isabel was still smiling, her eyes calculating as she watched him.

“You really like this girl, don’t you?”

Tim squinted into the sun, pursing his lips against the sappy smile that threatened to spread across his face when he thought about his ‘girl’.

“And she’s been good for you too.” Isabel chuckled, looking down at her fingers again. “God, Tim. I thought you’d never leave Patrol. You stayed there, treading water, while I took the Detective’s Exam, and nothing I ever said would convince you to try something else.” She held out her hand as he was about to interrupt her, anticipating his argument. “I know, I know: the FTO programme was honourable, a ‘sacred duty’, et cetera, et cetera. But it was never you. You were in it for the competition. The toughest TO trophy. Or the most resilient rookie reward. Never to drive yourself further.”

Tim swallowed, his mind flashing through his former rookies - tough nuts, quitters and washouts. Nothing in between until Lucy Chen. Where others had given up or given in to his brash attitude, Lucy had challenged him. Questioned him and quizzed him and quarrelled with him. He’d run through all his usual tactics with her within the first two months, resorting to army pranks and mind games to keep her on her toes. Even then, she’d always found a way through, slipping past his defences and inveigling herself into his life until he couldn’t imagine it any other way.

“She called me, you know.” Isabel was watching him out of the corner of her eyes. “Told me you were going for the Sergeant’s Exam. She had all these questions about the study techniques we used in the academy. I still don’t know what she was getting at, but when I saw the bulletin with your name in the top ten, I figured whatever it was, it worked.”

“She read for me.” Tim offered, recalling the little pile of cheap mp3 players full of Lucy’s lilting voice. “She made hours of audiobooks for me to listen to. I didn’t have anyone to study with - like you and I did with the guys at the Academy - and she got me through it.”

There was silence again while Isabel digested this, Tim vaguely wondering if he should move the mp3 players from his own house to Lucy’s - then remembering that he didn’t often have difficulty falling asleep when she was already there in bed with him, in both voice and body.

“And that’s when all of this started?”

Isabel’s question caught him off guard, and she had to repeat herself to clarify.

“You and Lucy. That all began while you were studying for the Sergeant’s Exam?”

“What? No!” Tim shot her an offended look. “I was still training her. I didn’t move up until she’d graduated and the Sergeant Supervisor position opened in Mid-Wilshire.”

“That wasn’t the question I asked.” Isabel was far too canny, not falling for his deflection at all.

Tim grumbled, the DA’s office still too far away to avoid the conversation entirely.

“It was more recent. After… It doesn’t even matter. This stupid op we ran. It kind of … brought things to the surface.” Tim sighed, knowing he was saying more than he wanted to, and unable to stop himself regardless. “A UC thing. But we were both with other people. It just took that jolt to set everything in motion, and then suddenly - I couldn’t see my life any other way. And neither could she. And it changed the way I looked at everything up ‘til then. With her. Like this whole thing had been inevitable all along. We’d been together for so long, that a few months without her felt like years, and I was sick of pretending that I didn’t want more.”

He fell silent for a minute, thinking back on the long days between Vegas and the collar bomber; days he remembered in a brown haze, Lucy-less and unmemorable. It felt a little unjust to tarnish his time with Ashley that way, but when he remembered how she’d dumped him in the midst of his post-anaesthetic daze, he didn’t feel so bad. Besides, that had ended up being one of the first full nights he’d spent off-duty with Lucy - innocent though it had been - and in the end, it had all worked out in their favour.

“And you took the desk job to be out of her chain of command.” Isabel was catching up, her eyes on the traffic around them, but her mind clearly absorbed with the story he was telling. “But, Tim… You ran a UC op with her? You hated UC.”

“No. No.” Tim held his hand up to stop her. “I never hated UC. I hated what UC did to you. Did to others. UC itself can be useful.”

“Yeah, but Tim Bradford, Patrol Cop, never went in for that sleight of hand bullshit. You were always all about the gratification of the arrest: do the job, catch the bad guys, clock out at end of shift.”

Tim closed his eyes briefly, knowing she wasn’t wrong; she was just out-of-date.

“It’s what Lucy wants to do.”

And there was that silence again, floating in the air like a third passenger, drawing their attention back to the distance and the changes that had grown between them since Isabel had left.

“You’re worried about her.”

“I’m not worried about her.”

Isabel tapped her fingers against her bag, pursing her lips as she gazed out at the traffic.

“I heard about what happened to Mack, you know. Poor Beth. And the kids.” She shook her head ruefully. “And I heard that Mid-Wilshire snagged Detective Harper. She used to be a rockstar in LA UC circles. Did a number on her home life though, if the rumours are to be believed.”

“You really stayed on top of things, huh?” Tim didn’t like the snippy edge to his voice, but Isabel brushed it off.

“I still got all the emails. Took a while for me to psyche myself up to unsubscribe. Put an end to the era.” She was picking at her fingernails, watching him out of the corner of her eyes. “You saw what UC did to their lives too. Are you really going to go through all of this again?”

Tim pressed the brakes a little too hard, jolting them both against their seatbelts. The amber light turned red in front of them, and he gripped the rim of the steering wheel tightly.

“Isabel… I appreciate what you’re saying. But Lucy isn’t you.” He took a steadying breath through his nose, consciously unclenching his jaw. “And she and I aren’t us.” He gestured between them for emphasis.

Isabel snorted softly, nodding in agreement.

“I know that. God, Tim. We were so young.” She shook her head ruefully. “Our early and mid-twenties. What were we thinking?”

Tim tilted his head considerately.

“We were in love. We thought we had the world at our feet. And getting married was the status quo. I’m sure at least some of the marriages from back then survived…”

Isabel threw him a deeply sceptical look, and he gave a short bark of laughter.

“We had no idea, back then,” she said, watching the light in front of them change back to green. “We had our good times, and I really was happy… But we never really put ourselves first, did we? I mean, it started at the Academy, then getting through probation, and on to racking up points to get the next promotion...” She bit her lip, shaking her head regretfully. “It took me months of counselling to come to terms with everything - and that was after rehab. Back then… I was running on fumes, Tim. I thought the drugs were helping, at first. Never actually thought I’d become the addict.”

Tim didn’t know what to say, and Isabel seemed lost in thought until a delivery biker pulled up beside her, blasting music from a flashy speaker on his handlebars. She shook herself out of her thoughts, patting her hands against her thighs and smiling apologetically at Tim.

“Sorry. I got caught up in the memories.”

“It’s okay.”

She reached across the console, laying her hand lightly on top of his arm.

“Look, Tim; I know everything is different now. For you, for her - all of it.” She tipped her head sideways, trying to catch his eyes. “I’m just saying - you already learned this lesson the hard way. And you both deserve to be happy.” She squeezed his arm gently. “Remind her what she’s got to lose.”

Tim felt a lump rise in his throat, and all he could do was nod silently, relief flooding through him as they turned the corner and finally pulled up in front of the DA’s office. Wesley was just heading for the front doors, and he stopped in his tracks when he saw Tim’s truck, saluting them and waiting while they got out of the vehicle.

Well. Here it was.

Time to get divorced.

Actually, this time.

***

Lucy had just decided to plunge into cleaning all the windows when the door lock clicked open and Tim walked into the apartment, heaving a sigh as he tossed his keys into the bowl on the counter. Lucy slammed the cleaning cupboard closed, hurrying over to him. She laced her fingers tightly together, wanting nothing more than to jump into his arms, but giving him space in case he needed it.

“How did it go?”

Tim didn’t want space.

He grabbed her, pulling her in tight against his chest, running his fingers through her hair, his breath flowing deep and steady down against her temple.

“It’s done.”

She murmured an affirmation against his shirt, her words muffled in the material, hands swirling slow circles along his ribs and shoulder blades. He held her for a long while; long enough for her to notice the tension easing out of his muscles as he relaxed into her, and long enough for her tummy to begin rumbling as the clock ticked persistently past lunchtime.

At that, he finally pulled back, an amused smile playing on the corners of his lips.

“You didn’t eat?” She frowned, tilting her head to look up at him.

“I’ve honestly been a ball of nerves since you left,” she admitted. “Sending my boyfriend off to the courthouse with his not-actually-ex-wife wasn’t on my bingo card for today.”

Tim smirked, leaning down to kiss her.

“Well she’s fully actually my ex-wife all over again now.” Tim confirmed, swaying slightly on the spot where he held her.

Lucy bit her lip, raising her eyebrows impishly as she walked her fingers up along his chest.

“I can’t believe that all this time I’ve actually been dating a married man. Society will be scandalised.”

Tim grinned, bumping their noses together before kissing her again.

Lucy loved these moments with him, where the world receded beyond the cocoon of his embrace, and time evaporated into a blissful haze as he held her close and kissed her softly.

“We’ll have all of that one day, you know,” he murmured against her lips, eventually.

Her mind a pleasant blank, Lucy didn’t follow and she hummed a question at him, stumbling a little as he pulled back from her.

“All of it,” Tim said, not really clarifying anything. “Shiny rings, expensive dress, huge cake - the whole nine.”

The pictures appeared in her head, but her thoughts were slow to catch up to what he was saying, and he chuckled, tipping her chin up to give her one more kiss.

“Tim Bradford…” Lucy breathed, running her fingers along the edge of his jaw. “Are you saying… you want to marry me ?”

Tim grinned widely, kissing her again, lifting her onto her tiptoes as he tightened his arms around her waist. Lucy’s mind was spinning, clearly deprived of oxygen and suffering from a caffeine crash, and she felt dizzy when he finally pulled back, just far enough for his eyes to come back into focus.

“Absolutely. One day.” He pulled his hands away from her abruptly and left her wobbling on the rug as he turned and headed for the fridge. “But first, I’m going to feed you. Can’t have you making any big decisions on an empty stomach.”

His smile was mischievous, and after taking a second to get her bearings, Lucy scoffed, rolling her eyes fondly, and walking over to sit at the counter across from him. There were a few moments of comfortable silence, then he asked about Tamara, and she asked about Wesley, and soon she was picking at the salad he was making, their conversation easy and light. Their plans for the day had been entirely scuppered, but when it led to moments like this, she found she really couldn’t care less.

And if her mind wandered back to his eyes as he’d said that; to the heat of his lips and the tight band of his arms around her back; to her rose-petaled visions of Angela and Wesley’s wedding, mixed with the fairy lights of Nyla’s party, herself and Tim in the centre of the spotlight…

Well, it wasn’t that far-fetched after all.

And surely, it actually would be them…

One day.

#chenford #chenford fic #my fic

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