#and then it transferred to chenford

[chenfordsource]

CHENFORD COUNTDOWN counting the days to season six || day 217 You never would've let me work my magic if I had told you, and then I would have ended up transferring to another station to save you from yourself, and...

[deelightful54]

Chenford Chain-of-Command

I'm not always a fan of Screen Rant's takes on The Rookie. To their credit, they recently brought up a good point: The Rookie is currently acting like the biggest obstacle to Chenford's reunion is their chain-of-command issue. Alexi Hawley has even mentioned it in season 7 promotional interviews.

Chain-of-command has nothing to do with why they broke up, or any of the challenges they were facing before the breakup. That issue had previously been resolved. Tim only moved back into her chain-of-command after they had broken up. We all know that, practically speaking, that issue could be easily fixed a number of ways by one of them transferring to another station or sub-department in the LAPD. Though realistically, this would minimize the presence of whichever one transfers to another station on the show.

Don't get me wrong - I am so excited for Sergeant Lucy Chen. I understand why Lucy's feelings around a promotion and her feelings for Tim would be complex, because her chance at detective were torpedoed due to her controversial 5-player-trade. I'm certainly not saying that I think she should transfer out of Mid-Wilshire just to be with Tim. She cares about her career and working towards this promotion has been good for her. But I worry that the show is building towards them getting back together after her promotion, as if that solves their issues as a couple.

All of this leads me back to my previous theory that the Chenford reunion will be disappointing from a story perspective, even though I'll be glad when they are together again.

Also, if we wanted to get real technical, Tim is a Sergeant II, which means he would still outrank Lucy if she got promoted to Sergeant I.

[stargirl7856]

Question for chenford!!!

i think they’ll be back together by the end of s7, but my question is how will they make it work in terms of tim being lucy’s boss? is lucy gonna be detective? is lucy gonna become a sargent?? will she be a to?! i don’t think she’d transfer bc it wouldn’t make sense show wise!! will tim change jobs?! lmk ur thoughts

[theflyindutchwoman]

No sense in arguing about it. But we're so good at arguing. I know. But I'm hoping that we're good at certain other things, as well. Oh? Want to find out right now? Yeah.

| ANATOMY OF A SCENE - CHENFORD EDITION 5.12 - Death Notice

Sometimes I wonder whether this scene is real or not… I just love it so much. It's serious, it's tender, it's playful… it's sizzling. It has some of the same intimate vibes as their very first kiss, with all the dim lights and candles everywhere, while still having its own flavor. Its own identity. Like the fact that they're in the kitchen this time, with Lucy preparing dinner for them. And the domestic feels in this… Cooking is one of her love languages, her way of showing how much she cares. There was already a hint of that when she sent food to Tim during his recovery after the events at the quarantine house. And we saw her cooking for Tamara, for Angela… or for her parents to celebrate her graduation (and I'm still salty about that one). This is something that she clearly has in common with Tim, judging by the way he looks so happy while making pancakes for her or how they apparently enjoy watching cooking shows together. It's their thing and it's so nice that they finally have someone with whom they can share this… Someone who can fully appreciate it.

All this romantic ambiance doesn't prevent Lucy from still talking about the job though, and more specifically her hypothetical transfer. She wants to get that out of the way before taking that next step and she's right. She is prodding a bit, asking Tim for his input since he has yet to explicitly endorse her plan. And she has to sense that he has been deflecting a bit, delaying the decision. For good reason, of course. The way he looks so at peace with his choice when he admits that he has already asked for his transfer so she wouldn't have to leave versus how upset and distressed she is by this… The softness in his voice when he says 'that doesn't matter' when she worries about him not liking his new job… There's this thing Eric does with his voice here that is amazing. I don't know if he was sick when they filmed that scene, his voice sounds slightly different somehow, huskier… And it fits the mood so well.

But that aside, it's not like her worries are entirely baseless either. Lucy understands exactly the sacrifice he's making because she knows how much he loves patrol and the action. And this is the kind of decision that could eventually lead to resentment. At the same time, this is Tim : he knows what he is doing. It's not the first time he had to consider doing a similar thing. Only, now, he has found someone who is worth the effort. Who is worth more than his job. So it's a trade off he is willing to make without hesitation. He raises another good point : a transfer for her would most likely mean that she would have to prove herself again. It might not be a demotion per se, but she would have to pay her dues again. Besides, he has to know that this is merely temporary : he just needs to wait for a better position to open up. Whereas changing stations would be a more permanent option and would prevent them from working or spending time together at work. There's such a romantic quality in the fact that he wants to spend as much time as possible with her, even if it's just for a few minutes here and there… Honestly, the way these two always light up when they see the other at the station is so incredibly soft.

'No sense in arguing about it' - 'But we're so good at arguing' This exchange is simply perfect… It's inherently them. What started as real arguments slowly evolved into this form of flirting for them. It lost its edge and blossomed into this playfulness and teasing they have mastered a long time ago… It was their way of showing how much they cared. So it's nice to see them acknowledge it and recognise that they enjoy doing it. Even more so considering how much Lucy used to avoid arguing with Chris, because deep down, it wasn't worth it. This really underlines the difference. And her tone, her smile when she admits enjoying arguing with him… That kiss… Tim standing up… Her hand lingering… And his flirting… He's come so far from 'naked times', he's getting smoother. The little tilt of her head, teasing him… And his grin! With all the laughing lines so visible… Their little swaying… His little 'yeah', barely audible, just for them… Her big smile… How she doesn't waste any more time and takes off his shirt, one with snap buttons because he came prepared… The man understood the assignment! The way she slightly leans away from him so she can check him out (shamelessly) while he's trying to lean forward, not wanting to stop that kiss or to be so far from her… Their forehead touching… The way he gets rid of his shirt… Her freaking smile… Their hands! The way he cradles her head… Her hands roaming all over his body… Her little giggles… His hand behind her head when they hit the wall, to ensure she doesn't hurt herself… The detail of her hair against the closed door… Speaking of. 'I opened the door for you'… The imagery of opened doors since their feelings have been out, has been so strong… Well, this time, Tim gets to close it. It's really just a detail, but so symbolic.

This is the beginning of a new era for them… And what makes me so happy is how Lucy and Tim are staying true to themselves. It's really about adding another element to their relationship, not changing it.

[thesassywitchofthenortheast]

Martha’s Musings

Chenford Week Day Two: Outsider POV

Patrol Officer, Martha Grant, has been at Mid-Wilshire since her rookie days twelve years ago. A quiet, observant type: she’s watched so much unfold within the stations four walls. Failing rookies, hard ass training officers, promotions, transfers, deaths, and of course, the occasional romance. 

It doesn’t happen often, interoffice — station — romances, but when it does its a raging fire that fizzles out quickly.

They never work out, never make it past the honeymoon phase. Not even the stations favorite couple, Sergeant Tim Bradford and Officer Lucy Chen, had gone the distance. 

That was apparently a great shock to the whole station, which Martha didn’t understand. 

The two could not be any more different. Lucy Chen was, is, immature, naive, annoying. So nice it came off as fake. And Tim, well… 

Martha had a hard time finding faults in Tim Bradford. He may be a bit abrasive, harsh to the new boots, but she could tell he was a good man underneath. Plus, he was so hot he could rival the sun.

Read the rest on. AO3

[intelligentfan]

Top 5 chenford moments (pre-relationship)

1) Tim telling Lucy he’s not transferring to North Hollywood because he’s not done training her. This for me was the turning point in their relationship from TO/Boot to becoming friends.

2) Lucy comforting Tim after confronting his dad. This was such a sweet moment and Lucy knew Tim needed a friend and Tim didn’t trust just anyone to go with him.

3) Tim hugging Lucy after finding her in the barrel and the hospital scene after. Tim cared about Lucy more than just as TO and it showed.

4) Tim telling Lucy that she deserves someone who is worth the effort. He had feelings for her and he didn’t know if she felt the same but he still gave her heartfelt advice.

5) Lucy stealing Tim’s money clip and telling him to glove up. This is the moment that Tim knew Lucy wasn’t going to put up with his shit and that they could be friends once her training is done.

[gidyolf]

what if the 911 writers are setting it up so that eventually buck will become a licensed helicopter pilot and transfer to a different station in the area to fly emergency helicopters. That way he and Eddie will still be able to date on the show when they eventually get together. So that them being in the same station isn’t a conflict of interest. Think like how the Rookie did that with Chenford.

[starstruckbyacomet]

The New Kids on the Block

Speculations about new characters on The Rookie and Brilliant Minds.

Officer Aaron Thorsen (played by Tru Valentino).

Why did Tru Valentino leave The Rookie? The official statement is because of "creative decission made by the writers". A reason so cliché which had made some fans speculated that the actual reason was racially biased. I disagree. The fact that one of his replacement, Deric Augustine, is black, should immediately counter that speculation. My guess is that money was the actual reason. Valentino had been with the show for 3 seasons (S4 to S6). Perhaps, it was the time for his contract renewal. The decision makers of the show might not agree about his asking raise, so they let him go. The way they hired two actors to replace him seems to show that they could get two equally good actors with about the same cost.

Left: Officer Seth Ridley (played by Patrick Keleher). Right: Officer Miles Penn (played by Deric Augustine).

The next question is what's in store for Officer Aaron Thorsen's replacements, Officer Miles Penn (played by Deric Augustine) and Officer Seth Ridley (played by Patrick Keleher)? Having two new rookies is a good plot device for Chenford's competition storyline. However, it could be a waste of money in the long run. Thus, one of them probably had to go by the end of the season. But which one?

Officer Miles Penn (played by Deric Augustine).

Considering the blatant efforts of various TV shows to fulfill the racial diversity quota (not that it is a bad thing), it's safe to predict that Miles Penn might be the one who'd stay. Seth Ridley could be transferred to a different station, resigning, turned villain, or even killed on the job (God, I hope not 🤞, but it would be good for drama!). After what happened with Travis Montgomery of Station 19, Buddie (Buck/Eddie) & Tommy Kinard of 9-1-1, and Nandermo of What We Do in the Shadows, I try to learn the pattern and predict what TV shows would do, in regards with racial and queer/gender diversity. If possible (frankly, I don't know how), I don't want to be too attached to characters or couples who would not last until the end of the show.

It's the same reason why I don't want to be too attached to the new lesbian couple in Brilliant Minds, Dr. Dana Dang & Katie Rodriguez. Brilliant Minds has already had one main queer couple, Wolfnichols, who is shown-off front and center. Both Dr. Oliver Wolf and Dr. Josh Nichols are main casts. They most likely wouldn't go anywhere until the show ended. Katie Rodriguez is only a side character so far. Considering what happened with queer couples in other shows, I don't think Dana & Katie's romance would last long.

Officer Seth Ridley (played by Patrick Keleher).

Back to the new rookies, it would be ashamed to lose Seth Ridley, though. I'm already fond of his big-eyed babyface and dimpled smile. However, it's better safe than sorry, so I plan to manage my expectation somehow. I don't want to get my heart broken again by a damn TV show!

[onlymylovesurvive]

The Final Chapter Teaser | A hand off turned standoff. Places reclaimed. And a saving grace.

Full Summary | A violent attack alters the course of Chenford’s life, leading Lucy to transfer back to patrol. That is, until Noah and June need her help on a joint-op being held together by a reckless rookie. As Lucy reenters the pressurized environment of undercover work, she and Tim navigate their deeper-than-ever relationship while aiming to bring down a gang of arms dealers wreaking havoc throughout California.

[isca-rambles]

5x06

Oh no, the introduction of Monica. Ugh.

Aaron. My sweet sweet boy. Please don't leave. I'm holding onto how that one article phrased it as 'won't return as a series regular' so we can still see him from time to time. Maybe he transfers or takes a leave of absence, swaps to part time (can you do part time? idk). I just really love him and Tru's been such a great addition to the ensemble. I don't want to lose the dyamic he has with everyone :( Good riddance Ashley, Tim'll be fine. Grumpy boi ignoring his sunshine girl, c'mon Tim. You really think she'd let you get away with hiding things from her? And Aaron again with his beautiful face and expressive facial acting. Oh god, I thought it'd be bad enough going through the show knowing what's to come for Chenford, and now I have to go through knowing we're losing Aaron? Monica. Ugh. Villains should not take away screentime and character storytime from the ensemble. Aaron you cutie please. How are you this adorable? Ya know, Bailan is growing on me. It's still not going to be in the top 5 ships on this show, but they're not awful. I think the show just gets too bogged down in having them so involved in every episode. Lucy riding on her own makes me so sad. She just bounces so well off of other people, so the idea of her driving around talking to herself :( but oh, how her face lights up when she realises she has a way to figure out what's going on with Tim. Literal sunshine human being right there. Angela and Nyla utter cuties. God my commentary has gone right downhill today. It's just mostly me being sad about Aaron and saying everyone is a cutie. Which is accurate but still. J. AUGUST! OH MY GOD J. AUGUST! God I love him so much. I had no idea he had a guest role. It's criminal he's not in more. Having him in Agents of Shield was such a blessing, even if he wasn't in it anywhere near enough. I'd say he needs to be in this show more, but knowing my luck he'll be dead or in jail by the end of this episode. Aaron stop being so adorable it's not helping! Celina keyed in on that ship so hard. The fact that Tim knows it's Lucy, because he knows how well they know each other. Just picturing them sitting in the shop over the years, Lucy getting those little snippets of Tim's life and real-self out of him, maybe without him even realising. God he can't even stop himself from smiling when he's with her. The fliiiirting. Guys, you're at work. There are people around. Tim just tell your wife what's wrong. Don't give her soft heart eyes and then lock her out. Lila is the absolute sweetest. I hope we don't lose her completely from the show. Again, I need my Lucy babysitting Lila or having a girls' day out with Lila and Nyla fics please and thank you.

Okay, every scene with Monica is just going to be an 'ugh' from me. Nothing against the actress. Just...ugh. Also, Wesley, I expected better of you. I still love you but I expected better. I do love Nolan and Celina's relationship. I still don't think he's the best TO for her, at least not right now, but they have got a very sweet dynamic. Tim it's illegal to ignore your sunshine person. How does Lucy exist as a character? How can one person be so adorable? Del Monte. Another ugh. J. August survived \o/ and he's not in jail. Oh please bring him back as a recurring character. God Lucy/Melissa, it's not fair how gorgeous she looks in every scene. Tim can't help himself. He has to tell her. He knows how much it means to Lucy to be able to help him, to know what's going on with him, and the second she concedes he can't stop himself. The lingering silent look until Chris interrupts. The longing as he watches her go. The missed backwards glances. Good lord these two have been, are, and will be the death of me. See I don't mind Elijah as a villain. But with Monica? You guessed it. Ugh.

5x07 Oh Jan, you poor thing. I wish I had a Celina in my life. I need someone fixing my energy. Nyla and Angela having to ask dad!Grey if they can take their little sister Lucy out for the day. Aaron's puppy. Oh. Yep, now I'm sad about Aaron/Tru again. God I'm so deflated today watching these episodes. I know there's so much Chenford goodness coming, I've seen all of it already a million times, but I still just feel so sad watching knowing we won't get Tru back. At least not as a regular. Oh I hope his departure wasn't over anything negative and he's open to coming back as a guest. Damn right you are, Lucy. God I really need more Nyla and Lucy. I'll never stop saying that because it'll never stop being true. I want more of Lucy with everyone, but Nyla is her biggest supporter and Lucy needs more people in her corner.

Lucy, our queen. I need a little fic of her and Tabin talking in the car before they get out. She slips into character so easily, you can tell a second before she was probably reassuring him and telling him it'd be okay. Tim's face the entire time, especially with the gun. He trusts her so much but the tension in his jaw and his eyes. This man cannot handle being this far away from Lucy when she's potentially in danger. Oh Aaron. Sweetie. And Lucy struggling so hard when she sees someone vulnerable like that, but she knows she can't do anything. This is why, as good as she is at UC, I think she'd struggle long term. She needs to be helping, teaching, guiding, protecting. UC does that to a degree, but it's a painfully drawn out process. That she tells them she has to keep her cover but the instant she sees Tim and Aaron in potential trouble, all that goes out the window. Like I said, she's great at UC but she has such an overwhelming desire to protect people, whether it's the people she knows and loves or the vulnerable, and it's not easy for her to ignore that desire. Another lingering look. Oh my god these two.

[natk2002]

The Rookie 6x8 - Thought Dump

AH JUST THREE MORE EPISODES HELP

AND THIS IS ALSO THE EXPLOSION EP

Lol I fell asleep before I realised I hadn't posted oop

I'm crying at every single recap now

Wesley and Monica at the start oh

"Shut up" "Xcuse me?"

Lol "If you're scared, call 911" MONICA

But I love Monica's outfit

"Who was it? Who was it?"

Um, Monica, why is she making her injury worse?

NOT THE TITLE CARD

Oh flippity floppity HE HAS HER BIRTHDAY REMINDER

Mad Dog and Blair? Okay., what are they cooking?

She just talked about ethics?

OH SO HE HAS SCHEDULED REGULAR MEETINGS?

Oh, it's the promo scene of Lucy becoming Acting TO

Oh this is HILARIOUS

Awkward...

"Wow that wasn't awkward at all" GREYYYYYYYY

GREY GREY GREY yes this is what we all ANTICIPATED

Transfer?

Oh, Grey picked sides in the 'divorce'

"It won't be Officer Chen who goes"

Damn, yeah no, ofc he won't be leading

Not the football metaphors!

Aaron in metro s7 anyone?

Ah the second promo scene

Nyla looks so done with Monica

Did anyone catch Lucy's birthday date?

Celina and LUCY hell yeah

Aha well at least it explains why Aaron is in uniform

Lol TIMOTHY

"Can I ask you a question?" "No" bruh

If my boy doesn't do something for Lucy's bday imma rip my hair out

"I would recommend you switch to a stronger deoderant"

Aaron sniffing himself LOLLLLLLLLLL

CODE YELLOWWWWWW?

Ha lol Bailey long gone girl

MONICA what r u UP TO?

OMG WE DONT SEE THE FIGHT?

Smitty said the TITLE

NOT ANOTHER REMINDER IM CRYINGGGGGGGGG

He don't look fine

"Are you gonna get her anything?" "Pretty sure it's bad form to get a gift to someone you broke your heart with?" [paraphrased]

"Can I ask why you split up?" "No"

I'M CRYING AHHHHHHHH

I want chenford back

Lol "As the true love of his life that he could show compassion to someone as unworthy as you"

Wesley is TOO GOOD

OMG DID SHE JUST SUGGEST A QUICKIE IN THE CLOSET?

Bailey don't look too happy?

Okay fuming we didn't get a fight scene

AH DAMN she's SHOOTING

Acoustic trauma yessssss makes sense

"Time will tell" oof

CLOSE CALL DAMN

Lol they're gonna make this a recurring gag aren't they

OH FUCK NOOOOOOOOOOOOO i'd just die of being there how is Tim seemingly okay

So is Mad Dog acting lead?

oof meanie

"You quit on us"

"Got bounced for cause"

OMG Mad Dog x Tim SQUARE UPPPPPPPPP

"You've been very unhelpful"

"Bite me" "That's... that's catchy"

OMG LUCY YES

"I'm gonna do whatever she tells me too"

Lucy out here making me question my sexuality with that oh

Girl has got the DETECTIVE chops u hear me

PREACH LUCY PREACH

What is Monica doing LURKING

Detective DUO SLAYING WITH THOSE FITS

Aha so attacker is in rm 213

WE ABOUT TO GET THE EXPLOSION HELL YEAH

Kaboom

Okay, so not Lucy or Celina in there as some of us thought

ah finally bailey is having the appt

A "geriatric pregnancy"

oh damn, okay, so IVF seem to be the way for them

UM aw the i love us from bailan

"Find a quiet place to cry"

Oh shit no so many injured

"Molehunt"

yeah no what is Nolan getting himself into now

oh gosh okay guess we'll find out if he dies

"Looking at you with empathy" TIM

BLAIR COMING OVER

"How stupid of me! Do you need something?"

YES how did she know

Um I don't like Blair's tone?

WHAT DO U KNOW MAD DOG

"No worries I can wait"

Holy shit Nolan FLEW

Monica is this your doing?

Good one pulling the alarm Bailey

Oh shit is BAILEY gonna be the one that gets shot?

MONICA just staring tho?

SHE IS LEAVING THE ROOM

UM MONICA WHY THE FLIP ARE U GLOVED UP

"I told you we weren't done!"

DETECTIVE DUO YEAH

omg they're just GIVING UP

Monica babes, what's going on?

"Go to hell" "I'll meet you there"

OMG MONICA IS KILLING HIM/KILLED HIM!

AND BLAIR SAW

"YOU SAID NOBODY WAS GONNA GET HURT"

Blair and Monica WORKING TOGETHER

BLAIR AND MONICA TOGETHER OH MY GOD

"You've been here the whole time?"

Omg Monica gaslighting gurl

Lucy coming home with Celina oh

I love how excited the two of them are

OH WHO IS KNOCKING IS IT TIM?

Oh oh KOJO

But Tim's not there :(

My pookies r in love

Where is the card from Tim? Ah it's basically from him

oh shit mad dog wants to talk

NOT THE SONG

he couldn't even go and give her a gift i feel like I've been shot in the heart

okay what has bailey decided?

OH THE ROOFTOP

omg mad dog wtf did u DO

"did you compromise the op" SHIT HE DID

"Who did you tell" "I can't"

BLAIR

OH SHIT HE DID NOT

rip mad dog

well that's one way to end the ep

the she is BLAIR right RIGHT

this PROMO AHHHHHHHHHH

FUCK IA against TIM?

TWO PART FINALE

we're gonna get an ELEVATOR HUG

[theflyindutchwoman]

Nice work today. You, too. It's not a bad way to end our partnership -- saving a family. Yeah. Although, we're -- we're still not partners. I mean, on the job anyway. It's gonna be so weird going to a different station, knowing I'm not gonna see you all day. Yeah. And there's no guarantee that our shifts will sync up. I hadn't thought of that. Wait, wait, wait. So by doing the right thing, we're gonna see each other a lot less? Most likely. Yeah. No. I'm gonna put in my transfer request in the morning.

| ANATOMY OF A SCENE - CHENFORD EDITION 5.12 - Death Notice

This scene felt so much like the end of an era when it aired… There is a sense of finality here that wasn't as present in Amber, when their partnership ended the first time. It feels more bittersweet in some ways… which is actually ironic since this is for a good reason. But that doesn't mean turning this page is easy either. The little callbacks to Amber are the perfect way to come full-circle… Like Tim still refusing to call them partners… Or the fact that they were able to end their working relationship on a happy note again despite the odds, saving a family/baby. Only, now they no longer need to hide in the parking garage… Everything is on the surface. Just like their feelings - that they completely own this time.

As happy as they are to be together, there's this sadness that is so palpable. Working together at the same station has been the cornerstone of their relationship, so it is natural that this is weighing on their mind. There's a bit more gravitas here, knowing that one of them has to leave - or so they thought at the time. How sweet is it that Tim's first words are to compliment Lucy on a job well done… They've come so far since their very first shift. And the look in her eyes, a mix of astonishment, indulgence… and love… The way she picks some lint off his uniform… So intimate. With Tim teasing her that they're still not partners - on the job. That distinction that makes all the difference, the implication that they are partners in life… And his smile when Lucy gently shoves him… So bittersweet and soft.

And I really like that they are both being honest on how they feel : they don't try to hide or pretend that they're not going to miss this part of their relationship. Instead, they actually take the time to acknowledge it. Just like in Amber, at the end of their shift. Tim even finally opens up on what has been on his mind the whole time : how by doing the right thing, they're going to see each other less. How their shifts may not sync up at all, especially at the beginning. Something that Lucy hadn't considered but unlike her, he has some experience in the matter… And it's clear that this revelation is upsetting her while Tim looks pensive in the background. This is really hitting him that this is it. And this is where he makes his final decision even if he doesn't say it out loud. Also, how significant is it that this doesn't deter Lucy. She may not like the idea of not seeing him as much, but that won't stop her from going forward either. Breaking up isn't an option. And that last moment, with Tim taking the war bags from her, is one of the best full circle moment. Their little smile… This is truly the best way to end this part of their partnership...

[fluentmoviequoter]

Rook Book to Remember Me By

Part 2 of Rook Book

Pairing: Tim Bradford x fem!Metro!reader

Summary: Tim's delay in transferring to Metro may have cost him everything, and as he and Lucy search Los Angeles for a killer, he only has his memories and a fake rook book to remember you by.

Warnings: ANGST, death, fluff

Word Count: 3.6k+ words

A/N: I know this is a Chenford gif but it fits. :)

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

“What is that?” Lucy asks as she waits beside Tim’s desk. “A bomb?”

“Lower your voice, boot,” Tim snaps. “We don’t need a stampede.”

“Yes, sir. So, what is it?”

“What does it look like? It’s a book.”

“No, it’s a rook book with a bow on it. And I bet I know who it’s from.”

“50 pushups.”

“But-“

“You want double?”

Lucy frowns as she silences, and she watches Tim lift the book. He opens the front cover and shakes his head before dropping it into one of his drawers. Lucy doesn’t move toward the door, and Tim sighs as he leans against his desk.

“What?” he asks.

“Is that just a book? Or a non-rook-book-rook-book? Like the one somebody’s pretty TO used to carry?”

“Pretty TO?” you ask from behind Lucy.

Tim had been too distracted by the book and Lucy’s prying questions to notice you walk in. Dressed in your Metro uniform, you slide your hands into your pockets and smile.

“I’ll assume you’re talking about Tim,” you add.

“Yeah, right,” Lucy snorts.

“100 pushups it is,” Tim announces.

“Tim,” you chide softly. “You can’t blame her for being excited to see this side of you. It took me your entire probationary period to learn you could smile.”

“Chen, give us a minute,” Tim says.

“Do I have to?” she asks quietly.

“Yes,” you and Tim say together. The difference is that you add, “Please.”

You watch Lucy move toward the equipment room before turning to Tim. He furrows his brows and unconsciously blocks the drawer with your gift in it.

“I’m sorry I didn’t answer your call last night,” you begin. “Metro raided a speakeasy, and it went a little haywire.” “Are you okay?” Tim interrupts. “That’s what I was going to ask you. I know you tolerate me, maybe even like me a little, but you don’t call unless you need something.”

“I, uh, just wanted to hear your voice. But I’m fine, I promise.”

You nod and run your tongue over your bottom lip as you think. “Still have nightmares?”

“I’m fine.”

“Look, Lucy is ready to pass that test, but in the end moving to Metro is a big decision. One you can do; I don’t doubt that. Just… don’t stick around because you think you have some debt to pay or something. Your boot is important, but your career is too.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Your Metro Commander yells your name, and you lay a hand on Tim’s shoulder before whispering a farewell. He watches you go and decides that when he calls you tonight, he’ll ask why you chose the book you did. Hopefully, he thinks, it will allow him to admit some things. He needs more than your voice to calm him in the middle of the night these days.

“Can I just say one thing?” Lucy asks from the passenger seat of the shop.

“Will me saying no stop you?” Tim replies.

“I think you’re really cute together. She’s been waiting for you, and I don’t think you should make her wait just because you’re scared.”

“What makes you think I’m scared? You mean well, Chen, but this is none of your concern.”

“Maybe not. But it’s yours, and you know I’m right.”

Tim wants to keep arguing, maybe threaten Lucy with more pushups to make her leave it alone, but the radio cuts him off.

“Attention all units. Officer down at Wilshire Federal Building. Metro requesting backup. Will advise.”

Tim’s world slows as he pulls the shop to a curb. He and Lucy are too far away to provide backup fast enough, but he can’t move until he knows that you’re okay. Lucy watches him as he stares at the radio, but with each second of silence, she gets more concerned for him.

“She’s going to be okay,” Lucy whispers.

Tim shakes his head. He doesn’t want to think about the alternative but believing that you’re okay without knowing is more dangerous than being wrong and hearing another officer’s name over the radio.

“Bradford, Chen, Harper, Nolan,” Wade radios. “Get back to the station and prepare to assist Metro.”

“Uh, you- you drive, Lucy,” Tim says as he unclips his seatbelt.

“Attention all units,” the dispatch officer begins.

She identifies the downed officer, and when your name is said, Tim’s world stops. He waited too long, and now he can never tell you how he feels. He had a crush on you, he wants to say, but it turned into so much more.

“Tim,” Lucy calls as she opens the driver-side door. “C’mon.”

Tim doesn’t feel any shame as he leans on Lucy. She ushers him into the passenger seat before she drives to the station with lights and sirens on. Tim’s silence is terrifying, and although Lucy is also feeling grief and is heartbroken to hear you’re gone, her concern for Tim outweighs her own emotions.

As Tim exits the shop, his devastation suddenly makes room for anger. He doesn’t blame any of your fellow officers, but if he had moved to Metro sooner, he would have been there with you, and maybe he could have changed the outcome. He slams the door and ignores Lucy as he storms into the bullpen.

Lucy and Tim slow as they see several Metro teams gathered together, but it’s obvious that something is wrong, something is missing. There’s a gap where you should be, and even the elite tactical officers seem lost without you.

“What happened?” Tim asks.

“Officer Bradford, we can’t release any information yet,” Wade answers. “Metro’s going to fill you in on what you need to know. They need as many of us as they can get.”

Tim clenches his jaw to stop the remark that he wants to make. The Metro teams are talking quietly, and he gestures for Lucy to step to his other side as he moves closer.

“You saw the shot?” one of them asks.

“Yeah,” someone answers.

“Then where’d they take her?”

At the realization that you’re not only gone, but they don’t even know where your body is, Tim begins looking around. He sees his Sergeant, Captain, and the Metro commanders huddled in a corner and walks directly to them.

“I want a position in the task force. You need more people, and I’m one of the few patrol officers who knows how to complete a manhunt like this,” he demands.

“I understand where you’re coming from Bradford, but you’re too invested in this to go out alone,” Wade replies.

“Then let me go with him,” Lucy interjects. “Tim knows what he’s doing, and we can patrol and engage in the manhunt at the same time, right?”

Wade looks to the Metro sergeant to his left, who shrugs noncommittedly. He sighs before nodding and tells Tim to get back out on the street and wait for the information about the gunman.

“Wait,” Tim tells Lucy as he stops beside his desk.

He pulls the book from the bottom drawer and tucks it under his arm before continuing to the shop. If this is his last drive where you’re involved, he wants you there. Or as close as he can get.

“Dispatch released a picture,” Lucy says before turning the dash computer toward Tim.

He looks at the picture until the light turns green, and then he begins a grid search surrounding the Wilshire Federal Building. If that man is still nearby, and Tim finds him first, prison will be the least of his worries.

“What’s the book?” Lucy inquires.

“It’s her favorite,” Tim answers.

“You know what her favorite book is. That’s really sweet, Tim.”

“She’s been telling me for years to read it and I keep making excuses not to.”

“And now?”

Tim nods, and Lucy knows that he is going to not only read the book but devour it and everything related to it to feel close to you again.

“7-Adam-19, assault in progress inside Shell gas station at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Greenfield Avenue. 9-1-1 caller requested your presence on scene.”

Tim hits the steering wheel before telling Lucy to accept the call. He doesn’t have time to break up a fight in a gas station, not when your killer is on the loose. The gas station is less than five minutes away, but Tim gets grumpier with every minute. As he and Lucy enter the gas station, he’s prepared to jump in the fight just to finish it faster.

“You called the police, what’s the problem?” Tim asks the cashier.

The young girl looks scared; her face is pale, and her hands shake above the cash register.

“This doesn’t look like an assault in progress,” Tim adds with his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

Lucy steps forward to speak to the girl while Tim looks around. The gas station is empty, but Tim doesn’t make it far before he sees a blood trail on the floor. It rounds the end of the cashier’s counter and disappears under a door. Tim pulls his gun and whispers for Lucy to stay ready as he steps toward the door.

“In there?” Lucy asks.

The woman behind the counter nods, and Lucy gestures for Tim to go ahead. Tim pushes the door open and raises his gun to clear the room while Lucy stays on the other side of the opening. He looks down to follow the blood but freezes when someone speaks.

“Officer Bradford, California Penal Code 217.1 is punishable by what?”

“Chen!” Tim yells as he holsters his gun.

Lucy hits the light switch for the storage closet, and Tim kneels to lift a bloody gun from the floor.

“They said you died,” Tim says as he moves closer to you.

You hear Tim begin asking questions when he enters the gas station and hope the cashier that you scared by walking in covered in blood can point him to your hiding spot in the storage closet. Your gun is on the floor beside your feet and your long-sleeve Metro t-shirt is balled against the gunshot wound in your shoulder.

When Tim opens the door, you ask him about a penal code before your head tips forward. Staying conscious while losing blood isn’t as easy as some may think, and you want to make a joke, but Tim jumps to action before you can.

“They said you died,” Tim says quietly.

He lays a hand over your cheek as his other hand applies more pressure to the fabric on your shoulder.

“I think that was the goal,” you mumble.

“Chen, radio for-“

“No!” you interrupt. Your voice raises at the idea of Chen communicating this news over the radio. “The men who we went in there to arrest have radios. They knew we were coming, but if they think I’m dead we can use that.”

“You need help,” Tim argues.

He reaches for his phone, and you lay a bloody hand on his forearm to stop him. You wait for him to look at your face to smile.

“We find another way to get help. But as far as anyone with a police radio knows, I’m still dead.”

“How am I supposed to get you treatment for a GSW without raising any red flags? Any ER nurse will call the police.”

“What about Grace?” Lucy suggests. “Nolan’s friend? If we could talk to her before we take you in, she may be able to keep it quiet.”

“If you think it will work, let’s do it,” you agree.

“No,” Tim interrupts. “We’re not putting your life in the hands of a rookie.”

“Tim, she’s right. This is a good plan and one we need if we want these guys off the street. Please, just trust me and Lucy for a few minutes. You can yell at us and brainstorm new Tim Tests later.”

“Call Grace,” Tim says as he moves his arms around you. “If this starts going wrong, or something happens to you, I will use my radio.”

“Understood.”

You keep your uninjured arm across your chest as Tim lifts you into his arms. Lucy leads the way out and opens the backdoor of the shop before apologizing to the gas station clerk. She leaves her card and scribbles the number of someone who can clean the bloody scene but reminds the girl not to call the police or tell anyone you were here. As Tim drives through traffic and Lucy talks to Grace, you notice a book in the floorboard and chuckle.

“What?” Tim asks quickly.

“You have my rook book.”

“Guess I don’t have to read it now that you’re not dead.”

“If I didn’t know better I would think you’re mad at me, Bradford.” “You know exactly what I’m thinking.”

“Don’t risk your job for revenge, Tim. I know you care about me, and I care about you, too, but this isn’t worth it. We work the case like any other.”

“Easy for you to say,” Tim snaps. “You didn’t think the woman you love was murdered twenty minutes ago.”

Lucy ends the call and looks through the cage at you. It’s not how Tim planned to tell you, but he feels lighter with the admission.

“I’m sorry, Tim,” you whisper.

“Tell me after.”

“I’m not waiting until the end of Lucy’s probation period.”

“Please don’t,” she agrees. “I can only take so much more pining from this one.”

“I don’t pine,” Tim grumbles.

“Yes, you do,” you and Lucy argue together.

“Bradford, status report?” Wade radios.

Tim looks at Lucy, who apologizes quickly for not communicating a code 4.

“Code 4, Grey,” Tim replies. “But don’t ask any questions right now.”

“Okay. As long as you didn’t break any laws, this conversation never happened.”

Tim glances over his shoulder at you, and you state, “I haven’t broken any laws. Have you?”

“Not yet. If there’s blood on this book later, that’s your fault.”

Tim sighs, and it sounds almost like a laugh. You don’t have time to tease him before he pulls into the emergency room drop-off area of Shaw Memorial Hospital. Grace and several nurses run out and wheel you in quickly, promising to help you without asking any questions or reporting anything to the police.

“What now?” Lucy asks as the doors close behind you.

“Now, we find the people who are getting 15 to life for trying to kill an officer for completing her duties,” Tim answers.

“Tim,” Lucy calls.

He stops, and she points to the blood staining his skin. Tim opens the trunk of the shop and retrieves a pack of wipes from one of the war bags. Lucy watches as he harshly scrubs your blood from his skin and gets angrier with every wipe he tosses aside.

“Are you sure you’re up for this?” she asks.

“Lucy,” he begins as he slams the trunk closed. “I’m pissed off and I have a feeling in my chest that I’m not used to. But how I feel doesn’t matter. We’re going to get every single one of the people involved in this, and make sure they end up in a hole.”

“By ‘a hole,’ you mean prison, right?” Tim walks around the shop rather than answering, and Lucy rushes to repeat, “You mean prison, right?”

“7-Adam-19, report to Sepulveda and Ohio Avenue.”

“What now?” Tim yells.

He steers the shop into an illegal U-turn and speeds down Sepulveda Boulevard. Lucy gasps as they near the intersection.

“Turn left onto Ohio,” she says.

“Why?”

“Just do it!”

“Second left onto Camden,” she adds after he turns.

Tim slams on the brakes when he sees someone sitting on the curb at the end of Camden Avenue. Lucy exits the shop as soon as it stops and rushes to hug you as you stand.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in the hospital?” Tim demands as he joins you.

“Uh, no?” you guess.

“It’s not your fight anymore. You’re dead, remember?”

“Tim-“

“No, you’re going home. You just got out of the hospital.”

“It was just a flesh wound. Lots of blood, a couple of stitches, but no long-term damage. Besides, when’s the last time you got to watch a ghost slap the cuffs on her killer?”

“Look around Tim,” Lucy encourages.

He already know where he is: the sight of his first arrest with you as his TO, it’s a day he’ll never forget. Tim groans before he waves his hand toward the shop. Lucy cheers and offers you her seat. It’s strange being in the passenger seat with Tim again; last time you were here, he was in long sleeves and fresh out of the Army. He was a great rookie, and he’s a great TO, but you want him to be more.

“Tim!” you alert just as Tim slows to a stop.

“I see him,” he agrees.

“Was that too easy?” Lucy asks.

“Well, it’s not over yet,” Tim responds.

“We can do it,” you tell Tim. “You go left, I go right, Lucy splits the middle.”

“This is the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” Lucy whispers from the backseat.

“Alright,” Tim agrees. “Lucy, you do whatever you have to do to get the one in the middle down, okay?”

“3… 2… 1…” you and Tim count down together.

You exit the shop silently and leave the doors open. As Tim goes wide to take down the suspect on the left, you move toward the man who shot you. You, Lucy, and Tim strike at the same time and push the suspects down onto the sidewalk. The man beneath you attempts to elbow you in the face, but you shove his head down against the concrete and warn him against moving.

When you cuff him and pull him up to his knees, the man gets a good luck at your face. His expression changes and he leans away like you’re truly a ghost. He tries to move back, but only tips and rolls into the street.

“Leave him,” Tim says as he reaches for his radio. “Grey, this is Bradford, Chen, and our missing Metro officer. We’ve got good news and three suspects in custody. Send backup to my location.”

“No R/A?” you ask. “Because you seemed really eager to send me back to the hospital earlier.”

“You seem fine,” Tim explains with a shrug.

“Tim,” you call as you exit Wade’s office.

He’s changed into his civvies and is preparing to leave for the night. You can’t let him, though, because there is no more time.

“Can you- do you wanna come over for a bit?” you ask.

The left side of Tim’s lips move up as he nods, and you accept his hand as he leads you to his truck. Tim drives to your home in relative silence, and you use the time to find the right words to say. Once you’re inside, you sit on the couch beside Tim and decide to tell him everything. You’ve let him into your life and your house, now you just have to let him in on how you feel.

“You said you loved me in the shop today,” you say. “But I have been falling for you since the moment you walked into roll call your first day. You’ve always been more than my rookie and I can’t live another day without you in my life, Tim. I want you. Nightmares, embarrassing memories between us, fake rook books, all of it. I need you, Tim.”

Tim leans closer with his arm stretched on the back of the couch behind your shoulders. “This is better than 1001.66,” he murmurs.

“Did you just compare my confession of being in love with you to a penal code about bad checks? Because that is-“

Your words end in a hum as Tim curls his arm around your shoulders and kisses you. He tugs you closer, and you hold his face between your hands as you show him that your words are more than that. Tim has had a crush on you since he started patrolling with you, but now he knows that he loves you and needs you beside him. You push him, and he pushes you, but you do it because you know what you’re capable of.

Tim’s phone rings, but he ignores it as he pulls you closer, so your legs are bracketing his. He leans up to continue kissing you as his phone begins ringing again. You press your hands against his chest and break away to retrieve his phone. He follows your movement and peppers kisses along your jaw, completely uninterested in answering his phone.

You see the name on the caller ID and answer, “Hi, Lucy.”

“Hey!” she replies. “I wanted to ask how you’re doing. And if Tim’s alright after everything that happened.”

“We’re both fine,” you promise breathlessly.

“Wait-“

You assume that Lucy realizes that you answered Tim’s phone, which means you’re still together. She squeals into the phone, and you pull it away from your ear and smile.

“Oh, I have to tell Angela!” she yells.

Tim rolls his eyes and keeps one hand around your waist as he pulls his phone away from you. “Bye,” he says quickly before ending the call.

“Hanging up on your rookie isn’t nice,” you say.

“Like you wouldn’t have hung up on me.”

“You were scared to call because you had a crush on me.”

“Still do.”

“What? Tim-“

Tim cuts you off with another kiss; it’s his answer and a reminder of how he feels. You remember the rook book that was in his truck, but now that you’re a permanent fixture in Tim’s life, you can make sure he reads it.

[makeoutstopcrime]

during my 14 mile run this morning I spent a full mile thinking about a chenford forehead kiss

one day my vision will be realized

my agenda will be complete

and then i will talk about it exclusively for the following 6-8 months so you people better run

[burningblake]

ok ok but i literally wrote a fic were lucy didn't want tim to transfer because he'd get demoted lol, apollo's gift etc

[escapismqueen]

A call in the night- A Chenford fic

Tim gets a call in the middle of the night from Lucy. What could It possibly be about ? (Probably will have had to watch season 2 to to understand what’s going on.)

TW: talks of trauma and kidnapping. Allusions to a panic attack.

Inc: Angst, hurt/comfort and lots and lots of fluff

Hope you all enjoy this. Think this is the best one I’ve written so far, so let me know what you all think 🥰also, interact if you can, I’d love to know how I’m doing. love to you all xx

Tim groans and rubs the sleep from his eyes, adjusting slowly to the light, the continuous ring of his phone cutting through the silence of the room.

He shuffles in his bed to his side and reaches for his phone to see that Lucy is calling him. Brows furrowed, he wonders if she’s okay. He knows that she was working slightly later tonight, that’s why he was at his place instead of hers.

He remembers well because she told him this morning with an adorable pout on her face, insisting that she ‘wished she could cuddle on the couch with him instead’ and he’s not ashamed to admit to himself that it sent a ripple of warmth through his body. He also remembers because it’s Lucy. And there’s nothing that Lucy says that he will ever forget.

With no more than a blink, Tim grasps for the phone with rapid pace, his hands fumbling in the dark.

“Luce? You okay ?” Silence “Lucy ?” It’s now that Tim starts to hear her stuttered breathing and sniffles through the phone. There’s a pang in his heart that arises and he’s sadly familiar with the cause. Lucy Chen is hurting. He’s felt it twice before, and he’s hated every single time. The first being when he pulled Lucy from the barrel and she sobbed and shook in his arms so much that Tim thought he’d bawl from the sight. The second time was when everyone saw the video of Jackson getting shot. And although it hurt Tim to see it too, there was a feeling he couldn’t quite explain when he saw Lucy’s face. The way she gasped in horror. The way her hands reached for support because her legs were about to buckle from grief. His heart ached; and here it was again.

“Lucy, what’s happened ? Are you okay ?” He can feel his thoughts muddling and his heart running away from him, it’s beating so rapidly.

“I- I”

“Breathe with me Luce, in and out okay” his voice has softened, tone warm and comforting; the way he talks when they have their pillow talk- Lucy always tells him it relaxes her, and he can tell that’s what she needs right now.

Tim hears Lucy slowly exhale and inhale with him, her breathing becoming less stuttered by the minute. “Whenever you’re ready” he’s trying to be calm, to let her come out with it when in her own time, but all he can think about is ‘what if she’s in danger ?’ ‘What if she’s hurt ?’ His head is swimming with nothing but negativity, he can’t bare to hear Lucy cry. All he wants to do is transfer the pain to himself.

With a slightly more continuous breathing pace, still sniffling, lucy manages to speak “I erm- I had a dream; a nightmare” Tim let’s his eyes droop in relief, hand clutching at his chest, as if he had opened himself for pain and now needed to sooth himself slightly. He’s glad she’s not in imminent danger; but it doesn’t mean he’s happy. Thats clear from the way he rushes through his drawers, not even looking at what he’s picking up before he throws it over his slightly, now clammy body.

Tim thinks through what his reply should be, she’s clearly been badly affected by whatever it was, he doesn’t want to make her feel worse by immediately getting her to tell him what it was. The palms of his hands grasp at the ends of his dresser, hoping they’ll somehow offer him some words of advice.

“Okay. Do you want to talk about it sweetheart ?” His heart is clenched tight, no release until he knows that she’s okay again. “I think I need to. I just, I don’t know how to begin. It’s- I” Tim instantly notices that she’s struggling greatly with the topic of the nightmare. “Okay, okay. It’s okay. You’re okay. I’m on my way over, do you want to talk about it then ?” “Yeah, but you don’t need to Tim, it’s 3am ! We can speak about it tomorrow !” Lucy is so flattered and heartened by the way that Tim is so willing to drop everything to be there for her, that she feels herself welling up again.

“Lucy, I’m coming over, no discussion” Lucy can’t help but chuckle slightly, because Tim’s current stubbornness is reminding her of T.O Tim, and it makes her slightly giddy to think of how far they’ve come. “I’ll be there soon, okay ? Do you want me to stay on the phone?” Lucy shakes her head, before registering that Tim can’t see her. “No, I’ll be okay. See you soon” “see you soon sweetheart”

Lucy’s head shoots up, hearing Tim’s key jiggle in the door. She doesn’t have to watch it open to know it’s him. She already feels more at ease than she did before. It has to be him. She’s sure it’s some kind of message from the universe every time he’s in her presence that Tim is her person. Though she’s never needed a message, she’s known for a while; Tim Bradford is the man she’s going to marry.

Tim opens Lucy’s apartment door to find her crunched up on the couch, sleeves of her cardigan falling gracefully over the ends of her fingers. If he didn’t know she was upset, he’d think this scene was incredibly adorable. “Hi” his voice is sweet and smooth, whilst keeping it’s usual depth that Lucy loves so much.

Lucy’s glassy eyes meet his and for a split second, Tim wishes he could no longer see. His beautiful, sunshine like girlfriend, is shaking slightly, apples of her cheeks stained with tears; evidence that she’s been crying. Evidence that Tim needs to move with all speed and kneel in front of her. The inside of his palms lay softly on Lucy’s thighs, careful not to startle her, giving it a few seconds before he holds them with a more secure grip.

Lucy’s gaze flickers to Tim’s with an almost desperate plea. She needs safety and comfort right now, and the relief she feels at Tim’s presence and grip on her thighs, releases the pent up air from her lungs. “Thank you for coming” Tim gives her a smile, reaching to Lucy’s face and gently moving a piece of hair behind her ear. “You have nothing to thank me for. You need help, I’ll be here. You’re sad, I’ll be here. You want someone to tease, I’ll be here” Lucy giggles tenderly, slight crinkles forming at the sides of her eyes; he can always make her smile. She playfully pushes at his side, making him grin to know that he’s cheered her up slightly.

Lucy takes a deep breath and reaches for Tim’s hand on her thigh, rubbing her thumb back and forth gently on it, giving herself some encouragement. “I had a nightmare about Caleb” Tim’s whole body froze, face paling at even the thought. That feeling was back again. This was no standard nightmare, this was a reminder of her trauma. Tim’s expression changes from worried to devastated. He’s pained by the fact that she has to go through this again. His free hand now encompasses over Lucy’s, and he lifts it towards his lips, laying a lingering kiss on the inside of Lucy’s free hand. He feels the warmth of her skin, combined with a slight taste of salt; clearly she’s been wiping her tears a lot. “It’s okay, you’re safe. What happened in the nightmare ?”

Lucy exhales again, eyes focusing in on the reflection of light in her boyfriends eyes. “I was there again. He took me. I- I was. I was back in the barrel” her voice wavers, tears spilling delicately falling to her lips. “I kept hearing the song, over and over again, it just- it kept, it kept going and going. And I just felt this, this overwhelming sense of doom. Like that was gonna be it for me. You couldn’t get to me this time.” A sob racks from Lucy’s chest, her hand clasping tightly at Tim’s.

Tim stands up, and sits himself next to her, pulling her into his side and running his fingers comfortingly through the strands of her silky hair. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry you had to go through that again” they both sit in silence for what feels like an hour, bodies just connected to each other, no single part left on it’s own. Tim’s shirt is now wet with Lucy’s tears, similar to Lucy’s hair now being frizzed and messed slightly from Tim’s touches. Tim cradles Lucy’s head in his large hands, thumbs connecting with her cheeks, wiping the tears. He slowly lifts her head and rests his forehead against hers. “Come with me” he whispers.

Tim attentively holds Lucy’s hand and leads her to her room, suggesting for her to lie down whilst he puts some low lighting on. Lucy sits looking at him adoringly, knowing that Tim Bradford would do anything for her. And that feels so special and overwhelming. Her feelings have been put second her whole life by her parents, but here is her boyfriend; doing everything in his power to acknowledge her feelings and try and lessen the weight of pain that they’re causing her. She’s so sure she’s never felt as safe as this.

Tim lights the last light, and crawls onto the bed, nearing closer up to Lucy’s face, stopping as he gets to the hem of her shirt. He slowly grasps at the ends and looks up to Lucy, eyes awaiting to see if she’s comfortable. She smiles lightly at him, trusting him completely. Tim affectionately peels Lucy’s shirt up to just below her chest; fingers grazing appreciatively along the path of her skin. His fingers inch further up until he sees it. There it is. The tattoo. Tim peers up at Lucy, noticing that she’s not uncomfortable, his green light to keep going. He leans down slowly, lips touching ever so lightly at the letters and numbers etched onto the side of her rib cage. He kisses down softly and moves effortlessly to every single part of the tattoo.

Lucy’s eyes well up, the corners of her mouth upturning slightly at Tim’s actions. He’s doing it again. Showing her that she’s a survivor. She feels his lips trace patterns over the numbers, noticing the gentle but determined nature they hold.

“You’re here” he murmurs, the vibration of his words sending butterflies through Lucy’s stomach. “You’re here and you survived. You’re a survivor Lucy.” Tim lifts his head further up, breath feathering at Lucy’s enamoured complexion. His eyes freeze when they meet hers, focusing completely on her. “He can’t hurt you anymore. And I will make sure, with everything I have in me, that it never ever happens again” Lucy’s smile grows, caressing his face lovingly. Lucy is silent for a while, taking in everything that’s just happened, revelling in the love and care that she’s just been shown. “Thank you” she utters. Placing her pouted, lightly chapped lips upon his, she feels him relax into her touch, this clearly didn’t bother just her.

Their lips dance intoxicatingly for a while, weary to let go and stop the rush of fireworks that are soaring through their veins.

Lips parted, Tim smiles and lays onto the other side of the bed, grasping needily at Lucy’s waist. He pulls her into him and lays a sweet kiss onto the top of her head. Lucy rests her head into the crook of Tim’s neck, peppering him lovingly with little kisses. And that’s where they stay for the rest of the night. Tim whispering loving words into Lucy’s ear, both feeling grateful that she’s safe and that they can have this moment together right now.