#TIM AND LUCY ARE OFFICIALLY GOING ON A DATE

[dylanconrique]

WE FINALLY DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[theflyindutchwoman]

Well, I mean, we could come clean. Are you ready for that? Are you ready for Smitty's commentary on us dating or the "oohs" every time we walk into the roll call room together? Or we could lie. Okay, I have an idea. I heard from a C.I. that there were drugs coming out of the kitchen. And -- And you asked me to join as backup. Right. Like a soft undercover infiltration. Not bad. Thank you.

| ANATOMY OF A SCENE - CHENFORD EDITION 5.10 - The List

This moment is actually the perfect introduction of the 'secret relationship' era… of what makes it so good, really : how bad they are at this secrecy thing. Embarrassingly (and hilariously) so. And the irony is that there's no reason for them to be this terrible. They usually thrive under pressure, undercover or not. They're naturally reserved when it comes to their personal life, shying away from PDAs and all… And they already spend so much time together, have a shorthand… And yet, they are downright awful at trying to conceal and pretend that nothing has changed between them.

Just the way they are standing in the bull pen gives them away… The whispering, the awkward smiles, checking every five seconds if anyone is watching them… Tim grinning when Officer Jan passes by… As if that's not suspicious in itself. Honestly, anyone who didn't know they were together before they went official should give their badges back on principle. And then, there's the content of their brainstorming… With Lucy trying to come up with a good reason as to why they were together at the 'most romantic restaurant in town' - other than the real reason. And let's talk about this for a second. It's never been confirmed but I'd like to think that it was Tim's idea to try this place for their first date. As much as he was uncomfortable at the pop-up restaurant at the beach, he doesn't mind going to fancy places either. Like the one he chose for his bet. So I could see him picking this restaurant, especially if Lucy had talked about it beforehand, wanting only the best for her… She's worth the effort after all.

For all the humor in this scene, there's also a more serious side. Starting with Lucy who is ready to come clean right away… Which is quite the statement from her, considering how she used to refuse to even put a label on her previous relationships. And the implications behind this… She is fine with disclosing their relationship to their superior officers after only one date. One that they didn't get to finish. Her certainty in them is so precious. And Tim's face… There are so many different emotions here. But mostly, he's taken aback by her readiness. It's clear he isn't yet - but it doesn't mean that he is less committed. As unserious as his comments about Smitty or the 'ooohs' are, it does reveal underneath what his concerns are : gossip. That their colleagues would be talking about them. About Lucy. And that's quite telling that this was his first thought. Not the issue of the chain of command, not that it could be too soon...

And to be fair, Lucy isn't any more keen to face their colleagues' judgements. Hence her choice to go for a cover story. And this is such a good callback to her approach to their undercover op… The one that started it all. Tim's smile when she tells him her story… I do wonder if his mind went back to her previous cover story, the one that broke his brain… Either way, he is looking so proud. Both of them for that matter. That is, until Nolan comes over… They barely make it a few seconds before blowing it up. All it took was for John to say hi. That's it. They're so worried on getting caught that they end up raising suspicion. Luckily for them, he is just befuddled, wondering what they are even talking about. Their faces once they realise that he doesn't have a clue as to what's going on and they were giving themselves away… They are so transparent. These two are a complete disaster and I love every second of this.

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Saturday fandom :) Already onto episode 2. We get to see some new challenges for Tim and lots of work flirts because well it’s s4. These two are emotionally dating whether they realize it or not haha. Not a ton in this ep for them but just enough goodies possible with them riding apart. Off we go.

4x02 Five Minutes

We start our ep off with Nolan helping out with paint samples. Tamara has moved in (yay I love this) and they’re trying to decide what color. Tamara says she doesn’t care it’s Lucy's apt. Seemingly resigned at this point. Lucy doesn’t agree and says it’s her room though. Tamara says it’s not hers it’s…she trails off before mentioning Jackson's name. Lucy realizes this and cuts it off before she gets emotional. My heart. Nolan tells her they have to get ready for work.

They leave Tamara's room and Lucy asks John if they’re being silly about the color? That they're taking this long to pick one out? He’s says it’s not 'We' but her. Lucy gives him a look. She knows what he's implying but isn’t ready to talk about it yet. So she hands him his bag instead. She notes it’s super heavy. Asking what’s in it? Apparently Tim gave him ton of books to read for being a T.O. Nolan asks if it’s weird for her Tim's not a T.O. anymore?

Lucy acting all civil and grown up or trying to. Saying no he’s moving on with his career. So will she. I mean deep down she's gotta be happy with the fact that she was the last rookie he trained fully. End on a high note and all that. That high note being her. She continues on that she hadn't even thought of him being a rookie Sergeant. The look on her face betraying her words. She's failing terribly at containing her excitement at what she's done haha

As we can see in this next scene Lucy is a lying liar who lies. We cut to Tim looking fine af in a TIGHT red t-shirt. Sweet baby James those guns should be illegal. Look at his bicep as he opens that locker. My god. Walking thirst trap and I'm here for it. He’s all happy walking up to his locker. Then he opens it and finds her note with a bunch of small boots LOL It’s amazing and glorious. His face kills me. I love her knowing the combination to his lock in first place to plant these. Ahh the work flirts between these two never cease to amaze. Pranking is one of their love languages hehe

Tim enters Grey’s office to officially get his Sergeant’s badge for Mid Wilshire. He’s so excited it's adorable to watch. Telling Grey he won’t let him down. Wade says he will. Tim looks crushed poor love. Grey telling him he’s going to fail just as much as he succeeds. Interesting to watch Tim stumble off the blocks a bit with this. The entire episode is him feeling out being a Sergeant for the first time. Naturally he’s a little cocky. He's always puffing his chest out more around others that aren't Lucy heh

Tim is thinking he can just apply his T.O. Tactics to this and Wade isn’t about it. The little wink above. Have mercy sir ... Learned all that sass from being around his girl haha Grey is not amused. Tells him he can easily remove those strips HA I love it. So much growth to be had in this new role of his. Always love watching him stretch himself. Grey tells Tim he’s going to be leading roll call today. He is so amped. I love this sfm.

Grey announces Tim being the station's newest sergeant and Lucy is aglow with pride. Look at her. She is so damn excited and proud of him. She's been on this journey with him since day one. Ready to make a big deal and celebrate him. Even when he won’t. Especially when he won’t. This reaction is proud wifey status right here. Her pre clap is so cute. She is ready to celebrate him and his achievement before anyone else is. Lucy notice's no one else is as excited as her and has to rein herself back in LOL The minute it's announced she is filled with pride and glee. It's written all over her body language and her need to want to clap for him before it's time. You know he made eye contact with her for that little smirk. I love them.

Also let’s talk about the heart eyes/little eye sex Lucy is giving Tim during his first roll call he's leading Look at her in the beginning. Keep it in your pants Officer Chen LMAO You are in public madam. Tim is shocking everyone but Lucy with his rant. Just a normal day for her when he talks like this. It's too funny. He is shocking everyone else though. Even Grey is thrown back by his words. Not his girl though. There’s nothing he can say that’ll throw her. Look at her smile as she leaves the roll call room. She is bemused he just went on a 'Tim Rant' in his first roll call. I love it so much.

We rejoin Lucy with Nolan in their shop. She is asking about wallpaper and what he thinks? Nolan pokes the bear one more time. Saying she’s the most insightful person he knows. Lucy has to see why she is delaying picking out a color. That Tamara can never accept the room as her's till Lucy moves on from it being Jackson’s. Before she can answer a car races by them. They pull them over immediately.

Nolan asks if he can practice being a T.O. With her? Lucy gives him some crap then says yeah show me what you got. He calls her boot and lives to regret it so very much. I love the absolute sass in her body language alone. Like you best walk that back LOL She barely let Tim call her that let alone you Nolan haha

Grey and Tim are riding together today. Wade going over not arriving to a scene right away. How it hurts the officer's confidence when you do. You can see Tim squirming in his seat with all this haha It's the very opposite of being a training officer. This is where this position makes him grow. It’s forcing him to do things he normally wouldn’t. Honestly riding with Lucy prepped him for this in a way he doesn’t understand just yet. Taught him all the things he needs to be a good supervisor.

Doesn’t mean he won’t have growing pains along the way though LOL Before he can reply Nolan contacts them about the driver he’s pulled over. Nolan ran her ID and finds out she is a white whale. Claire Ivy. Been suspected in multiple heists dating back 20 years. How Lopez almost caught her in 2016. Grey tells him to cite her and let her go. To inform her she’s on their radar though. To leave town ASAP.

Nolan returns to Lucy and Claire. She is a complete bad ass. Not taking Nolan’s warnings seriously at all. She even winks at Lucy before taking off. Nolan asking her what she thinks? Lucy having the funniest reply. Saying she has a girl crush haha I love Lucy so much.

Tim and Wade show up to Nyla’s scene. Her first call with Aaron is a murder. Grey asks her where her rookie is? She point to him on the sidewalk sitting. Looking pretty shaken up. Tim asks if he puked with a smile. Heh you’re terrible you handsome devil. She says yes but it’s more than the gore. That he was having some PTSD. Then tells Grey it’s almost like he shouldn’t be a cop…. Harper was so harsh with Aaron in the beginning. Grey notes it’s a good thing he has the best T.O. In the business to help him then.

Tim needing to give Nyla a hard time says his line above. I love the constant teasing between these two. It’s so funny and a delight to watch how they’ve developed. Her face is everything haha The rivalry between them is the absolute best. Wade tells Tim to stay on task.... Tim tries to canvass and Grey stops him. Saying he’s there to supervise not canvas. Poor Tim its a default gear for him. So he tells Harper to take her rookie and do as such. She gives him a smile saying 'Yes sir.' hehe

Lucy gets home and has a heart to heart with Tamara. She knows she can't avoid having it any longer. It makes me emotional to watch Lucy struggle with talking about him. Then Tamara gets emotional as well. Getting me right in the feels ladies. Lucy apologizing for being so manic about the color. That when they do this it'll make all this real. Even months later she will have to face that fact that he's never coming home to this room. Which is rough for both of them to deal with. I mean Tamara is feeling guilt for even taking the room let alone altering it. Lucy is struggling changing it as well for her own reasons.

Tamara feeling hesitant to make it her own. Because anytime she changes anything feels like she erasing him. Ugh my heart. This is such a good scene for them though. I love Lucy telling her Jackson would’ve loved her staying here. He would've wanted something good to come out of this. This is Lucy’s official moving on moment. Not letting this weigh her down any longer. So Tamara too can move on and not feel guilty making this room her own. Guess Nolan was right. Even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in awhile eh?

We find Lucy and Nolan next day camping outside Claire's hotel. They're talking about his date with Bailey and her breaking up with him via text. Before they delve any further Tim calls in asking for a status update. Lucy lets him know no activity on their end but what about the rest of her team? I love this mini moment of theirs. Their banter over the radio. Them talking this situation out. Like Nolan isn’t even there. Theorizing together like they’re in the same car. Their work chemistry isn't missing a beat in this scene. Also lets admire his bicep in this scene. Straining against that sleeve.*fans self* It's like he wants me to comment like this LMFAO

Tim telling Lucy his thoughts is my fav part. Being vulnerable with her saying he’s nervous. Only Lucy gets this side of him even when they’re not in the same space I love it sfm. There is growth in this moment. Normally he would just say or direct an OP like this. Wouldn’t need anyone else’s input. But now he’s post-Lucy being his rookie. We see the impact she’s had on him. How he’s relying on her thoughts and relaying his own. Doesn’t seem like a big moment in grand scheme of things. When we know the cuteness at the end of this episode. But I love underrated moments and this is one of them.

Grey finds out Tim was apart of the OP who took down Claire and her team. He is none too happy about it. Tim is confused saying he used his skills in the best way possible. Wade calls him out for it. Telling him no. He just couldn’t trust anyone else to get it done right. That control freaks don’t make good sergeants. It’s a rough first go for Tim. He has a lot to learn about stepping back and his need to control. To trust those around him. It’s something we will see him grow in this season.

But we can’t appreciate such growth unless we see him start at square one. Just like with S1 Tim. If we didn’t see him at his lowest how could we truly appreciate the depth of his growth when it happened? It’s the same with his new role as sergeant. He does stand his ground saying he needs to find his own way as a sergeant. He asks Grey if there is anything else? He adds on praise is important. An 'Atta-Boy' from the boss goes a long way.

Lucy is trying to sneak more booties into Tim’s locker when he catches her. Tim acting like he’s shocked but I don’t think he really is haha Asking her what she's doing? Lucy telling him how she’s paying him back. That word haunts her LOL She has to remind him he is a 'Boot' now. Getting immense joy out of teasing him. They are so married in this scene it’s unreal. Naturally he has to chastise her doing the same prank twice. Wouldn’t be him if he didn’t. His way of flirting right back. These two idiots in love.

Lucy hands him the booties and says she’s going to leave him to it then. Not expecting more out of this moment than this mini banter. Tim doesn’t let her get too far before giving her that compliment. He's so uncomfortable about saying it you know she is soaking this up. Enjoying him being uncomfortable so much.

Lucy is also stunned he’s giving her praise so freely when he finally gets it out. Her face says everything about her disbelief. Tim sees it instantly and tells her Grey suggested he do so. Like it's such a hardship to praise her like this heh. Lucy seeing he’s trying to grow and thanks him with that cocky smirk we know he loves so much.

Although Lucy can’t pass up the opportunity to push his buttons. Has to see if she can’t get him to spill more since he is in a sharing mood. About her specifically of course haha One of her love languages is receiving those words of affirmation and praise from him. She laps it up like a thirsty dog hehe She’s comfortable enough ‘Push her luck’ as Tim states above. Tim of course stops Lucy in her tracks. Knowing exactly what she is up to.

I love her awkward exit when she knows she has pressed her luck. The pointing and backing out is so adorable I can not stand it. We know he loves her goofy dorkiness. It's that dorky sunshine he falls in love with in the first place. You know he misses riding with her so much in this moment. He holds his ‘serious’ face till she leaves. Shakes his head so bemused by her actions.

Then when she’s out of sight his true colors come into play. Look at this man. Tim looks down at the boots with a happy smirk. He is so smitten and happy she did this prank. Why you ask? Because it meant she was thinking of him. Thought of his special day and did something to commemorate it. You know he actually loves how thoughtful she is. How she always makes him #1. Makes him feel like he’s #1 in her book. Something that is so very foreign to him.

Just like Lucy adores his praise. He soaks up her affection and putting him and his accomplishments on the front burner. Never lets Tim pass by with anything less than a Lucy worthy celebration. Like I said earlier pranking is a love language of their's. This is her way of saying she cares. Does it in a way he can handle but knows her intention. Tim has never had someone like her before. He is very smitten and that wall of his is damn near rubble at this point. We’re not there yet but it’s on it's way to utter ruin. Thank you Lucy Chen haha

Tamara finally finishes up her room. She’s nervous to show Lucy. It’s so cute. I love what she did with it. So very her and I love it. Lucy giving her stamp approval is just what she needed. This is such a cute moment. I love their chosen sisterhood so much. Gives me warm fuzzies for days. How far they’ve come from Tamara stealing Lucy’s car heh Tamara finally having her own safe space and having it with Lucy is the best part.

Cute little episode for them as we enter full into this season. I always love when we get little work flirts with them. They’re dating and have idea about and that’s the best part of the the whole dynamic.

~~~~

Side notes non chenford-

The introduction of Aaron. I wasn’t sure about him at first but ended up adoring him. He won me over fairly quickly.

Wes and Angela spending the only time Jack sleeps theorizing about Aaron’s case instead of sleeping LOL I love them sfm.

Thank you as always to those who continuously like, comment and reblog these reviews. Makes my heart so happy. Shall see you all in 4x03 :)

[centralperkchenford]

Chenford + secret marriage

All these people think love's for show (But I would die for you in secret)

Chenford + secret marriage

As soon as I saw this prompt I knew this was what I wanted to do! I hope you like it! 🫶🏻

“Let’s go get married.” Tim whispers into her hair one morning. Lucy turns around in his arms and gives him a look.

“What?” She asks him with her eyebrows raised. “We are getting married in 4 months.” But Tim shakes his head and leans forward to press his lips to her forehead.

“No. Let’s go get married today.” He says. “I don’t want to wait four more months for you to be my wife. I want to marry you now.”

Lucy blinks at him a little confused. When he had proposed and she had started planning the wedding he said he was fine with waiting and planning a wedding. As long as she was the one walking down the aisle towards him, he was fine. And so she did, the venue was book and paid for. The vendors were paid, she had a wedding dress and even the save the dates were sent out. It was a little late to just cancel the wedding.

“Tim, we are having a wedding in four months that is already paid for. We can’t just cancel.”

“I’m not saying to cancel our wedding. We can still have it but I want to marry you at the courthouse today. Just you and me. I love you so much Lucy and I know it’s just a piece of paper but I want to start the rest of our lives together. Today.”

Lucy stares at him, her eyes searching his face for any indication this may be some sort of pre-marriage Tim Test. But his face is genuine and full of love. He really wants to marry her today.

“Okay.” She says quietly. “Okay Tim. Let’s get married today.”

“Yeah?” He asks a boyish grin on his face. “Okay baby. I’ll set it up.” He kisses her once more on the forehead before he slides out of bed and heads to the living room.

***

They don’t end up getting married that day it’s a lot of bells and whistles to sort through. However two days after Tim proposes the idea they are able to snag a time. They get their marriage license and an officiant. They are told they don’t need a witness which bodes well in their favor since they are doing this secretly.

Lucy must admit it is kind of nice to put on a simple white sun dress and slip on some simple shoes. And even though she is still looking forward to putting on her wedding dress and walking down the aisle. This is nice too, it feels private and intimate. This wedding is just for them.

She smiles when she sees Tim waiting for her, he’s in dress pants and a nice shirt. He looks as handsome as ever. She stands in front of him as the officiant does his thing. She searches his face again like she did two mornings ago to see if he was serious about this.

She sees only love and affection in his eyes shining back at her. Lucy smiles back at him hoping to convey just how much she loves him.

“Do you Tim Bradford take this do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together in (holy) matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?“

Tim smiles at Lucy. “I do.”

The officiant turns to Lucy and repeats it. “I do.” Says Lucy smiling softly at Tim and wanting nothing more than to reach out and kiss him.

Soon.

They exchange the rings, they both opted to get silicone rings they could wear to work. Tim slips the thin band onto Lucy’s fingers and brings it up to his mouth to give her finger a quick kiss. Lucy slides Tim’s ring on his finger.

“I now pronounce you man and wife.” Says the officiant and then he steps back as Tim surges forward to kiss her, dipping her down once and bringing her back up. Lucy giggles as he does grabbing onto his shirt.

Her husband.

“Now what?” She whispers. Tim kisses her forward head softly and then reaches down to take her hand.

“Now I take my wife home and show her how much I love her.” He says into her ear as they walk out of the courthouse. She giggles again and she can’t quite believe this is real. That they got secretly married and honestly she doesn’t regret it at all.

“You know we have to keep this a secret right?” She says to him. “You can’t wear your ring at work. Yet.”

He looks over at her with wonder in his eyes, and let’s go of her hand. “I love you so much Lucy. You have no idea how grateful I am that we did this.” He steps down so he’s looking up at her for once. “I can’t wait to marry you in 4 months again.”

Lucy licks her lips as she looks at him and then loops her arms around his neck. “I would marry you again and again if it meant I would be with you forever.” She says. “I love you too Tim.”

He grabs her by the waist without warning and she squeals at the sudden movement. He spins her around and then kisses her and she pours all the love she has for him in that one kiss. Her husband. Her forever.

***

They get married again 4 months later in front of their family and friends. And it’s true what she told him on those courthouse steps 4 months ago, she would marry him again and again if it meant being with him forever. Because even now as he gazes down at her as she reads her vows she knows this is her forever. She said it in the courthouse and she is saying it now she will cherish Tim for the rest of her life. She will love him forever.

They say I do (again) and before Grey can even get his next words out Tim is kissing Lucy. She barely hears the crowd laughing or Grey mumbling Jesus Christ under his breath, but she does hear Tim whisper I love you against her lips.

She sighs happily as he pulls back and tucks her into his side and leans over to whisper into her ear. “I love you.”

She smiles at him and then he’s taking her hand and leading her as their friends and family clap and congratulate them.

And yeah this was definitely a forever kind of thing.

[ellickalways]

a new thing i need now that tim and lucy are officially unofficial:

tim going to angela because he’s scared by his huge feelings or for advice on a perfect first date or something like that for a new secret woman he’s started dating but refusing to give her a name so she plays along and talks to him and then at the very end when he’s walking away she’s like “lucy’s going to love it, tim” or “have fun with lucy, tim” like just something super sweet and best friendy because she absolutely knows it’s lucy and tim forever

[baileys-3]

NEW CHAPTER ONLINE on AO3

It's Date Night and First-Kiss-Night.

Little Sneak Peak below the link.

Half an hour later she is standing at the food truck, thinking about what to order. She could be mean and get something vegetarian with tofu. But she is not that mean. She decides on a salad with breaded chicken strips. Because she doesn't know exactly when Tim is coming, and she doesn't want the food to get cold until he gets here. And with salad, that definitely can't happen. She buys two more drinks in a red can and hopes it's something along the lines of Coke.

Then she takes a seat at the only table still free. Which is right next to the pavement. But at least there is still one table free. The truck seems to be more popular than she thought. But it's also a nice place. The neighborhood is quiet. Many nocturnal walkers use the adjacent park, and it even has a slightly romantic touch. She didn't just imagine the fairy lights, they're real.

Lucy pulls her phone out of her pocket and sees a message from Tim, who texted her five minutes ago that he is just leaving now. She puts her phone back and leans back in her chair. And then just watches the people on the road. The cook of the food truck. How he prepares his dishes. The cars driving by.

Suddenly a hand comes to rest on her shoulder and gives her a quick squeeze. She looks up and sees Tim standing next to her. She just smiles at him, and he just smiles back. Then he pulls the chair that is on the opposite side of the table from there next to her and sits down on it, wide-legged. So that his knee touches her thigh. It is almost impossible to get any closer. Otherwise, he would have to sit on her lap.

He looks around briefly.

"Treats of Vietnam. That's where we ended up." He says and she must laugh. Yes, this is definitely a different location than the n/naaka yesterday. "So, I guess this is our official first date."

"Mm, last night was, for sure. I mean, it's a better story for the grandkids."

Oh Shit. Did she just say grandkids? Yesterday she was making it clear to him that she wouldn't go to bed with him right away and now she's telling him about grandchildren.

[kanerallels]

Updating this while we suffer through a hiatus! This is probably one of my favorite chapters, so I hope y'all like it! First lines under the cut!

Date one.

It took them a while to figure everything out. They still hadn’t figured out a good story for how and why they’d started dating, though Lucy had plenty of ideas. But they had decided on a game plan— go on about four dates, stretched out over two or three weeks. They’d make sure their friends knew about it, and then not long after the last date was over, they’d break up, tell the others they were better as friends.

The harder part was the dates themselves. Not spending time together— thanks to the amount of time they spent patrolling the streets together, Lucy was used to being around Tim. But there was a big difference between being around someone and going on a date with them. And picking out the actual place to go wasn’t super easy either.

So for their first date, they went simple— a food truck they’d been to at least a dozen times during patrols, or sometimes as civilians, with Lopez and Jackson and Bishop on their lunch break. Tim got his usual, and Lucy tried a new special, and the two of them chose a table set up next to a row of cars parked along the street. And despite the fact they were supposed to be dating, and it was supposed to feel awkward… it didn’t. It felt natural, sitting there and chatting with Tim about work and their friend’s different reactions to their “relationship”— there were a lot of “I knew it”s.

“Well,” Tim said wryly, taking a sip from his drink, “here we are. Our first official date.”

[chenfordspiral]

A Chenford Thesis on 5x10

Hi, hello. It’s me again! I’ve taken my time with this one because the creative juices just wouldn’t quite flow the way they often did with my little essay for 5x08. I’m surprised I actually managed to get this done before 5x18 ultimately kills us all. That might’ve actually given me the necessary push to finish this because I know I won’t be able to focus after Tuesday. 

Kinda surprised I wrote this at all. Because I was not planning on writing anything but the thing for 5x08. But here we are. You've all given me enough reason to get over my fears and just do this.

So, let’s get started.

Previously on The Tim&Lucy Show – uhm, I mean, The Rookie: Tim asks Lucy out on a date after they’ve finally admitted their feelings for each other. 

That can only mean one thing now: Date night is finally here! 

I love everything about this opening scene. I never would’ve expected to get a rom com like montage of Lucy and Tim stressing over what outfit to wear for their first official date. 

I get giddy every time I see this scene, seriously. 

They’re such different people, but in this moment, they do the same thing. They’ve cleaned out almost their entire closets trying to find the right thing to wear. Tim’s wearing the same pants the whole time, but cannot for the life of him decide on the right button down. 

Meanwhile, Lucy has pulled out all the dresses she’s worn that signify important moments in their journey. The green dress from Angela & Wesley’s first attempted wedding when Tim asked her to save him a dance before it all went to hell but also gave us one of the most significant Chenford moments that had them realize there might be something more between them (I love that hug). 

The dress from the horrendous double date with Blondie and the WIP, where they spent the entire time talking to each other instead of their dates. 

And then the dress she wore to Nyla’s wedding when they finally had that dance he still owed her and told her she’d be the arresting officer on future reports (she’s always been more important than his career). 

But none of those dresses are right for this occasion. It’s time to pick something that’s new. Because this is a new beginning. She just can’t decide which outfit she likes best. 

And then there’s our boy Timothy again. He’s finally frustrated enough to stop trying on different shirts and gets his phone. I don’t know what I expected, but not what happened next. 

Because I never would have imagined that Tim Bradford would stress so much that he would need to call his best friend to calm himself down. And said best friend just happens to be the woman he’s going out with. 

Yeah, I love him. I love them. 

I also love the little pout Lucy makes right before her phone rings. It’s so adorable. She goes to grab her phone, slightly nervous when she realizes it’s Tim who’s calling her, because she’s not even close to being ready to leave. “Hi, I’m almost there” she says, as she stands in the middle of the chaos she’s created trying to find the right thing to wear. 

But Tim catches on immediately. “No, no. No you’re not” because he knows her too well. Lucy grins a little guiltily at being caught, “No, I’m not, sorry. Uhm, are you?”  

“No!” Because of course he isn’t. He wants to look perfect for their date. They both do. They’re both stressing so much. And I love it. “Look, does this restaurant have a dress code?” 

I’m sorry, Tim. You’re asking her about the restaurant? Were you not the one who planned it? Or did you just google ‘most romantic restaurant in town’ and go with it?! Either way, he’s so indecisive that he needs to know if there’s certain expectations from the restaurant. Or maybe he’s just asking Lucy what she’d like to see him wear even though he’s the one who planned everything but is now so flustered that he needs her advice. 

Am I thinking about this too much? Probably. Anyway. 

“Uhh, no. I mean, you could wear cargo shorts, if you wanted.” Ha, as if, Lucy. He would never. But he’s intrigued now. Come on, we all know he knows she’s teasing him here. “Really?” he asks, taking the bait. Or pretending to, anyway. “Yeah, I mean. What does it matter as long as you’re comfortable?” 

“Nice try. That was clearly a test. And you should know better than to test the master” he says while grinning like an idiot. And Lucy just laughs while he says it and fondly rolls her eyes at his, really their, ridiculousness. 

“What are you wearing?” You did not just ask that, Timothy. I know he means it as innocently as possible, but in any other context this would sound very… suggestive, you know. And we already know Lucy’s answer to this before she can say a word: she doesn’t know. Just that she has a lot that she’s already discarded as ‘no’. And she tells him as much. 

To which he responds “Well, we are running low on time. Traffic’s getting ugly.” How long have they been married again? Oh, right. Legally speaking, zero seconds. Emotionally speaking, basically since the day they met. “Yeah, I know. It’s – it’s silly. I just need to make a decision…” Yeah, Lucy, you do. But don’t feel bad. I’m not convinced Tim’s made a final decision yet, either.

“Ah, yes. The green dress. It is decided.” “Great. I’ll… I’ll see you soon.” “Okay. Bye.” I am losing my mind over how soft their voices are here. And look at those smiles. I. Am. Melting. All the nervousness seems to have faded away for a bit. They’re all soft smiles and excitement now. They can’t wait to start this new chapter of their story. 

Lucy takes another look in the mirror after hanging up the phone, still smiling. She likes that dress; she likes the way Tim gave her a once-over and appreciated her in it. And she could hear it in his voice that he remembers how she looked, too. So, this seems fitting. Right? 

“No. God.” 

I’m cackling. Come on Lucy, you’ve already tried on everything you have in your closet. What are you gonna wear?! 

Now, before I even get into this next part, let me just say this: 

I apologize if their first date falls a bit short here. As much as I love this scene, I also kind of hate it because I still get very uncomfortable watching it. I can feel the awkwardness through my screen and it’s making me feel weird. I keep looking away, talking to myself to cover the dialogue or just skip parts of it entirely because I can’t get over the weirdness.

That being said, I will try my best to get through it at least once so I can do this justice, because it’s such an important part of Chenford’s story. But, again, apologies if it feels a bit off at times. 

So, here goes nothing then. 

We finally get to see what they’ve decided to wear. Tim‘s in the same button down as he was when he called Lucy. Now he’s got a nice suit jacket over it, looking pretty handsome. And Lucy, my girl. She chose a dress. Wow. That’s… revealing for a first date. But she looks absolutely gorgeous (yes, I have a girl crush). 

But aside from looking great in their outfits, they look very uncomfortable as they sit side by side in weird silence that’s occasionally filled with the most awkward and unnatural small talk we’ve ever seen between them. Come on, are you actually talking about bread?! 

I can’t help but cackle whenever I see Tim brushing away what I consider to be an imaginary breadcrumb to keep busy. Well, when he’s not checking her out in that gorgeous dress. Can’t blame him though, cause I am definitely looking, too. Respectfully, of course. Just like he is. He almost looks shy when he does it, actually. God, I love him. 

I’m not going to cover all the small talk here because that would be too painful for me, but I will say this. I think most of us were expecting an awkward first date, I even wrote it down somewhere right after the winter finale aired that I wanted it to be awkward. Didn’t think it would make me feel that embarrassed and uncomfortable though. 

Well done, TR. 

But it makes perfect sense. It is going to be awkward and weird when you transition from best friends to lovers. Even more so after spending months barely talking to each other after basically breaking up. They will need a bit of time to find their way in this new relationship. Yes, they know everything about each other. But being together romantically is new; it’s different. It’s a complete 180 compared to the previous few months. 

But once they do find their way, it will all be worth it. Because they’re going be so good together. 

Lucy finally breaks the awkward silence and weird small talk. “Why is this so weird? We’ve literally eaten together hundreds of times.” “Because… our other meals only ever held the promise of being shot at afterwards. You know. And not, like, naked time.”

Timothy?!

I. Am. Cackling. Again. But I can’t help it. Lucy’s reaction is just so priceless, and his expression when he realizes what he just said is sending me. I’m definitely having a good laugh. 

And yeah, his comment here is less than ideal and we can see that he regrets it as soon as the words are out of his mouth. Ok, he kind of regrets it. Look at that head tilt, shrug, and little smirk after Lucy’s ‘are you serious?!’ response. Yeah, he wants it. But it breaks the tension and the awkwardness. They can finally talk to one another. 

They’re finding their way. 

Also, can anyone blame him for going there? He knows how their “undercover” kisses went. She basically jumped him, repeatedly. It’s not too far-fetched to think that this might be happening after they’re done with dinner. But Lucy pretends not to know what he means. For now.  

“Please. I mean, we’ve seen plenty of naked people after we ate.” “Yeah, that’s… that’s not what I m–” “No no no, I know. I know, I know. I – I feel like I might… I need – I might just need you to reset your expectations a little bit.”

Look how his attention is immediately laser-focused on her and what she has to say. He doesn’t wanna miss or misinterpret anything she has to say right now. He knows this is important. 

“You’re not gonna see me naked for… a while.” 

Clearly, she doesn’t know that he already saw her bare back and literally short-circuited in Vegas. Mh. Maybe it’s a good thing they won’t be going there for a while. Gives him more time to mentally prepare himself for it. Anyway. 

I admire the way Lucy isn’t afraid of voicing her wishes here. She knows that she can be open with Tim in a way she hasn’t been able to with anyone else before. She already feels secure enough with him to let him know what she wants without fearing that he’s gonna leave. Because she knows he respects her and won’t judge her for what she wants. Or doesn’t want, just yet. 

“I mean, I don’t wanna rush into that. I wanna take things slow.” 

I love that she wants to approach this relationship differently than what we’ve seen of her with previous relationships before. Because everything with Tim is different. Because Tim is different. He’s, what I like to call, her first and only love. 

We’ve never seen Lucy in love with anyone before. We’ve never seen her heartbroken over someone she dated. With Nolan, she was frustrated that he could end things with her so easily. With Emmett, she was mad that he didn’t break up with her face to face. And with the WIP, she was the one to do the dumping. And she never called any of them her boyfriend for a reason. 

The only time we saw her heartbroken was when she thought Tim didn’t want her in 5x02. Maybe even in 4x21 when she thought he wanted to marry Blondie and she saw him fake-propose (still hate you for that, Timothy. But can I actually hate someone I love?). 

So, we know this is different for Lucy. And she knows it, too. 

Right now, she wants to take this slow. She wants to do this right. Have this date, then a second one, then their first real kiss without the pretense of UC work. “I just don’t think we should jump into bed together just because we know each other so well. I mean, do you –?”  

Because this is “the most important relationship in [her] life” after all. She wants to enjoy just finally getting to be with Tim. She wants to make sure she cherishes every single one of those early moments of what will be the last relationship of her life. When you know it’s gonna last, why rush?

And I love that Tim is so easily on board. He doesn’t question her wishes, doesn’t pressure her into anything she’s not ready for (unlike a certain former WIP). He’s accepting her pace. “Agreed.” Because he understands. She might not want to go there just yet, but he knows it’s in the future. Because he knows he’s the most important person in her life. There’s no question that this is serious for her. She just wants to do this right.

And look at the way he’s looking at her while he listens. I’m melting over here. He’s so damn smitten, my heart can’t take this. Again, I love him. Imagine this said in the way Rachel says it in ep 7x04 of Friends. That’s usually what I mean when I write that. 

“Yeah?”

You can hear the relief in Lucy’s voice and see it in her eyes. Happy that he’s understanding, that he’s okay with the way she wants to do this, and she didn’t miscalculate how he’d respond. Yes, there might’ve been a small part of her that was a bit scared that he wouldn’t understand. But at the end of the day, Tim’s always respected Lucy and what she has to say and wants. That’ll never change. 

Their first little moment of normalcy is interrupted when Tim hears the door to the restaurant open and looks over and then around himself. What are you doing, Tim? Focus on the woman sitting next to you, please. Lucy of course sees how he’s suddenly started squirming in his seat and looks over her shoulder. 

She has a little smirk on her face when she’s turning back around, already suspecting what he might be afraid of. “Are you worried someone from the station’s gonna walk in?” “What?” “You are!” “No, I…“ “Wow.” Yeah, she’s kinda enjoying his unease. 

But he’s a bit, well not exactly annoyed, but definitely not happy, either. “What are the odds?” As Lucy gestures ‘who knows,’ they’re interrupted yet again by a loud crash from the kitchen. They both look over, trying to figure out what’s going on. I really appreciate that Tim’s not annoyed at what’s happening but defends the staff because they’re working in a stressful environment. 

But because they’re cops, Lucy is on alert. Should they do something? Nope, says Tim. Let it blow over on its own. But it doesn’t. It takes a turn for the worse. Because of course it does, it’s Chenford’s first date and they cannot enjoy a moment of peace. 

Now, why does Tim have his gun and badge with him, on a date? Well, he’s a creature of habit, he needs to be prepared for every possible scenario. Still didn’t expect that part though. But I gotta say, thank you. Cause they’re one badass couple (couple!!!), working in tandem to get the situation under control and helping the chef. 

And yes, I clocked Lucy’s little touch to Tim’s arm (and it’s the second one in this entire scene already!) right before they stood up. Once more proving to me that physical touch is definitely one of her love languages. 

After it’s all handled and the guy is in cuffs and the chef’s wound is taken care of, Tim and Lucy look at one another. “What are the chances of someone from the station walking in now?” Aaaand, cue the lights, the cops have arrived. Well, busted. And Tim is more than a little frustrated at how this night has turned out. He just wanted to enjoy finally being able to go out with Lucy. 

He turns back around toward her and, holy. That barely-held-in laugh from Lucy as she looks at him? Dying. She’s enjoying this, because come on, it is kind of hilarious. 

Before, she was joking that the odds were in their favor and there was no chance in hell anyone they knew could walk in. But now it’s actually about to happen. And their names are most likely gonna be on the police report. So people will know they were there together. Having a romantic dinner. Or trying to, anyway. 

This should be interesting. 

Also, I’m seven pages in, and I’ve only covered the first two scenes? No wonder this is taking me forever to write. It can really only get worse from here. 

It’s the next day, and we see them standing together, secluded and removed from the hustle of the rest of the bullpen, deep in conversation. They immediately stop talking when Officer Jan (hi!) walks by. And I need to point out Lucy’s little pose as she tilts her head to the side in greeting. I cannot stop laughing whenever I see it. It’s so adorable and so freaking Lucy. 

Once he’s passed them, Lucy starts talking again. “Okay, we can’t deny the facts. We were both at the restaurant, it’s in the police report.” “And all we know is that the witness reports mention the fact that we were sitting together.” “Yeah.” 

Yup, there it is. Both names in the police report, countless witnesses that can attest to them sitting together… this is bad. Because they both know that what they’re doing is against the rules and they don’t seem to be in a rush to tell people. Or be ready for it. 

See, this is one of the things that surprised me about them getting together this early. And the way they did. Usually, Tim is a stickler for rules. Him dating a subordinate officer in his direct chain of command? And one he once trained, no less? That’s definitely not following the rules. He doesn’t often go against his sense of duty. I assumed this to be a big obstacle and a reason for Tim not to go for it. 

But here’s the big but. 

He’s always been willing to follow his heart instead of his head when it’s about the things and people that matter more. When it’s about the people he loves. Especially because he’s not a big fan of change. 

His world changed and shifted dramatically after he realized that he was in love with Lucy. When he pulled the plug on their professional partnership. When he was single again and had to see the woman he loves with someone else, thinking he had no chance whatsoever. Same for early season 1 Tim after Isabel left. 

There was no stability for him other than the job. 

And I don’t think he’s ready to face the fact that something will have to change eventually. And who can blame him? He’s looked for stability his whole life. 

“This is not strange,” Lucy says after looking around the station again. “Co-workers eat together, it’s a thing.” They do. But not when it’s just two of them and they’re dressed the way you two were. That and the ambiance screamed ‘date’. “At the most romantic restaurant in town?” Most romantic restaurant in town? Wow, look at you, Timothy. Going all out for your woman. Mister “I’m not trying to be romantic” proving once more that he is, in fact, a big fat romantic at heart. 

And Lucy gets it: “Right.” They really can’t deny why they were there together. After another look around the bullpen, Lucy tries a different tactic. “Well, I mean. We could come clean.” You could what? Lucy! 

I did not see this coming. And Lucy being the one to say it? Yeah, she really is in love. We know she’s not opposed to keeping a relationship a secret. She never even considered coming clean about being with Nolan years ago. And they were peers, basically. Not subordinate and superior officer like her and Tim. 

But I’ll repeat myself: Tim is different. Everything is different with him because for the first time, Lucy is actually in love and is therefore okay with telling her boss. Well, her boss’s boss, technically. She seems to be okay with all the potential professional change and backlash.  

“Are you ready for that? Are you ready for Smitty’s commentary on us… dating or the ooh’s every time we walk into the roll call room together?” 

Okay, so much to unpack here. 

First: clearly, Tim was not expecting this from her either. Look at how he looks at her right after she says it. He’s seen how Lucy likes to keep the guys she dates at arm’s length. (But that’s because none of them were you, Timothy.) Second: it’s kind of hilarious that he would assume Smitty of all people to be the one most likely to make fun of them (he won’t, btw). Third: Lucy NOT freaking out about Tim saying they’re dating?

Nope, I’m not squealing with joy over here at all. They’ve had one ‘barely-qualifies-as-a-date’ date and Lucy is perfectly content with labeling their relationship. Then again, she already called him her most important relationship before they were together, so I guess it makes sense that she’d be okay with it. 

But I’m still overjoyed that she’s so content with it all. 

And lastly: I’m sorry Timothy. But once you disclose your relationship, chances are pretty slim to none that you’ll be walking into roll call together again. You’re her superior; dating each other while still working together can’t actually happen, at least not while you’re in the same chain of command. Something’s gonna change. Seems like he’s a bit in denial here, because, again, he’s probably not fully ready for that professional change that has to happen eventually.  

And now Lucy also doesn’t seem too happy about that anymore, either. “Or we could lie.” But interesting that that wasn’t her first thought. And then it’s like a switch flipped after she said lie, because now she’s coming up with a cover story for a UC stint about drug dealers in the restaurant which just so happens to have required Tim’s help.  

One little flaw here, at least for me. You two have barely talked to each other for months, but somehow, he’s the one you asked for help? Interesting. Would that really be believable? But Tim’s on board. Because at least it’s something plausible, kind of. “Not bad.” “Thank you.” Oh, they’re so cute in this moment. 

And the moment gets interrupted by Nolan, thank you very much. All he says is “Morning,” and suddenly Tim and Lucy are rattling down their cover story. Hey, my loves. He just said ‘morning’. No need to explain yourselves when he literally hasn’t asked you anything. And Nolan is as confused as I am: “What?” 

Because really Lucy? Even though Nolan didn’t ask, aren’t you supposed to be good at lying and being convincing when telling a cover story? If he were more perceptive in this moment, he would’ve caught on immediately and you two would’ve been busted. 

Their attention is turned towards Celina and Aaron, who they can hear talking and laughing in the roll call room. They briefly discuss if anything’s going on between them before Sergeant Grey’s knocking on his office window to get their attention. Nolan excuses himself after Grey motions for Tim and Lucy to come join him. 

And yes. They look guilty. And apprehensive. Maybe even a little scared. They share a brief look before making their way over. And Tim, ever the gentleman since Lucy became his rookie, is the one to open the door and let her walk in ahead of him (thank you Eric Winter, for insisting to be the one to open the door. Nice continuity!).

But oh boy, does Lucy look even guiltier now that she’s standing in front of Grey. Tim actually looks kind of okay, but he’s already bracing himself for bad news. Also, I absolutely love that their stances mirror each other here. 

Now, we all saw the sneak peek before the episode aired, but it always surprises me again how Grey just goes in for the kill shot without warning. “I think you know how I feel about co-workers dating.” Yup, so they’re getting busted, right? And they think so, too. Look at how they immediately turn toward and look at each other. 

I won’t recite all of Grey’s speech here, but there are a few things that are pretty important. “How power dynamics can skew things” – that is for sure a not-so-subtle hint that they need to think about their obvious imbalance of power. And that he suspects there’s something happening between them. 

And watch their reactions to that. They’re clearly uncomfortable, Tim especially. Because he doesn’t want anyone to think he’s abusing his power to force Lucy into a relationship with him. We all know that’s not what’s happening, but people can be bitches. And they might also assume that she’s going to receive special treatment from him because she’s sleeping with him. 

The entire time Grey is talking, Tim and Lucy can’t seem to stand still. They keep fidgeting with their hands, looking at each other for reassurance. Waiting for the shoe to drop. 

“Feelings are bound to develop. But we can’t afford a hint of impropriety.” “We couldn’t agree more.” It’s we. They’ve been together a matter of days, but it’s already we instead of I. They’re in this together. No matter what. Tim isn’t letting her go because of some work issues. Have I mentioned that I love them? 

“Look. I don’t wanna be the old guy interfering with people’s lives. Especially their love life. But –“  Oh, here it comes. 

But then it doesn’t. Because for now, Grey is done with what he wanted to say; now, he’s switching gears. It’s no longer about Tim and Lucy, but Aaron and Celina. And it totally was about them before – he wouldn’t have had to talk about the power imbalance if it had been about Aaron and Celina from the start. 

Because, come on. He totally knows there’s something going on that wasn’t there before. He’s had a front row seat to Chenford since the day they met. He’s seen how they’ve evolved from rookie and TO who barely knew each other to best friends. He’s seen the looks and the glances. He’s seen how they’ve always gravitated toward each other, yet how distant they’ve been since Lucy came back from UC school. He saw how uncomfortable they were when he told them to ride together again. And suddenly they’re totally at ease with each other and smiling?

Yeah, he’s not blind. But he’s willing to let them be (for now) and come to him whenever they’re ready. Because they deserve to be happy. 

He’s seen them at their best and at their worst. But he’s never seen them at their happiest until now. So, he semi-subtly lets them know that they need to consider the work issue at some point, and rather sooner than later. For now though, he just wants them to talk to Aaron and Celina about the problems of dating a cop. 

He’s totally picked the right people for this… “Oh, the irony,” as Tim so eloquently puts it after they’ve agreed to talk to them and left Grey’s office. Also, I have to mention how they turned around to look toward Aaron and Celina in complete sync. They’re so in tune with one another… I love it. And he opened the door for her again. I love you, Tim. Yes, I know I know. You’re Lucy’s, but a girl can dream. 

They briefly talk about talking to Celina and Aaron and how awesome that’s going to be. “Can’t wait,” Tim says. Because that’s a disaster waiting to happen. He doesn’t talk about personal stuff in the shop unless it’s with Lucy. And Lucy can’t in good conscience talk to a fellow female officer about not dating a cop when she’s currently dating one herself. 

But Lucy wouldn’t be Lucy if she didn’t find a way anyway. So when she spots Nolan across the bullpen again, she immediately says she’ll get him to do it and walks off. Leaving Tim a bit annoyed, because “That’s cheating!” But Lucy doesn’t care and simply giggles as she walks away. 

Also: height difference! Lucy looks absolutely tiny next to Tim in this shot. Okay, she always does. But with the way she looks up at him, she looks shorter than usual. And I’m loving it. 

Update: I’m now eleven pages in and only halfway through the Chenford parts of the ep. No, I don’t have a problem at all. 

Moving along. Tim and Aaron are out patrolling. Tim looks over at him and gives in. He has to ask. Grey told him to. “You and Celina dating?” And Aaron is as surprised as anybody would be when Sergeant ‘no-personal-life-in-the-shop’ Bradford starts a conversation about personal stuff. 

I love these two together. And this scene does not disappoint, either. Aaron says it wouldn’t be a problem for him and Celina do date, as cops date all the time. But it’d be different if they were in the same chain of command. He points out all the issues I mentioned above: people assuming she’s dating an SO out of duress, him making decisions based on the relationship. In short: “It’d be a nightmare, man. One of us would probably have to transfer to a whole different station.”

And Tim’s super uncomfortable. Because that’s not where he saw the conversation going. He didn’t want to hear about all the issues he and Lucy inevitably have to deal with for the second time that day. He’s literally squirming in his seat, a bit of panic written all over his face before he deflects. “Forget I asked.” Conversation over. 

Because he still doesn’t really wanna think about the inevitable. He and Lucy can’t keep working together. No matter the fact that she’s no longer riding with him. He’s still her direct superior. Something will have to change. Again, that’s not something Tim’s a big fan of. 

Later on, after hell has broken loose, Tim and Lucy stand between a shop and the SWAT van, looking around, taking in the scene of chaos because one of the bank robbers has taken a hostage. This is now the problem they need to solve. But they take a brief moment to talk anyway. 

“Remember this morning? When dating in secret was our biggest problem?” Lucy asks while they’re surrounded by numerous cops. And body cams. Subtle, real subtle. “Feels like a million years ago.” “Yeah. Did you talk to Aaron?” “Ya.” “And?” “He neither confirmed nor denied.” “But?” “But, he pointed out that it wouldn’t be problematic because he’s not her superior and doesn’t fall in her chain of command.” 

“Oh.” Yes, Lucy looks a bit sad here. But I don’t think it’s because she’s scared he’ll break things off. He’s already made his decision when he asked her to dinner. Twice. It’s more about the fact that once again, she’s reminded that they won’t be able to continue working together anymore. And just like Tim, she’s not ready for that inevitable change yet. 

But as soon as Tim’s phone pings, alerting him that he has their hostages phone number, they’re both right back to business. Lucy doesn’t hesitate to back Tim up as they’re taking cover behind a shop door and he’s talking to the hostage and their bad guy. 

Despite all the issues pointed out by Grey and Aaron before, Lucy and Tim still manage work together seamlessly. They don’t let their relationship become an issue here. Lucy doesn’t tell Tim not to go ahead with his plan even though it’s dangerous and she’s scared for him. She knows he has to do his job. 

They’re both focused on the job.

Even when Tim and Aaron are dangling off a rooftop in their shop later that day, Tim is focused on his job. He’s not letting Aaron risk his life for him. But Aaron knows there’s something – someone – waiting for Tim to make it back safely. “You go out first. […] Sir, with all due respect, Lucy will kill me if I let you die, so I’m dead either way.” 

Aaron, I love you. He knows there’s something between them. He’s been the one closest to both of them in recent months, at least while on the job. He’s seen their interactions. And whether or not he’s aware they’re together now – he definitely has his suspicions – he knows one thing for certain: Tim and Lucy are in love. And willing to do anything for the other person. But he makes Aaron leave the shop first, anyway.

I know we all want cute, worried moments between Tim and Lucy and maybe expected one in this episode after that incident. But it makes sense not to show it, at least here. Because it emphasizes that they know the risks of the job. Just like they did with the hostage situation. Does that make it easier? No, of course not. They still worry about each other. But they don’t need those interactions after every near-death moment. 

(Would love to see some in the future, though. 5x18?)

Instead, it’s easy bantering here. “Well, I’m glad you didn’t die. You owe me a re-do on our date.” “It’s what gave me the will to live.” Gave me the will to live. O. M. G. Timothy! In a moment when he was staring death in the face, he only thought about needing to make it out to take her on another date. She makes him want to live, people. She’s his reason to live. 

Okay, I really need to calm down before I keep writing. Wow. 

“In my mind I’m hitting you right now.” “That’s good to know.” Oh, how I love their bickering. They’re still them.

Despite all the professional issues that were not-so-subtly pointed out to them today, they still don’t seem to care much, yet. They’re gonna enjoy themselves before they have to worry about any of that somewhere down the line. So, second first date under what appear to be Christmas lights it is. Yes, I’m going with Christmas lights here because in my world, this date happened in late November/early December-ish. 

Because what is time in The Rookie universe? If they can’t keep a timeline, I’m making my own and running with it.

I swoon every time I watch this scene. 

It’s the way they sit together, each having one foot on the other’s chair. There’s no tension, they’re completely at ease and relaxed. It’s so perfectly them to not have this do-over at some other fancy restaurant but at a food truck instead. Is that a traditional place to have a date? No. But when have they ever done anything the ‘traditional’ way? 

Falling in love with your former rookie or TO is already pretty non-traditional. But it’s not like they could’ve stopped it from happening. 

“Streets of Vietnam. That’s where we ended up. So I guess this is our first date.” “Mh, last night was, for sure.” Wasn’t she the one to say they needed a re-do for their first date in the scene before this one? Now it’s suddenly not the first, but the second? Interesting, Lucy. I see ya. 

“I mean, it’s a better story for the grandkids.” Grandkids?! Lucy, you keep surprising me in the best way possible. They’ve been on one date that can barely count as such, and she’s already happy to talk about something that’s decades into the future. 

Because she sees a future with him. She wants that future. She already feels secure enough to know that that’s where they’re headed. And she’s totally fine with that. Lucy ‘commitment phobe’ Chen is ready to spend the rest of her life with Tim. And that thought just completely ruined me. Again. (One of these days, my family might just have to write ‘death by Chenford’ on my tombstone.)

And Tim is as surprised as I am. “We’ve got grandkids now? Nice.” I love this for him. Because now he knows for certain that that’s something in the future. Yes, again, they’re years, decades away from that. But Lucy just confirmed that that’s what she sees for them. That that’s what she wants with him. They just started dating, and she already can’t wait to tell the story to their grandkids. 

Tim will finally be able to have that future that he’s always dreamed of. He doesn’t have to settle for anything less than what he wants. 

And Lucy’s laugh after he says ‘nice’. Oh, she is the cutest. And look at him. Man, they’re just so happy. No, neither one of them was expecting to have this kind of conversation during their second date. Sometimes you just say things without thinking them through. But then you get an unexpected yet wonderful answer in return, and it doesn’t matter anymore.

Now the only thing that matters is that they’re already on the same page. 

He’s still smiling when he turns in his seat a bit and then sees nothing good. “Do not break into that car.” He’s so exasperated. He just wants to enjoy this little date with Lucy, can’t people leave them alone and commit their crimes somewhere else, far away from them? 

But instead of getting up to arrest the guy, he simply gets out his badge (again, he doesn’t seem to go anywhere without it) and yells: “Hey moron!” before showing off said badge, and effectively scaring the guy away. And I’m cackling at Tim’s disbelieving headshake. Because it’s so Tim. 

Lucy seems to be a little surprised that he would just let him get away without even trying. “You know he’s just gonna break into a car in a different neighborhood.” Because she knows that he’s usually cop first, everything else second. 

But, once again, like at the end of 5x08, Tim and Lucy are the only thing that matters in this moment. “Well, then some other cop can arrest him,” he says when they’re finally turned toward each other again. Tim Bradford letting a would-be car thief go so he can enjoy being with the woman he loves? 

Some things really do matter more. 

Look at him looking at Lucy with such adoration. Have we ever seen Tim look at her like this before? I know we have a few good moments prior to this, but this is a whole other level. He doesn’t have to hide anything anymore. He can finally show her how much he adores her. Because now he knows it’s reciprocated.

And it’s so beautiful. Because Tim fell in love. But he would’ve kept his feelings to himself for as long as he thought he was in it alone. Hell, he probably would’ve taken them to his grave if she hadn’t blurted out how she felt in 5x08. No matter how much he wanted to explore this thing with her, he was keeping his distance, because he couldn’t take another rejection; and she seemed happy. 

But now he gets to openly show his love. Or as openly as you can when you’re keeping a relationship a secret. But: he doesn’t have to hide it from her anymore. His cards are on the table, her cards are on the table. Hiding from each other and their feelings is in the past. 

He leans toward her, cradling the side of her face with one hand to close the distance. But he’s also giving her enough space and time to stop him if she’s not ready. But she is. They’re both ready to do this. Look at the way they both smile into that kiss. Urgh, they’re so cute. So in love. 

And, omg. Tim’s other hand on her thigh? He’s not really someone to show a lot of  affection, much less in public. But here he is, touching her wherever he can because, well, now he can. He’s allowed. No, he didn’t ask but he’s keeping it respectful and without making Lucy feel uncomfortable. 

She knows he’s not one to do this too much, so maybe she’s actually enjoying it quite a lot. She is, after all, a pretty physically affectionate person, which we’ll get so see even more in the episodes after this one. It’s definitely one of her love languages (damn, I already said this once, haven’t I?). So she probably loves that that’s reciprocated.

They finally close the distance and share their first kiss. Their first real kiss. The last first kiss they’ll ever have, because we all know this is for keeps. Nothing and no one will keep them apart, I am sure of it. They’ll face every and all challenges together from here on out. 

And it’s so different from all the kisses they shared under the guise of undercover work. It’s not as heated, not as tension filled, not as obviously passionate. But it’s so sweet, so romantic, so tender. And for once, it’s actually real. And filled with all the love they feel for one another.  

For me, this is the perfect first real kiss for Tim and Lucy. Nothing fancy, nothing over the top. Just the two of them enjoying themselves outside in front of a food truck in a super sweet and yet romantic setting. And no matter how many times I’ve seen this scene already, somehow it gets even sweeter with time. 

We’ve only gotten a tiny glimpse into the Chenford dating-era, but we can see throughout the entire episode that they’re still their bickering, teasing selves. And I love that for them. And here’s a semi-lengthy explanation as to why. 

Every once in a while, my mind just wanders to little Tim never getting the kind of love from his father that he deserved. How is a child supposed to know they’re worthy of love if they have to endure so much pain and abuse? 

He thought he’d found it in Isabel. But she broke his heart, too. She left him in pieces, arguably even more broken than ever before. 

Every relationship has given him reason to think he’s unlovable. That he’s not worthy. I admire this guy for risking his heart again with Lucy. Because it’s been used and abused so many times before. 

There’s always so much wonder in his eyes when he looks at her because a part of him still doesn’t fully believe that this kindhearted, empathetic ball of sunshine actually likes him as much as he likes her. 

And there’s the relief that he’s finally found the right person. The one who will love him unconditionally. The one who already does. The one who gets him like no one else has before. The one who doesn’t give up on him. The one who takes care of him even when he doesn’t want and has never asked her to. 

And Lucy. She hasn’t had an easy childhood either. Yes, it was completely different from Tim’s, but she has her own scars from the emotional trauma inflicted by her parents who’ve always made her feel like she wasn’t good enough. 

She said it herself once. Nothing she’s ever done was enough. Not her grades, her friends, her boyfriends, her professional choices, or any choice at all, it seems. 

And with her romantic partners it’s also been pretty devastating. No, she was never as invested as she could’ve been, because she’s never actually been in love. But there’s still some form of trauma from that, too. 

So letting herself love and be loved is as difficult for her as it is for Tim. And yet, it happened. Because Tim has never made her feel like she’s not enough. Yes, he constantly challenged her and made her doubt herself as a rookie, but that was necessary in order for her to become a good cop. It was to help her be better, not belittle her like her parents did. 

She’s basically been taught to second guess every decision she’s ever made since she was a child. But Tim’s let her learn to believe in herself and her abilities. “You don’t let anyone ever tell you you can’t do something,” he said to her on her last day of training.  

Because he knows she’s capable. It took some time, but he’s learned to trust her abilities and her choices. He’s simply learned to trust her. With everything. And more than he’s ever trusted anyone else before. 

Sure, they’ve had their ups and downs, and he’s been an ass toward her in the beginning when he was lost, but ultimately, she knows she can trust him with everything, too. 

Because, just like she is for him, he’s the one who gets her like no one has before. Who takes care of her no questions asked. Who believes in her. Who doesn’t give up on her. Who loves her in a way she’s never been loved before. 

They both have enough reasons to not let themselves trust anyone with their heart. And yet, here they are, together. Completely at ease and truly happy for the first time in forever, maybe their whole lives.  

Because they’ve earned each other’s trust; tiny brick by tiny brick by tiny brick, they’ve let themselves trust each other and fall in love.

Finally, they’re with the one person who they can be themselves with. Who won’t judge. Who will support them and stay by their side no matter what. Who they can trust wholeheartedly. Who accepts and loves them the way they are. They’re finally with their person. They don’t have to change to be and make each other inexplicably happy. 

If soulmates do exist, Tim and Lucy definitely found theirs in each other. And I admire them for doing this together.

My everlasting gratitude to everyone who took some time out of their day to read, comment, reblog and/or like my Chenford thesis on 5x08. You’ve made it so much easier for me to use my recently found inspiration and keep writing. I hope this lives up to expectations and you enjoy this as much as the one for 5x08. And as always, a special thank you to @escapismqueen for her patience as I complained about my writer’s block (wow, I can actually say that now), asked questions about grammar because English is confusing, and for encouraging me to keep writing in the first place. Hope this is a nice little surprise for you tonight. 

[queseraone]

Alright, positive, silly, happy fluff incoming...

-Pick a song you think would be Chenford's wedding song

-Assuming The Rookie is on the same timeline, how does Tim Bradford feel about Taylor Swift being at Football games?

-Where would Tim and Lucy go for their honeymoon?

-Knowing we were robbed of getting everyone's reactions to the secret dating era, who do you think would have had the best reaction? My money is on Angela, but you may have a different opinion.

-Do you think Tim picks out a ring for Lucy by himself, or enlists help?

-Do you think Lucy will move into Tim's place, or will they get a new place of their own?

-In the future, Lucy goes into labor with their first child. Who is Tim's first call to?

-We know Lucy has called Tim 'babe' a few times. What do you think Tim's pet name for Lucy would be?

-And, lastly...the most important question here!! Does Tim go with Lucy to see Barbie, or do the boys go see Oppenheimer and the girls see Barbie?

Sorry, this got way longer than I expected it to😅

Whoa um, okay, was not expecting this! These are so random and fun hahahaha

I'm terrible with songs, especially on the fly. Can I be corny and say my wedding song? Because, frankly, it fits and it's wonderful and classic ("Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell). Oh! Maybe "You Are the Best Thing" by Ray LaMontagne? Such a gorgeous song, I'm obsessed. Yes, that. (But truthfully I picture them having a super small simple wedding - like for them it's about the marriage and making it official more than a wedding. So may not even have things like a first dance or anything. Just a "let's get married" moment at lunchtime on a Thursday.)

I feel like Tim probably doesn't know who Taylor Swift is? 😂

I see them doing a fairly low-key honeymoon. Something cozy, like a cabin in the woods, and/or something with an element of adventure.

Oh man, Angela knew (jk, everybody knew, those fools were terrible at hiding it). Hers is certainly the reaction I wanted most because I love her relationship with Tim, and, again, a bookend to their early conversations would have been so nice. I think there's a great element of playfulness to their friendship, so she'd probably tease him a little, but they're alike in a lot of ways. When they feel, they feel BIG and they care deeply for their people. I also think Nolan would have been hilarious, because he seemed entirely oblivious to the entire thing.

By himself. After all, he knows her so well. Plus I don't think he'd tell anyone - the only exception would be if Angela somehow guessed and forced his hand.

In terms of logistics, I won't be surprised if he moves into her place, even though it makes no sense in reality - why squeeze into an apartment when you have a whole ass house, plus KOJO. Tim's house and Lucy's apartment have such different vibes, so I think if we actually see them moving in together, it would have to be a new place - they'd need a legit set!

Genny so she can let Kojo out? I've honestly never thought about this one!

Maybe "baby," but that's tricky because we heard him call Isabel that, so idk. I'd say either that or "babe"? (I want him to call her "Luce" but I wholeheartedly refuse to use that in a fic until it's canon)

Barbenheimer for the win! (Also Tim would go anywhere with Lucy)

These were cute 😊

[rebelcaptain4life]

6x03 isn't up for me yet so let's complete my 6x02 recap that I never posted!

DADDY COP 2.0 FT CHOIR HECK YES

Ha that 100 in the title card is cute!

And ofc ABC will never miss an opportunity for some extremely in your face Disney product placement.

Nooo Henryyy (coincidentally, a Canadian airline went bankrupt last week and haunted all their ops less than 48hrs after announcing it 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️. They really need to make some rule to stop airlines from stranding people by basically not giving any time between bankruptcy announcement and shutdown)

RANDY AND CHASTITY?!!!

Actually really great idea to have a wedding as episode 100 so you can get so many guest stars back for the special occasion.

Bruhh how are they supposed to get more catering, flowers, etc in ONE DAY?!

OF COURSE IT'S OSCARRER

Ma'am why didn't you immediately take your poor fur baby to the vet?

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! MONICA!!??? AGAIN?! FFS

Chenford being passive aggressive while Angela watches LOL

"no, ladies first" Tim are you scareddd 😂

I don't get the Hammer?? He'd rather 100% go to jail in a fight rather than just give them the ring and make a run for it???

"I have to look good in a dress tmrw, nobody cares what you look like" LMAO

Dude just destroyed his own apartment, too

EXCUSE ME TIM

DOWN ON ONE KNEE

HOLDING A RING OUT?!!

KDJDJDJDHDNRNDNFDBBBD

I love Harper & Lopez 😂

The... The florist just sold their flowers to someone else the day before a wedding just cuz they wouldn't answer the phone?? Don't they usually have a contract or something and yk take it directly to the venue???

NOT THE CAKE TOO what kind of awful vendors did these guys get stuck with for their wedding 😭

CELINA CASUALLY BRINGING UP CHENFORD WEDDING

"why not, your so good together" everyone can see it even though they've only officially been dating for a few months 😭

I love the way this scene is cut between the convos.

Yes Lucy you are projecting!!! Please acknowledge your own feelings instead of telling Tim he's not acknowledging his own 😭

"I need to show Harper what I'm capable of" "by baking a cake?" Aaron stole the words right out of my mouth

"or he's gonna say something that will make you want to kill him and he wants witnesses" NYLA LMAO

LIE DETECTOR TEST HAHAHA

Wow Lucy you didn't have to sit that close 👀👀👀

FIRST ON SCREEN I LOVE YOU LFG

Tim didn't you think to maybe test out the lie detector first???

Ok so on my first watch, I was really annoyed that basically everything was on Tim for their argument and his hesitancy about Lucy being detective. But after sitting with it for a week and remembering the end of s5, where we see Lucy be super excited, and he's obviously being supportive but he's clearly very stressed about it (couch scene. in that ep with Isabel), I get it. Tim does need to work through.

We had the opportunity to see chenford walk into a wedding TOGETHER for once but nooooo (ughhh Tim looks s goooodddddd) Lucy's like "oh hey :D wait no I'm still mad at you :(" :((((

Omg CELINA?! LOOKS AMAZING?!!! It's always so funny seeing the girlies out of uniform for the first time cuz they're like half the size XD

SLAY LUNA!!!! Awww Grey

I LOVE BAILEY'S DRESS

I'm crying the vows are so sweet 😭😭😭😭

Ah so the dancing was intentionally really awkward. Good job, James

Noooo Aaronnnn I thought you were going for her cheek djdsfj;aj;a;jak

CELINA RU INSANE THE ENTIRE SQUAD IS TWO STEPS AWAY WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL FOR BACKUP WHILE YOU GOT CHANGED?!!!

Um this scene is perfection?! Alicia Keys?! The no-words asking to dance? How Lucy immediately moves SO CLOSE. Lucy wearing THE RING!!!! I love how they always talk super softly about super important things while dancing at weddings 🥺🥺🥺

I LOVE YOU NUMBER TWO AND A KISS WE'RE WINNING!!!

Tim not wanting to let go but being forced to by Aaron!

LMAO Aaron "everyone was so worried, but I told them it's fine, you're solid". Love how everyone just casually talks about Chenford

CELINA WHY DIDN'T YOU CALL SOONER?! LIKE ON THE DRIVE THERE?!!

Damn everyone comes prepared with go bags?!

nooooo siriiii

Overall, great episode!!

[wanderlust1979]

This may have gotten away from me. I got the idea while watching reruns of the Rookie while under the influence!!!

I’d really love feedback.

“ I’m not sure you know how pregnancy works!”

Chenford

Pairing:Lucy Chen/Tim Bradford

Rating: PG

“How many kids do you want?” Lucy possess the question.

“3, you?” No hesitation in his answer.

“At least.” Lucy agrees like it’s the most obvious answer.

He smiles “Let’s have one soon?” Tim asks in earnest.

Lucy’s mouth falls open, surprised.

Tim ponded his next words. “I’m thinking in maybe 4 months.”

Lucy’s head snaps up to look into his eyes. “Tim I’m not sure you know how pregnancy works. “

He shakes his head. “ I say what I just did and my grasp of knowledge about pregnancy is what disturbs you most. “ giving a look of disappointment “ Not that we’ve been dating less than 3 month and Im asking for kids without a commitment discussion, most women would have zoomed in on that.”

“I’m not most women!” She returns a disappointed look and gives a cheeky smile. “ And we have talked about our future children and grandchildren since date number 2” she gets serious, “ I have never felt about anyone, ever, in my whole life, felt for someone the way I do about you.”

“Love” he whispered

She tiled her head to be side and smiled softly at him,tears in her eyes. “Duh!” She teases bonking him on the head, she rolls here eyes as she rushes on before the mood shifts away from serious. “But more than that. I don’t doubt us. I don t question that we will conquer any obstacle that comes our way. It’s like I needed the best parts of you to fill the worsts parts of me. “ she hopes he understands what she’s saying, continuing to explain “ where I have opportunity, you help me see another way to see things so I can do better. “ she drops his gaze seeing confusion cross his face.

But slowly understanding what she’s saying, he begins speaking. “Like how you opened my eyes to how I behaved towards cops like Stanton, your words that day spoke to me and a way I had never thought, to see something slowly expanded and I started getting glimpses of the bigger picture as the view zoomed out actions or images hung just previously out of my prior sight. “ He’s gripping her upper arms, firmer with each work spoken as her realizes more and more the meaning behind their words, both of them.

She smiles up at him realization dawns, a few tears escaping her eyes. “Yeah.” Nodding her head. “It just is a fact. Like I know my body will breathe for me. I just know. “. She now holding on to his biceps

They are just holding each other as they look into each other’s eyes. Lucy smiles “ so that’s why my 1st thought was concern for your understanding of how pregnancy’s work.”

He shakes his head in agreement “ Ok,” his eyebrow raises in concession “Fair. “ he rolls his eyes. “Anyway what I was saying was we should ask Tamara if she would agree to let us adopt her. “. He raises his hands to pause Lucy from speaking. “I know. I know she’s almost 20, beyond legal adoption age, but she’s family and I want it be in an official way. Cold hard proof for her, us, the universe …” he shrugs “whom ever, we are family, no matter what. “

Lucy’s eyes teared up again as a smile sprung up on her face, a small giggle coming with it. “Ok, ok, ok, k.” She twists her lip between her teeth, “ I really love it! But, I wanna be sure we honor her parents when we present this to her. It’s not about us trying replace her mom and dad, but”

Tim picks up where Lucy leaves off.

“But that we want to help be there for her going forward. She will be the big sister to future kids. Our oldest. And if she has kids they will be our grandkids and we will spoil them!” Plans formulating in his head as he pictures it.

“Yeah” she says softly, dreamily.

They smile at each other for a bit longer before speaking again.

“Let’s ask her at dinner next week. We pick her up from LAX when she get back from her backpacking trip in Europe and I know she will be craving Pinks!”

He smiles at Lucy’s suggestion. “Ah. Your are an evil genius. Fill her full of her favorite food and she won’t be able to turn us down!”

In the end Tamara agrees, happily, without a belly full of bribes. She admits she has never really doubted that they care for her. But it’s always scared her, someday, she would loose them. They’d want to move in together and inadvertently leave her behind. She feared at first they’d stay in touch. Dinners here and there, occasional coffee meet ups with Lucy. A sporting event with time a time or two. But she figured at some point all of it would phase out. They’d loose touch and she be on her own again.

Tim put her mind at ease quickly when he pulled up a listing for the place he wanted to purchase with Lucy. It was a few block from his sister Genny’s new place. It came with a detached garage featuring an in-law suit. He and Lucy hadn’t officially discussed it, but Tim knew the seller and had got them to agree to hold of listing it until he could show his girls.

His girls, which is how he referred to Lucy and Tamara to anyone and everyone. That’s what they were, his. And he was theirs. In two different ways. But his heart belong to them both. Lucy would be his love, his life his future. Tamara was is daughter and had him wrapped around his finger.

[dylanconrique]

i can't believe i live in a timeline where lucy is gonna feel prompted to tell tim she's in love with him after witnessing him fall unconscious and thinking she's lost him or could potentially lose him and only really realizing in that moment how either of their lives could change in an instant what with the line of work they're in.

[ameliagiovanna0]

Chenford + false negative pregnancy test

I got a little carried away with this. It ended up being the longest fic I've ever written. I'm not totally sure if I love it, but I decided I put too much work into it not to post it 😅

AO3

4.2k words

Lucy realizes her period is late and she and Tim talk about having kids.

Thank you so much for the request! Hope you like it 💕

Lucy was sitting on the couch, book in hand, Kojo curled against her, and the TV on in the background. The main character in her book was a single dad trying to survive his daughter’s first period. She giggled at his well-intended cluelessness. 

 And then she panicked. 

 “Tim?” she asked, trying to keep her voice as neutral as she possibly could.

 He hummed from his post at the stove.

 “What’s today’s date?” 

 He glanced at his phone sitting on the counter, “Uh, the 15th. Sunday.”

 Lucy’s blood ran cold, her palms almost instantly sweaty.

 Oh, fuck.

 Late. She was never late. She got her period when she was thirteen, and from the time she was fourteen, she got it every 28 days like clockwork. Her period should have started four days ago.

 Tim knew Lucy inside and out, backward and forward, upside down and right side up. He answered her question without hesitation. It was an innocuous thing to ask. But as he turned to face her, knowing the tone of her voice was off, despite her best efforts, she was wide-eyed, gripping the back of the couch.

 “Luce?” he asked, clearly concerned at her state.

 “I’m late.”

 He thought for a moment, “ Late for what?”

 Tim felt like he could literally feel his brain short circuiting. He opened his suddenly very dry mouth to say something, anything but nothing came out. He flicked off the stove and moved the pan of partially stir fried vegetables off the burner. 

 Trying his best to come up with a response, Tim padded over to the couch. He tapped Kojo’s back, and the dog jumped off the couch, Tim taking his place. He took the book Lucy was white-knuckling out of her hands and set it on the coffee table. He brushed a lock of hair out of her face and held her cheek in his hand, desperately trying not to freak the fuck out.

 It had been less than a year since that conversation outside the station.

 “Do you wanna get dinner sometime?”

And the conversation in Grey’s office.

 “Do you wanna go out on a date?”

 And their semi-disastrous dinner date and redo-date.

 “It’s a better story for the grandkids.”

 Tim always wanted kids, assumed he and Isabel would’ve popped out a couple of them, as he said. But when the grip Isabel’s addiction had on her grew more vice-like and she disappeared in the middle of the night, he started to believe that children weren’t in the cards for him.

 Even before he had the courage to ask Lucy out, he caught himself thinking of a little girl with brown hair and blue eyes, talkative and animated. He chastised himself for the thought, but it never truly went away. He did his best to push it to the furthest depths of his brain.

 Lucy vented to him that her mother had paid for her to have her eggs frozen and the process of deciding to go through with it. He knew she was, at least, considering having kids – one day. She knew she wanted forever with him, but they hadn’t talked much about kids.

 A few weeks after they officially started dating, she brought up the conversation of the better story for the grandkids.

 Tim and Lucy had arrived at his house after shift, happy to finally be alone together. Tim was laying on his back, an arm behind his head, scrolling through the Dodgers’ highlights. Lucy stood in the doorway between his bedroom and the ensuite bathroom. Her eyes flickered between Tim and the floor as she played with the hem of his t-shirt she was wearing. She ambled to the edge of the bed, Tim glancing up at her, his eyes bright. Pulling her lips between her teeth, Lucy took the phone from his hand and placed it on the nightstand next to the picture of Kojo. He raised an eyebrow at her.

 “Sit up,” she said.

 He obliged, his back against the headboard. He folded his arms over his lap, but Lucy was quick to pull them apart and insert herself between them. She grinned as she threw her leg over his, her knees on either side of his thighs. His hands found her legging-clad thighs, his eyes twinkling at her. 

 “About what I said,” she paused trying to find the right words as he raised an eyebrow at her yet again.

 “You’ve said a lot of things,” he grinned.

 She shoved his shoulder, rolling her eyes, before her arms sought purchase around his neck.

 “During our re-do date…”

 “You said a lot of things during our re-do date.”

 “Would you shut up and listen to me?” she quipped lacking any real heat.

 He nodded.

 “‘It’s a better story for the grandkids,’” she repeated her phrase from that night.

 It wasn’t rocket science to figure out that’s where she was going with this. 

 “Ah,” he said in understanding.

 Lucy rested her forehead against Tim’s as she took in a breath.

 “I– um,” she hesitated.

 Tim leaned closer to kiss her, smiling against her lips.

 “For once, Lucy Chen is at a loss for words.”

 “I hate you.”

 “No, you don’t”

 “No, I don’t,” she pulled back to look in his eyes, “And I think that’s why that kinda ,” she gestured to her mouth, “popped out.”

 His hands ran up and down her thighs. Lucy hoped she never got used to the way he looked at her. Now that he didn’t have to hide it, he looked at her like that all the time. She saw the adoration and warmth in his gaze. He looked at her like she was the only thing in the world, her stomach somersaulting every time.

 “ Damn it, that’s what got me into this mess ,” she thought, a blush finding its way to her cheeks. 

 He squeezed her hips.

 “Ok, so I want to have kids with you. Big deal,” she blurted, somewhat surprised by her own confidence.

 Tim chuckled at her like he did that night, but he couldn’t help but notice the warmth that spread over his body.

 “Nice,” he echoed, seeking her lips out again.

 Forcing herself to pull away from the kiss, Lucy shrieked, “Are you kidding me? I mention grandkids on our second date, and tell you I want to have kids with you three weeks into dating, and that’s all you have to say?!”

 “Luce,” she smiled at the use of the new nickname.

 “I love you,” he continued.

 A grin spread across her features without her permission, wider than she thought possible, as she ran her fingers through the hair at the base of his head.

 “I love you, too.”

 He kissed her again. Because he could do that now. 

 “You know I’ve always wanted kids. When we’re ready, we’ll talk about it.”

 She pulled him closer, attaching her lips to his for what felt like the hundredth time in the last ten minutes. 

 “Ok,” he breathed, “what do you want to do?”

 “I’ve never been late! I–” she stopped.

 “Breathe, Luce.”

 “Ineedtotakeatest–” it came out as more of one word than the six it was supposed to be, her head hanging.

 If Tim wasn’t intently focused on trying to maintain his own composure, he would have laughed at her.

 Looking up at him, eyes wide and glassy, Lucy said, “We need to go to the drug store. We need to know.”

 We. His heart swelled at the two-letter word. 

 “Ok, yeah.”

 She jumped up on shaky legs, flipping her hair out of her way, “What the hell are you doing still sitting there? We need to find out if you knocked me up!”

 Tim stared up at her, his mouth hanging open, “Oh, well, that’s romantic,” they both managed a laugh.

 “I’m freaking out here, Tim.”

 He stood up, his hands finding the side of her neck.

 “Ok, let’s go,” he pressed a smiling kiss to her forehead.

Lucy stared out the passenger window as Tim drove. He risked a glance at her. For the first time that he could remember, he couldn’t read her like an open book.

 “Are we ready for this?” she finally said, turning toward him, her hand finding his over the center console.

 “Is anyone ever really ready for a kid?”

 “That’s not an answer,” she huffed.

 “I don’t know, babe. But whatever happens, I’m right there. Always.

 “I know,” she smiled, squeezing his hand, turning back toward the window and lacing their fingers together.

 She knew Tim wanted kids, and so did she, but right now? They haven’t been together a year. They’ve only lived together for a few months. She was on track to make detective. She knew it should scare the hell out of her.

 But it didn’t.

 She knew Tim was her last first. She knew that he would make an exceptional  father. She caught herself grinning like an idiot as Tim pulled into the Walgreens parking lot.

 “What’re you smiling at?” his own lips quirking up.

 “You,” she replied, her eyes  gaining an iridescence in the sunlight.

 “Oh?”

 “I know this is fast, but,” she let out a watery laugh as focused on his shining baby blues, “I want this.”

 The dam broke and her tears spilled over as Tim reached for her.

 “I want it too,” he mumbled into her hair, his own tears threatening to fall. His hands got lost in her hair as he felt her body quiver against his.

 She pulled back, her lip quivering and her chin crinkling, “Yeah?”

 “Hell yeah.”

 He pulled her into him, his lips finding hers. The angle was awkward with the console between them, but they couldn’t help but smile into each other, salty tears mixing with her cherry chapstick.

 “Tim–” she choked, trying to figure out if she was laughing or crying.

 “Hey, we got this,” his hand rubbing soothing patterns over her back.

 He knew this was fast. Of course he knew that, but their relationship had always been the definition of “too much too soon.” He’s loved this woman for years, far longer than he even initially realized. He wanted a life with her, and if a baby happened sooner than either one of them expected, so be it. Nothing about their relationship had been typical or on a normal timeline, so why start now? His mind wandered to the little velvet box in the back of the top shelf of their hall closet. His lips curved upward, the lines around his eyes and mouth becoming more prominent as he pressed a kiss to his girlfriend’s neck. 

They stood in the bathroom, the piece of white plastic that would determine the course of the rest of their lives sitting on the counter. 

 “Should I make a doctor's appointment, just in case?” she questioned.

 “I don’t know,” she blinked up at him, rambling again before he could answer, “I guess, if I am pregnant, I’ll need to.”

 “Yeah,” he chuckled, “I guess that’s true.”

 Missing her period, if she wasn’t pregnant, was strange. She might want to talk to her doctor about it anyway. She hasn’t had a late period in over fifteen years. 

 When the timer rang, Lucy blinked up at Tim, both holding in a breath.

 “I’m scared,” she squeaked.

 “You want me to do it?”

 She nodded.

 Tim took a breath, an attempt at steadying himself, and turned the test right side up.

 They looked down in unison.

 Lucy let out a shaking breath.

 One line.

 It was negative.

 She wasn’t pregnant. 

 Her head fell against Tim’s chest, his arms wrapping around her. He wasn’t about to say anything until he knew how she felt.

 Lucy was… sad . And she didn’t know why. Before an hour ago, having a baby wasn’t something she was truly considering, for the time being. 

 Tim pressed a kiss to her hair as he waited for her to be ready to talk. For once, she was the quiet one. Eventually, she pushed away to look at him, a few tears running down her cheeks. His hands found her jaw, his thumbs brushing the wetness from her face.

 “I guess I wanted a baby,” she let out a somewhat humorless laugh.

 “Yeah. Yeah, me too,” he sighed.

 She stood on her tippy toes and still had to tip her head up. She tucked her head into the crook of his neck as Tim pressed a kiss to the shoulder he has access to.

 “Do you wanna talk about it?” he asked.

 “Yes. But not right now.”

 They stood together in the bathroom, enjoying the comfort of each other.

Lucy was curled into Tim’s side, vibrantly describing a docuseries she was trying to convince him to watch. He tried to argue with her, their banter ever present. Ultimately, he let her win. They spent the evening watching The Golden State Killer: It’s Not Over until Lucy broke through the static. 

 “I think I’m going to make an appointment with my doctor anyway,” she mumbled into his side.

 He tightened his grip on her in response. 

 “Not having my period, for whatever reason, is really weird for me. It’s been regular for like fifteen years now.”

 “You want me to go with you?”

 Their eyes found each other in the TV-lit living room.

 “No, it’s ok. I’m not pregnant, so it won’t be anything interesting,” she shrugged.

Lucy made the appointment with her family doctor. She and Tim spent the two weeks until her appointment not necessarily preventing pregnancy but not necessarily trying either, calling it practice. 

 Dr. Pelham did a physical exam and took urine and blood samples, running a repeat pregnancy test as a precaution. She told Lucy she would call her in a few days with the results. Lucy drove home trying not to become irritated at the gauze and tape on her inner arm. She listened to the radio and sang along to Taylor Swift, also trying not to think too hard.

 Before two weeks ago, she and Tim hadn’t talked about kids, save for that conversation in bed all those months ago. It was more of a maybe, someday kind of thing. Then, for about an hour, it seemed like a real possibility. But then it wasn’t. She went back and forth. Was it a good idea to have a baby right now? Their relationship was still fairly new and her career was important to them both. Tim was always protective of her career and reputation. But a baby? With Tim? She tried not to become too hysterical at the thought. God, it sounded perfect. She loved her life, and she loved her career, but she also loved Tim and the thought of them being parents together. She wanted it all. The guy, the career, the baby, the King of Canines. She had proven herself as a cop over and over again. Angela worked patrol and as a detective while she was pregnant. Nyla did the same thing. Or she could take a desk job at the station for a few months. She could handle it. She knew Tim would be behind her in whatever way she needed him. And she knew, at this point, no one would question her abilities. She could do this.

 When she got home, new revelation in hand and the desire to tell Tim about it, she was met with an overwhelming sense of excitement and just a little bit of terror.

 Tim heard Lucy pull into the driveway, and he felt a smile spread across his features. 

 He met her at the door.

 “Hey, how’d it go?”

 “It was fine, but can we talk?”

 He nodded, “Do you want to eat first? I got dinner.”

 “Ugh, yes please. I’m starved,” she threw her purse and paperwork on the foyer table, kicking her shoes off.

 He chuckled. He knew her well enough that even though she wanted to talk, nothing was wrong. She always wanted to talk about something, if he was being honest. It aggravated the hell out of him when she was his rookie, but after their thirteen months together were up and he became a sergeant, he grew to miss her incessant chattering. Even more so when she went to UC school and he didn’t even get to see her around the station.

 He led her to the backyard, a takeout bag and a wiggling Kojo waiting. It was a beautiful summer night. The sky was clear as the sun set, spreading shades of pinks, purples, and oranges across the sky. They sat down on the lounge chairs under the patio, Lucy crossing her legs and peering up at Tim. 

 God, he loved her. As her gorgeous doe eyes, the perfect shade of chocolate brown with bits of amber and honey, stared up at him and he couldn’t help the way his stomach flipped. He couldn’t help himself, his lips had a mind of their own as they found hers.

 “I love you,” he murmured against her mouth.

 “I love you, too.”

 Their meal was spent simply enjoying each other’s company, although neither forgot Lucy’s earlier comment. After she finished her veggie burger with extra pickles, she crawled onto Tim’s lap, folding herself against him. One hand was running fingers through her hair, the other tapping against his phone for their favorite playlist. 

 He’d have thought she fell asleep if it wasn’t for her fingers trailing up and down his arm.

 “Dance with me,” he said squeezing her bicep.

 “What?” she giggled, her chin on his chest.

 “Dance with me!”

 “Alright, alright,” she giggled, pushing off of him.

 They swayed back and forth in the backyard with Kojo having taken up residence on Lucy’s vacated seat. She had her arm wrapped around Tim’s waist, her hand in his and her cheek pressed to his chest. The smell of honeysuckle whirled around them, stars shining in the LA sky. Music played softly in the background, occasionally being interrupted by Kojo’s snores and snorts.

 They talked about their work, cases they dealt with and calls they responded to. Lucy mentioned something Celina told her about the bad vibes she was getting from her best friend’s new boyfriend. Tim told Lucy about Smitty managing to get his radio stuck in his duty belt and trying to use butter to remove it. 

 They traded laughs and infatuated glances. They were so content and happy together. Just being around each other was enough to ground them. 

 The look in your eyes when you smile that way

The sound of your voice sayin' my name.

I've been thinkin' about you

Just keep thinkin' about you.

 Trisha Yearwood’s voice flowed through the speaker on the table as Tim squeezed Lucy’s shoulders. 

 “Luce,” he halted their movements. 

 She scrunched her brow.

 “‘I love you,” he took a breath, “Whatever happens, I’m with you. No matter what. It was made very clear to me, years ago, that you made my life better. Despite everything you’ve been through, you are the literal human embodiment of sunshine,” he managed to make her giggle, “You’re graceful, you’re kind, you love the people in your life with your whole heart, including me. I was at the worst point in my life when we met, and not only did you stop me from making some… pretty bad decisions, even though I outranked you,” they both smiled,”you did it in a way that made me see the flaws in my logic.  I met you, and my life has never been the same. You showed me the beauty in the world again, and you showed me how to love again. You are literally the light in my life. We’ve always been good together. I love you, and I want forever with you.”

 Tears streamed down Lucy’s face as he spoke. His hands found the sides of her face, his thumbs wiping her tear stained cheeks before they fell to her waist. 

 “So,” his hand migrating to his back pocket to retrieve the little box that’s been taunting him and planting a knee in the grass, “Lucy Chen, will you marry me?”

 “Fuck yes!” she half-squeaked through tears and laughter. 

 Tim chuckled at her response and pulled the pear-shaped emerald and diamond ring from the box and slid in onto her shaking hand. A month in, Tim knew he wanted to marry her. Nine months in, he decided to buy a ring. One day, he knew he’d use it. Until then, he stashed it in the closet where he knew Lucy couldn’t reach.

 He stood up and her tiny hands found his neck and pulled him down toward her. The cool metal of her ring sent a shiver down his spine as she kissed him, the saltiness of her tears finding their tongues.

 Pulling away, Lucy placed her left hand on Tim’s chest and giggled at the sparkly new object adorning her finger.

 “An emerald?” she beamed.

 Tim almost blushed, “We both have a thing for green.”

 “I love you,” she laughed leaning up to kiss him once again.

 “Does this mean we can try for a baby now?” she asked against his lips.

 “Yeah? You want to?”

 “Yeah, I really do.”

 Her eyes glistened in the starlight of their backyard, her hair wound atop her head, his hands under her shirt. He remembered their second date, and the way the string lights around their table reflected off her eyes and made them sparkle. 

 “We can do this,” she reiterated. 

 He reached for her again, his hands finding her thighs as he bent at the knee. She wrapped her legs around him, both laughing through tears.

 “I love you so much,” she avowed as she locked her ankles around him.

 Tim walked them toward the sliding glass door, Kojo rousing at the sound of it opening. He ran around them to his water bowl before finding his bed in the corner of the living room. Tim continued the journey to their bedroom, Lucy wrapped around him. 

For the next few days, they were utterly basking in newly engaged bliss. Lucy decided that practicing is more fun when you’re engaged. For safety’s sake, Lucy couldn’t wear her ring at work, so she promptly ordered a silicone one from Etsy. Unbeknownst to him, she’d also ordered one for Tim. He didn’t have to wear it right now if he didn’t want to; he could wait until they were actually married. But she thought it would be a winsome surprise for him. 

 Lucy woke up to vibrating coming from her nightstand. Suppressing the desire to throw her phone against the wall, she answered it, “Chen.”

 Tim rubbed the sleep from his eyes, having woken up at the sound of his fiancé's voice.

 “Hi, Lucy. This is Dr. Pelham.”

 Lucy sat up so fast the room felt like it was spinning.

 “I have your test results.”

 “Ok…”

 Tim kissed her shoulder, knowing something had surprised her but not being able to hear the other end of the conversation.

 “We did run a second pregnancy test, just as a precaution, and it was positive.”

 Lucy gasped, her hand flying over her mouth as tears filled her eyes. At this, Tim was suddenly very awake.

 “Lucy, what?”

 Now, the room really was spinning. Giving her a moment, Dr. Pelham was silent on the other line. Lucy let out a breath the best she could. 

 “Everything else looks perfectly fine. But you are, indeed, pregnant. It looks like you just got a false negative with your home test”

 Tim rubbed a hand over her arm, waiting for her to clue him in.

 “You’ll want to make an appointment with your OB/GYN, and they can talk about your next steps.”

 “Ok, thank you.”

 “Have a good day.”

 “Thanks, you too.”

 Lucy ended the call, her phone falling from her hand. She was awash in tears, her hair frizzed with sleep, and her face pale with emotion.

 “I’m pregnant,” Lucy said, her voice shaking more than it ever had.

 “What?” Tim questioned, his voice cracking.

 She fell into him, her tears soaking his shirt, “I’m pregnant. The test we took was wrong.”

 “Oh, my God–” 

 He squeezed the woman in his arms, his own tears finally falling.

 Lucy leaned up, hand brushing away the flood of tears, the new addition to her hand gleaming in the morning light. 

 Tim forgot how to breathe. Shaking the faint remnants of sleep from himself, he tried to process the fact that his fiancé told him that she was pregnant. 

 She let out a watery chuckle at his gaping expression, both stunned at the news.

 “We’re having a baby,” she finally whispered. 

 “We’re having a baby!” He beamed, pushing her down on the mattress, his lips finding hers, her nails scraping down his bare back.

 “Tim,” she breathed against him.

 “Lucy,” he smiled.

 She just smiled, the thought of a mini her or Tim growing inside her. He slid his hands down her sides until he found the hem of her (his) shirt. He pulled up, her fingers running through the slightly longer strands of hair at the top of his head. He scooched down until he was level with her abdomen. He pressed his lips against her flat belly, and Lucy felt a new bout of tears threaten to overtake her. He kissed his way up her body, never failing to pay attention to the tattoo on her ribs.

 Lucy lost her composure, and she finally pulled him up again. She felt delirious, the look on Tim’s face saying he wasn’t too far behind.

 “We’re having a baby,” he repeated against her lips.

Note: This is the ring I envisioned for Lucy

[chenfordsbby]

"Heartbreak"

Season 1, Episode 12 “Heartbreak"

“The team is on high alert during the most dangerous day of the year, Valentine’s Day; Oficer Nolan invites everyone over for a party now that he is single.”

Original Air Date: February 12, 2019

Written By: Vincent Angell

Directed By: Carol Banker

Happy Sunday again- back at it with Episode 12! Lets Get in the Shop, shall we?

Another cold open starting us strong with our favorite rookie trio! And this time it includes also seeing Sargent Grey off duty as well.  It’s obvious this episode is going to be centered around Valentines Day and perhaps some type of romance? Leave it to Nolan to ruin Grey’s romantic date night with his wife, who we are introduced too for the first time!

John wakes up on Valentines Day morning to a phone call from a flower shop having trouble being delivered to his ex-wife.  This is the first time in 20 years that John is single and on Valentines day and Ben realizes that too.  He offers to throw John a Valentines Day party that night to get his mind off of everything.

Angela and Wesley are getting dressed together after clearly spending the previous night together.  Their relationship is moving fast, but they seem to like each other.  At the same time though, Wesley seems to be a bit more in-tuned with his feelings than Angela is: the mentioning of Valentines Day gifts, wanting to spend more time with her, actually dating her.

Back in the roll call room Valentines Day morning, Grey announces, “Valentines Day is the most dangerous day of the year”.  I guess we are going to find out why.  Lucy notes that her T.O. is not in the roll call room, to which Grey says that Tim took a personal day, Angela can’t believe it as he’s never taken one a day in his life and Lucy gets succumbed to the front desk duty for the day.

The only valid reason as to why Tim would ever take a personal day: Isabel.  This is the first we are seeing Isabel again after laying post brain surgery in a hospital bed after the failed drug bust.  She is in a rehab facility and clearly clean and sober and doing good.  Even Tim notices, “You look like you again”.  This is a side we haven’t seen from Tim since the pilot.  It’s like Tim seeing Isabel sober and happy for the first time in a year has made him happy, as it should.  He sees his wife again.

Isabel and Tim are walking through the rehab facility, just talking. Something that they haven’t done in years.  Isabel tells Tim that she’s been talking to a therapist and how she needs, or wants Tim to trust her again.  Tim doesn’t blame Isabel directly for hurting him all those years, he blames the drugs because its the drugs that led Isabel to do what she did to him.  It was the addict in her.  Isabel says she will always be an addict.  Isabel informs Tim that she felt pressure after marrying Tim to live up to his standards, and that she felt like she failed in doing so.  Could that be a reason why she chose to go down a path of drug use for so long?

Tim looks distraught, obviously over hearing Isabel tell him that she never felt good enough being his wife, in lack of better wording.  Tim doesn’t want to be angry anymore, all he wants is his wife back, but he knows deep down that he really will never have Isabel back.  Isabel may be back to her old self but she isn’t the same person that Tim married, not really.  There will always be the weight and heaviness between them of Isabels drug use.  No matter how well Isabel does in her recovery and on her sober journey, Tim knows that he will always be the constant reminder to Isabel when she was at her very lowest at the height of her drug use.  Tim knows that in order for Isabel to 100% recover, he can’t be with her anymore, they can’t be married anymore and he tells her that it’s the end of their relationship.  His voice breaks, telling Isabel this, as it should.  He is telling his wife of 10 years that their marriage is officially over, even though he knows it’s been over for a while.  He does it for Isabel, so she can have the recovery that she deserves, but he also needs to do it for himself too. If they chose to remain married, it would never be like before; like before the drug use.  They could pretend everything is better, but it really will never be.  There would always be a cloud hanging over both of their heads, both of them waiting for the next ball to drop to affect their marriage.  For both of them to move on with their lives, they have to move on separately and accept that their marriage is done.  And that decision is the best thing to happen for Isabel and for Tim.  Even though he never gave up on her and their marriage even when everyone was telling him to do so, he has to end it here and now.  Even now, this still isn’t giving up, it’s giving each other closure; but as Tim is finally walking away from Isabel for the last time, you see the weight of everything that was Isabel and their marriage, finally life off his shoulders.  It’s the end of one chapter of Tim’s life but also the beginning of the very next one.

John invites Jackson and Lucy to his Valentines Day party at his house later tonight, to which Lucy and Jackson both accept.  He also invites Angela and Talia- Angela does not hesitate to decline but Talia also chooses to pass as she has plans already that Angela doesn’t seem too happy to hear about…

Jackson tries to talk to Angela about her personal life, asking if she’s going to be seeing Wesley for dinner later, but she reminds Jackson, “We’re friendly, not friends”- no personal talk, but Angela still chooses to confide in him anyway, telling Jackson that she saw that Wesley bought her a V-Day gift, even though Wesley doesn’t think that she did, and she doesn’t know what to do.  As Jackson and Angela take their guy into the station, Angela sees Wesley being taken in by a fellow officer in handcuffs, a judge booked him for contempt of court, which Angela is having fun with.  The first lovers quarrel happens right after as Wesley associates the officer in court with not only Angela but with basically every other officer, period.  “Even if he was, that doesn’t give you permission to hurt him like that” “Give me permission”.  Angela doesn’t like it and has someone else book him, clearly upset by Wesley’s comment.  

Wesley is still being held in a holding cell as the judge still doesn’t want him related yet.    Angela puts her pride aside and tells Wesley that if he gets released early enough, shell let him take her out to dinner, but Wesley already made plans for the evening.  You can see Angelas face fall, but she recovers and tells Wesley that its no big deal, but she does snoop in his belongings to see what his evening plans are; “Dinner-Melanie”.

Jackson and Angela are at the hospital to take a statement from an assault victim, but it seems Jackson is also there to flirt with the male nurse behind the desk, the same male nurse that Tim berated just an episode ago when he was there with Lucy from the needle exposure.  In the room with the assault victim, Jackson and Angela are asking him routine questions, but the victim really doesn’t remember anything, and they are on their way.  Nell tells Jackson and Angela that something doesn't add up with the call she sent them on to the assault victim because at the same time this guy was assaulted, there was also another call of derailed kidnapping, the woman who the assault victim was trying to kidnap turned the cards and started attacking him and Angela figures that out after questioning him again with Jackson because he slips up.

When Angela is back at the station to run some reports, Captain Anderson tells her that  after detectives looked into her hospital victim, they attached multiple abuse victims and even homicides to him leading him to be a serial killer that they have been looking for.  Angela texts that over to Jackson, who is still at the hospital watching over him, but when Jackson goes to check in on him, he pretend to have fallen only to attack Jackson, he knows that they are on to him.  

Angela sees Jackson on the floor of Kevin’s hospital room.  Kevin knocked Jackson out and took his loaded gun.  Angela chases him through the hospital stairwell and fights him until she finally gets the cuffs on him, not without a few bumps and bruises though, he didn’t go down easily. Angela gets to put away a decades long serial killer, good for her!

John and Talia are in the shop together, and John tries to insinuate a personal conversation between him and Talia but is not successful.  It still seems that this Rookie/T.O duo are the least to be bonded in any way, in my opinion.  Their relationship still seems out of place compared to Jackson and Angela and Tim and Lucy.  Something is missing still.  They respond to a car accident and a women gets electrocuted by live down wires.  John starts to giver her CPR and resuscitates her.  She is grateful, as anyone would be.  The woman whose live John saved turns up at the front desk of the station asking for John.  Desk Duty Lucy pages him over the loud speaker for her.  You can slice the awkward silence between Lucy and this woman as they are waiting for John with a knife.  This is the first time that Lucy is witnessing anything romantic happening with John since breaking up with him, which is why I think it is awkward for her, but I don’t think she cares, it’s just weird, especially when the woman asks John to come over and check up on her after his shift is done, AWKWARD.

John and Talia respond to an intruder call, as they sweep the house, it is clear and when they go to inform the home owner that it is clear to come out of the bathroom, where she was hiding in, it is the same woman who John rescued “Officer Nolan, came to rescue me again?”. Talia berates the woman for placing a false 9-1-1 call but John asks to speak to her alone.  Being very aware of his surroundings, John notices a wedding picture and asks about the woman’s husband, to which she tells him he dies in action almost a year ago and hasn’t been the same since until that very morning when John rescued her.  John lets her down easy telling her that he is not interested in her and what she is experiencing is pure adrenaline. I mean she only did get electrocuted a few hours ago that very same day.

John and Lucy are done for the day and start to head out to Nolans Valentines Day Party, which Lucy is quite hesitant to still go too because they run into Angela as they are leaving who tell them that her and Jackson are still working on their case so Jackson won’t be there, and we all know that Lucy only said yes to going because of Jackson.  Lucy and John are decorating Johns place getting ready for his Valentines Day party and Ben tells them that he invited over a date, and when he brings her in to meet them, it turns out to be the same woman again that John rescued, Denise. “Oh my God, what a small world”.  In an ever so John way, he tells Ben that she is just using him to get to John because she thinks that she has feelings for him when in actuality she’s just transferring those feelings that she still has for her late husband onto John.  Classic.  John finds Denise waiting for him in bed and she notes that she just wants someone to look at her the way that John looks at Lucy, because she tells him that she noticed that.  As John is going to get Denise out of the bed to get her dressed and on her way home, an empty pill bottle falls out of the bed, as she took all the pills.  John calls an ambulance and him, Lucy and Ben just need to keep her awake until they arrive.  Before the ambulance arrives, looking right at John, she speaks to him as if he was her late husband.  She just flat out misses him, she doesn’t know what to do without him there anymore.  It’s truly sad.  Even though we will never see her again, I hope she gets the help she needs.

Lucy offers to go with Denise to the hospital to make sure that she’s okay, mainly for John because he wanted to go with her, but also because I think she wanted to get out of staying at Johns Valentines Party, and this was her escape out.

Angela brings Talia her flowers that someone sent to her at the station, Angela knowing exactly who they are from: a married, not separated, man that Talia seems to be sleeping with, who went back to his wife.  Talia’s personal life is dicey.

At the end of the episode, Tim is back in the station, to do stacks of paperwork to get his mind off of everything that just happened with Isabel.  Nell sees him walking through the station, and Tim asks her to go have a very platonic Valentines Day drink with him, as he really needs a friend and she accepts.  I like this friendship, and I like Nell.  I hope we get to see more of her.  Tim deserves to have friends in his life, especially right now and she seems like one of the best.

Angela lets Wesley out of his cell as the judge finally lets him go- Angela lets Wesley know that he can make it in time to go have dinner with Melanie, but he isn’t too happy that Angela searched through his belongings, especially because Melanie is his step-mom. In Angela own words, “I really screwed that one up”.

Jackson goes to the hospital, to bring dinner for not only him but to the male nurse as well, I still don’t know if we know his name yet.  He seems very into him, and they go on a date in the hospital, exactly what Jackson intended to do. He looks happy, and this is the first time we are seeing him show any romantic interest in another partner, we love to see it!

John and Ben are packing up all the food and drink for Johns seemingly failed first solo Vanities Day Party, and John tells Ben that it felt good that Denise was into him, which Ben tells him, that makes him human.  To Johns surprise, Talia shows up at Johns, ready for the party to see that she’s the only one there, but that’s okay as she hangs out with Ben and John and wants to hear all of the dirty funny stories that Ben has of John fro their school days.

______________________________________________________

Honorable Mention: Lucys street style.  I love seeing it!

Episode Peak: Angela and Wesley! I love seeing their relationship come into fruition.

Episode Pit: Tim.  He has slowly became one of my favorite characters and seeing him so sad, really hurts.

Quote of the Episode: “I mean, what kind of husband would I be if I left you when you were lost? But you're not lost anymore. And I will always be a reminder of your lowest point of that shame you felt when you put that needle in your arm. So, as long as we're together, you're never gonna be able to move forward. This is the end” ~ Tim Bradford

Episode Rating: 8/10.  This was a solid episode.  It literally had zero Chenford in it, but that wasn’t the point of this episode.  It was for the ending and closure of Isabel and Tim and the start of Wesley and Angela.  I know well get out Chenford in due time, but it sucks without them, not gonna lie lol!

Until next time on “Get in The Shop”…

[outrunningthedark]

So you think Marisol is coming back, but Natalia isn’t?? Why??

Let's make it nice and easy: o1. Natalia as a death doula worked for the season six version of Buck confronted with the unpredictably of life both after Lev died and his own (latest) accident. That conversation doesn't need to be had in seven seven, decreasing the odds of her sticking around because Tim and Kristen won't know what else to do with her. o2. Look at the relationships on both sides up to now. Eddie's never dated a first responder. Buck's first relationship was with a dispatcher. When they tried to give him a "regular gal", she appeared in two episodes (as the gf) before getting written out during hiatus. Then they brought the dispatcher ex girlfriend back for "closure". When Taylor Kelly, a reporter who doesn't *need* to be part of a first responder ensemble, reentered Buck's life, there's an opportunity for them to solve crime together. Not once, but twice. And then when she became the official girlfriend, her methods of obtaining information directly interfered with Buck's career and friendships within the 118. It was her report on Jonah that gave Buck the motivation to finally leave, NOT the fact that meeting and kissing someone else led him to realize how unhappy he was. We all know what happened with Lucy and why it had Buddie fandom feeling "disrespected" (which I was caught up in as well, for a minute). TL;DR Buck's relationships get more screen time because it's all the show's got going for him compared to every other main (no prior marriages, no kids to care for that are legitimately *his* in canon) and you can't make that a priority when the LI chosen serves no purpose other than...being the LI. Short of a career change off screen, Natalia's got no reason to be there now.

[wafflesinthe504]

The Rookie 5x10 Thoughts

Spoiler for The Rookie 5x10 below. If you've watched the episode or don't care about spoilers, please enjoy!

Before I continue, I just finished watching Will Trent and it was sooo good. If you were on the fence about watching it I suggest giving it a try.

Now back to our regular scheduled programming!

Alright everyone we kicked tonight's "crossover" episode off with Lucy and Tim preparing for their first official date both of them a nervous wreck wanting to wear the perfect outfit to impress the other. It was so cute to see them both so flustered about just the idea of going on the date. The little phone call between them and Tim immediately calling Lucy's bluff about almost being at the restaurant. The call back to the green dress was great. I hope we actually get to see Lucy wearing the green dress in one of their future dates.

Their first date (romantic restaurant) was as awkward as I was expecting it to be. They're best friends taking the first step to something more and they both know just how much is on the line of course its going to be awkward for the first time. Them talking about the bread (I mean if the bread is good its good).

I'm really happy that Lucy and Tim (and the writers) decided that they should take it slow as they enter the more romantic side of their relationship. I really want to enjoy how their intimacy as best friends evolves as they continue and deepen their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend.

And of course their first date would be interrupted by a crime. True classic.

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Tim and Lucy's first date part two (Food Truck date)

I loved how much more relaxed they were during this date because this time they weren't worried about impressing each other or at a fancy restaurant. They were simply allowing themselves to well be themselves but just with the added knowledge that their dating. I think this probably what a lot of their off duty interactions are going to look like. Them just being absolutely gone for each other and loving every minute of it. Their kiss at the end was great. I was a little surprised that Tim made the first move this time.

I absolutely loved both dates and I can't wait to see more of their relationship play out on screen.

On to the rest of the episode. The true plot of the episode kicks in with Nyla and James going to the bank and there immediately being a bank robbery about to happen. I absolutely love that Nyla's cop eyes are always on and she spotted the bank robber instantly. I really appreciate it when shows remember that a character has a set of skills that can be applied outside of their work and don't suddenly forget everything they know when they're off the clock.

(This can also be noted for Lucy and Tim's first date. As soon as the yelling escalates they jump into action as quickly as possible with Tim handling the guy with a knife and Lucy going to the injured man's side.)

Nyla making sure that James is teaching him the GRUNT method so he can describe the robbers to the police when they arrive and making sure that he leaves so that she knows he's safe was absolute perfection. James wanting to protect Nyla just as much but knowing and respecting the fact that she more skilled and capable than him in this type of situation.

I will always love seeing Angela and Nyla working together. Them going over the tapes together and Angela trusting Nyla's gut that there is a third person involved in the robbery even Nyla starts doubting herself is the type of stuff that I love to see.

One thing that I did notice was that when the robbery was called in three units were called but we only saw two units show up, Tim's and Nolan's. We know that Lucy is riding solo for right now so I wonder why we didn't see her at the scene or even as one of the units driving after the robber. The only time we did see her was with Tim during the hostage scene and they only talked about how their first date went instead the case at hand.

As ecstatic as I am for Chenford to be canon I really hope that they continue to showcase Lucy's ability and intelligence as a cop and not just her relationship with Tim I mean a list of undercover identities were stolen and it wasn't mentioned if Lucy's name could be on the list or if any of the CIs she's worked with in the past could be at risk. Even though she's not currently undercover I would think that would at least be something that they mentioned.

Anyways, continuing on a lot of what happened with the stolen undercover identity case did feel like a prelude to The Rookie: Feds, where I think the meat of the casework ended up at. Which I feel like for the amount of character work they did in this episode is fine. The undercover identity case does end up being completely solved by The Rookie: Feds.

I do wish that The Rookie would actually allow for some of the cases to go on longer than an episode or two to really raise the stakes.

As I said earlier, this episode was very much character based with a case in between and with this we get to see a lot more of our favorite characters shining.

Wesley and Angela beginning to talk about possibly having another child. Wesley wanting Jack to have a sibling because he remembers how lonely it felt to be an only child and not wanting the same for their son while Angela is more hesitant because of how difficult it was at times with having so many other siblings and because she doesn't want to put her work life on hold again just yet as she's just now finding her groove as a detective. Both are very viable perspectives and understandable. I really like seeing them actually have a discussion about things like this, really listening to each other, and seeing them be able to come to a solution that works for them both. It's just really beautiful how healthy their relationship is portrayed and its refreshing to see.

Angela confiding in Nyla about her reasoning for wanting to wait to have another child and Nyla being a supportive friend.

On a side note, since Lucy and Tim are now officially dating I really hope to see them both have at least one friend outside of each other who they interact with significantly. This is especially true for Lucy since we haven't seen her with someone acting in just a friend capacity since Jackson. Heck I'd take just hearing Lucy talk to Rachel every once in a while.

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Notable mentions: John and Tim both being unsuccessful for different reasons with talking to Celina and Aaron about dating another cop. Then at the end the real reason Celina and Aaron being so close is because of them playing DND together. Aaron being all flustered about Celina telling John that they play DND together was pretty funny.

Also when Aaron and Tim were in the car hanging off the parking lot the solution felt just a bit anticlimactic to me personally. I thought they would end up having to wait for the fire department (Bailey) to come out or at least end up calling in what had happened, but no they just manage to climb out.

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Hope you enjoyed. If you want come chat with me in the comments about anything The Rookie related.

Until next time have a good day or night.