#zoe andersen x reader

[fluentmoviequoter]

Keep Living with Me

Requested Here!

Pairing: Tim Bradford x Andersen!cop!reader (r's mom is Captain Zoe Andersen)

Summary: You fell in love with Tim Bradford quickly, and he receives your mother's blessing to propose. After you watch your mother's murder, his plans are thrown off and he gives you a place to heal.

Warnings: spoilers for ep 1x16 "Greenlight," parental death (Captain Zoe Andersen), grief, panic attacks, nightmares. comfort at the end! not proofread

Word Count: 4.6k+ words

Picture from Pinterest

“Good mornin’,” Wade greets as he enters roll call. “Before we get started let’s give a warm welcome to our newest Andersen. Welcome, all the way from Chicago! I know your mom is here so we’re all too scared to give you any grief, but I hope LA treats you well.”

“Thank you, sir,” you reply, nodding to the officers beside you.

“Andersen?” Tim whispers.

“Captain Andersen’s daughter,” Bishop answers. “She was working her way toward detective in Chicago but transferred a few weeks ago. Wanted to be closer to her mom, from what I’ve heard.”

“Meaning that if you want to lay some Bradford charm on her, you’d have to answer to your boss,” Angela adds.

“Cute,” Tim replies, giving Angela a fake smile.

“You said it.”

✯✯✯✯✯

“Officer Bradford,” you call, jogging to catch up to him. “I just wanted to say thanks for the assist back there. I don’t know how that second guy got past me, but I’m sorry for not paying attention.”

“It happens,” Tim offers with a shrug. “And it’s my job to have your back.”

“Doesn’t mean you don’t deserve some thanks every once in a while. I’ll let you get back to your rookie, but, seriously, thank you.”

“No problem.”

Tim doesn’t know exactly when it happened, but at some point, after you arrived in Los Angeles, he got attached to you. Now, he keeps an eye out for you and shows you a side of himself that very few people are lucky enough to meet.

Calling your name, Tim beckons you back to his side. “Let me buy you dinner? As a thanks?” he asks, squeezing his hands together nervously.

“Why would you be thanking me? You saved me,” you remind him. 

“Just-“

“I’d love to. But I’m paying,” you answer, smiling before walking away again.

“Doubtful,” he murmurs to himself before returning to his shop.

✯✯✯✯✯

Two weeks after your first date with Tim, you smile at him over your shoulder in roll call. You haven’t told anyone about your feelings, and Tim is just as happy to keep your relationship private for now – that’s something he made clear from the beginning, private not secret.

“Bradford, Andersen, the captain wants to see you,” Wade says as he enters the room. Neither you nor Tim move until he adds, “I think that means now.”

Once the door is closed behind you, you promise, “I didn’t tell her.”

“Relax,” Tim demands. “It’s probably not about us.”

He opens the door to your mother’s office, and she points for both of you to sit. Pulling your hands into your lap, you fiddle as she looks at a paper on the desk before her.

“Care to explain?” she asks.

“Explain what, ma’am?” you reply.

“You’re in here as my daughter, though I’m not thrilled to learn you and another officer are dating without my prior knowledge.”

You look at Tim, but he seems content observing this confrontation.

“Mom, I-“

“It better be a good reason,” she interrupts. “Because it’s been weeks since Tim asked me if it was allowed.”

Looking over at Tim, your mouth gapes before you accuse, “You told her!”

“I had to,” he answers. “I wasn’t dealing with her wrath, as captain or your mother.”

“So, you’re not mad?”

“Why would I be?” your mom asks. “You chose the best of them.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Tim says happily.

“Don’t think that makes you infallible,” your mother threatens. “I have a gun and I can fire you, and what I choose to do depends entirely on you.”

Tim nods severely, and they both chuckle when you release a relieved sigh.

“Congratulations,” your mom tells you. “I’m glad you’re happy, and I’ll see you both at dinner on Friday?”

Tim leads you out of the office, and you ask, “What’s Friday?”

“Probably a chance for everyone who loves you to threaten me.”

“Sounds fun.”

Tim reaches out for you, but you turn away quickly. 

“You told my mother without telling me. No hugs for you until Friday.”

Smirking, Tim replies, “Yeah, you try holding out that long.”

✯✯✯✯✯

✯✯✯✯✯

✯✯ 1 Year Later ✯✯

“I’ll be back in a few,” Tim tells you, kissing your forehead.

“Where are you going?” you ask, looking up at him from your spot on his couch.

“To get your favorite breakfast,” he answers. “Because I love you.”

“Be careful. I love you.”

After a year of dating, you and Tim easily acknowledge the depth of your feelings for one another. He makes you feel important, loved, and like the center of his world. It was easy to fall in love with Tim, yet every moment spent with him makes you happier.

While you wait on his couch, Tim heads to your favorite café. Fiddling with the box in his pocket, he smiles as he thinks of you. You’ve gotten to know him so well you have become practically impossible to surprise. (At least since he first told you he loved you, holding you close under a starry sky in the California desert.) This, though, should be the best surprise yet.

The bell over the door chimes as Tim enters, and he quickly finds the woman he’s here to meet.

“Good morning, Captain Andersen,” he greets, sitting across from her. She looks at him until he amends, “Sorry, Zoe.”

“It’s been a year, Tim, you’re going to have to get used to it at some point,” she teases.

“I will. I actually asked you to meet me here because I have a question about my future with your daughter.”

Zoe’s smile grows, sure that she knows where this is going. Tim removes the velvet box from his pocket and slides it across the table.

“I want to propose, ask your daughter to spend the rest of her life with me, but I refuse to do that without your permission. So, Zoe, my question is, will you allow me to marry your daughter? I can’t bring her half as much happiness as she brings me, but I will love her until my dying breath.”

“Tim,” Zoe begins, pressing the ring box back into his hand. “I would love to have you as a son-in-law; of course, you can marry my daughter. And if your proposal is anything like that, I can’t imagine her saying anything other than yes.”

“Is she going to cry?”

“Most likely,” Zoe answers with a laugh. “But you should get going before she gets suspicious.”

Tim stands with Zoe, pulling her into a hug as he thanks her. She reminds him that the family is having dinner together on Friday, and his standing invitation still stands.

“We’ll be there,” Tim promises. “And I’ll let you know when I pick a date.”

✯✯✯✯✯

Tim knocks on Zoe’s door a week later, entering her office and closing the door behind him. 

“I’m proposing this weekend,” he tells her, smiling as he thinks of you.

“Take it easy this week, then. You want everything to be perfect,” Zoe reminds him.

“Yes, ma’am.”

✯✯✯✯✯

“Are you okay?” you ask Tim. “You’ve been… different.”

“I’m great,” he promises. “Just ready for the weekend.”

You nod, unconvinced by his brush-off answer. Trusting Tim is easy, so you know he will tell you when he’s ready. As the day progresses, with IA reversals, celebrities, and an attempt on Nolan’s life, you’re not sure you and Tim will be able to talk about whatever bothers him.

✯✯✯✯✯

When you hear about the shots fired and the greenlight on Nolan, you don’t hesitate to meet your mother at the scene. Not telling Tim yourself wasn’t a conscious decision, simply the result of your adrenaline surging and concern for your fellow officers. Lucy is talking to Nolan as you approach, walking behind your mother, and you notice Tim standing to the side, sending him a concerned look.

“According to intelligence, you’ve bee greenlit by Southern Front,” Captain Andersen – no longer acting like your mother – announces.

“How’s a rookie get greenlit before me? I gotta step up my game,” Tim adds.

“It’s not a badge of honor, Bradford,” you reply, giving him a stern look.

“I was kidding,” he promises, his full attention on you.

Listening to the facts and learning why Nolan is being targeted, you know that finding the gang in a city as big as LA will be next to impossible. As your mom and Nolan leave, you rush to catch up with them.

“I’m coming with,” you announce.

“Officer Andersen, no,” your mom argues.

“I have more gang experience, I assisted in countless cases in Chicago. You need to let me help.”

Shaking her head, your mother gestures for you to join them. You know you’ll get yelled at, lectured, and, if you’re lucky, encounter the wrath of a concerned mother rather than an undermined captain when you get home later.

✯✯✯✯✯

“K-9 unit already swept the property,” Zoe says as she leads you and Nolan into his place.

“Uh, no, Ben left for New York yesterday. So, what’s happening here?” he replies.

“The DA approved a VARDA alarm. It bypasses 911, sends a red alert to all the cops in the area.”

“So, what’s next?”

“That’s up to you.”

“I mean, I can’t just go to work, right? I’d be endangering everyone who came within five feet of me.”

“Being a cop is being at risk.”

“You’re saying I should just report for duty, act like nothing happened?”

“I think we tell the criminals what to do, not the other way around.”

“No matter the consequences?”

“No matter the consequences. But, look, it’s up to you. No one is gonna judge you either way.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Nolan, this isn’t about bravery. You have a family. Any cop who’s ever worn a badge understands that. It seems the system is up and armed. We have a unit parked out front. Try to get some sleep.”

“I’ll stay,” you offer. “And I’m sure West and Chen are on their way.”

“You call me if anything happens,” your mom demands. “And make sure West and Chen know that, too.”

✯✯✯✯✯

The next day, when you and Nolan enter the station, Tim gives Nolan a nod of approval. The rest of the officers break into a round of applause, and Tim’s eyes move to yours.

“You need to be careful,” Tim mouths.

“I promise,” you reply silently. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

✯✯✯✯✯

Riding in the backseat of the shop, you listen to your mom and Nolan while thinking about Tim. Being careful has always been a priority, but knowing that you risk not going home to the man you love puts everything into perspective.

The radio comes on as dispatch announces, “7-Adam-15, possible 459 in progress, 1936 Kristol Lane.”

“7-Adam-15, show us responding,” Nolan responds. “I hate this. Feels like everyone’s fighting my battle for me.”

“City still needs policing,” your mom points out.

An engine revs behind you, and you glance out of the back window, quickly noticing the nondescript van behind you. “Uh, mom?”

She nods once, removing her gun from its holster as the van moves into the lane beside the shop. You and Nolan similarly prepare to defend yourselves. The van sits beside the shop momentarily before turning onto another road.

“Uh, that was…” Nolan begins.

“Exilirating,” your mom finishes.

“I was gonna say ‘terrifying.’”

“What if we meet in the middle and say ‘dangerous,’” you recommend.

“That’s a good choice too.”

“7-Adam-15, go to channel 2 for Sergeant Grey.”

“Andersen,” Zoe calls after switching to the proper channel.

“It worked,” Wade says. “Midas forced Cole to lift the greenlight.”

“I guess you are back to being just another rookie,” Zoe tells Nolan as he takes a deep breath.

“But maybe keep your guard up for a few more days,” you suggest. “Just because there’s no greenlight doesn’t mean you’re safe.”

“Does this mean this little partnership is over?” Nolan asks.

“We got a burglary call to take,” Zoe answers with a smile.

✯✯✯✯✯

Following your mom and Nolan into the open door of the burglary location, you take the left side as your mother goes straight, and Nolan goes right. Nolan turns off a radio before a flashbang is thrown into the room. You cover your ears and move toward an assailant before he throws you onto the floor, taking advantage of your disorientation as another man sticks a cattle prod to Nolan’s chest. You’re unsure where your mother is, but as your eyes close, you hope she proves she’s always been the best cop in your family.

✯✯✯✯✯

You regain consciousness first, but the men don’t seem to care about you as they watch Nolan. Handcuffed to wooden chairs with your backs to the pool, you don’t have many options to break free, so you can only hope that your fellow officers have noticed how much time has passed since you radioed a code 6 upon arrival.

Nolan groans as he wakes, and you can’t warn him to stay quiet before he’s noticed.

“Look who’s awake,” Cole says as he turns toward Nolan, holding up the electrical prod. “Packs quite a kick, doesn’t it? It’s got four times the voltage as LAPD uses. Could probably cook the eyeball right out of your skull.”

Leaning back, Nolan replies, “Look, look, I did not intend to disrespect Astrid, okay? Or you, okay? And I would be happy to apologize.”

“Too late for that now. Only way this ends is with you dead.”

Your mom chuckles, and your head snaps toward her as she continues, “Yeah, I, uh, I’d heard that you were dumb, but it is shocking to see it in person.”

“Dumb?” Cole repeats.

“Dumb,” you say with your mother.

“Who lured you into an ambush with a false surrender?”

“Does your father know that it was false? Huh, junior? I can’t imagine that revelation’s gonna go too well, huh?”

“I think it’ll go fine.”

“Oh, he’s dubmer that I thought. What’s my rank?”

“What?”

“Her rank, idiot,” you interject. “You should be able to tell by her uniform.”

“Who cares?”

“I have a feeling you will.”

“You put a hit out on a rookie,” your mom adds. “But two bars and a badge that says ‘Captain’? You’ve just crossed a line that anybody with half a brain would run screaming from. A line that even your father might whack you for crossing. Understood? So, let me tell you how this is gonna go. You and your little goonies are gonna-“

Cole lunges forward, pressing the prod against her. You pull against your restraints as she yells in pain.

“Hey! Cole! No!” Nolan yells. “Hurt me! Right? I’m the one you want hurt, right? Killing me, that’s trouble you can handle, okay? But not her. You need to let her go.”

“Do you think I’m dumb, too?”

“No.”

Cole looks back and forth between Nolan and your mother. When he moves toward her, you and Nolan yell, “No!” but can’t stop him from kicking her chair into the pool.

“No! No! No!” Nolan chants, fighting the handcuffs.

While you pull as hard as you can, attempting to break free, you begin tipping your chair back toward the water.

“If the line’s already been crossed, then there’s no going back. Which means non of you are walking out of here. As long as your bodies never turn up, the murder can’t be pinned on me,” Cole says.

Twisting in your chair, moving onto two chair legs, you watch your mother struggle underwater through blurry eyes, your vision affected by your tears.

“No, you’re wrong,” Nolan answers before offering to make a video apologizing to Astrid. “Just get her out first. Right now,” he adds after Cole agrees.

“No, you got to make the video first. Come one!”

“Nolan!” you grunt, hoping he makes this quick.

Turning back to look at the pool, you think your mother’s arm is free, and as she swims to the surface, pulling one of Cole’s “goonies” into the water, Nolan tips his chair to tackle Cole to the ground. You move toward the other man, unconcerned, when he points a gun at you. Headbutting him once you’re on the ground, you flinch when a gunshot sounds in the pool.

“No, no, no,” you repeat lowly, turning toward the water’s edge.

Your mom raises over the edge, shooting the man standing above you.

“Mom, no!” you warn as Cole reaches for his gun.

You and Nolan struggle against the cuffs, and when a bullet hits your mom’s neck, time seems to slow down. She presses a hand to the wound before she lowers back into the water.

“No!” you scream, your voice cracking with emotion. “No, no, stay up!”

“No, Cap-“ Nolan calls.

“Mom!”

Nolan breaks his chair and dives into the pool as you watch helplessly. 

“Come on,” Nolan repeats, beginning chest compressions.

“Nolan,” you whisper, sobbing against the wet concrete beneath you. “It’s too late.”

✯✯✯✯✯

Nolan tells you to stay still while he breaks your chair, but with your attention on your mom, that should be the least of his concerns. He frees you, pulling one end of the handcuffs away from the chair so you can move.

“I’m so sorry,” he whispers.

“It- it isn’t your fault.”

You begin crying again, looking at the bloody water as you kick the pieces of the chair away from you. Releasing a pained yell, you move to your knees, sitting beside your mom as sirens approach.

Nolan is beside you, unmoving, until Wade places a hand on his shoulder. Tim rushes to your side, kneeling beside you as he pulls you up.

“It was Cole,” Nolan says.

Tim leads you away from the pool as the coroner moves your mom into a flag-covered coffin. As you follow the procession through the line of officers, you stop beside Tim, waiting for his nod before you continue.

After the coroner leaves and Wade dismisses everyone with instructions to find Cade, you avoid looking at Tim. You can’t fall apart until you catch her killer. 

✯✯✯✯✯

When you walk into roll call the following morning, Bishop offers you her seat, and you gladly take the place beside Tim. He slides the black strap over your badge before taking your hand under the table. You stay behind the roadblock, letting Nolan and Tim approach Cole to make the arrest. Once he is in cuffs and in the back of a shop, you holster your weapon and keep your eyes on Tim.

He rushes to you, pulling you into his arms, holding you close as you cling to him.

“I’m sorry,” Tim says against your hair. “Do you want to go with them?”

Shaking your head, you move toward Tim’s shop, and Lucy nods as she finds another ride back to the station.

“I- I don’t know what I’m supposed to do without her, Tim,” you say when you’re alone.

“The hurt never goes away, but it lessens,” Tim promises. “And I’m right here.”

✯✯✯✯✯

Somehow, you manage to get through the funeral without falling apart. The moment you prepare to go home, to begin a life without her, that changes. You freeze on the sidewalk, looking back to the headstone.

“C’mon,” Tim murmurs as he approaches you. “You’re not staying alone tonight.”

“I can’t do this, Tim.”

“Yes, you can. Look at me. She loved you, and she wanted you to live and love, and do what you wanted to do. Do not let that monster take your life, too.”

Tim cups your cheeks, kissing your forehead as you nod.

“I’m sorry.”

 “Don’t apologize. It- I can’t imagine what you’re going through, but you’re not alone, okay?”

“I know,” you whisper. “Thank you.”

✯✯✯✯✯

Tim holds you against his chest until you fall asleep, but you don’t get much rest before a nightmare wakes you. Slipping out of Tim’s arms, you walk into his backyard and close the door behind you. Sitting on his deck, you feel like you’re back in Cole’s yard, frozen and unable to do anything more than scream. Why didn’t you take action like Nolan? Get the gun somehow before Cole got away from Nolan? … Why didn’t you save your mother?

Pressing your hand against your mouth, you attempt to silence your cries, but you should have realized that Tim would notice the moment you left his side. He closes the patio door softly, sitting beside you.

“Can I come closer?” he asks softly.

You shake your head quickly, and your thoughts spiral. So many things could have been done differently, and maybe this is a sign that you should have never come to Los Angeles, never have become a cop and that you are the reason she is dead.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Tim calls, demanding your attention as he grabs your hand. “Breathe. Breathe with me.”

As Tim grounds you, you crawl toward him, letting him hold you as you fall apart in his arms. Crying into his chest, you eventually fall asleep again, and Tim whispers a promise that he will always be here for you.

✯✯✯✯✯

The first few weeks are the hardest as reality sets in, and you relive the moment. Tim never leaves your side, though, offering a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on, or a reminder that you are not to blame. As the time between tears grows longer and you can look at pictures of her and smile, you decide you’re ready to return to work.

“Are you sure? If you need more time, that is completely understandable,” Tim replies.

“I’m sure. You told me not to let Cole take my life, and I’m ready to start living again.”

“Still room for me?” Tim asks with a smile.

“Loads of room for you,” you promise, leaning against him.

“Then I’ll be by your side the whole time.”

So, when you walk into work three months later, you assume that Tim is responsible for the round of applause and the “Welcome Back” banner hanging in the bullpen. You and Tim are both surprised by how easily you return to the station, smiling as you greet your friends and able to walk past your mom’s office with nothing more than a sad smile. 

✯✯✯✯✯

After practically moving into Tim’s house after the funeral, you know where everything is. So, when he spills a drink while watching the game, unable to draw his eyes from the screen, he asks you to get him some dry clothes.

“Sure thing,” you reply, smiling at him.

Tim yells when his team scores, and you shake your head in loving amusement as you enter his closet. Moving a small basket to get a shirt from behind it, you accidentally knock something onto the floor. When you stand after picking it up, you realize that it’s a jewelry box. Opening it, you see the one thing you didn’t expect.

In the other room, one of the teams calls a time-out, and commercials begin playing. Tim realizes that you’ve been in the bedroom for a while, so he stands, stretching as he sets out to check on you.

“Did you fall into a-“ he begins, freezing when he sees you staring at the engagement ring.

“Sorry,” you say, snapping out of your shocked stupor as you close the box and put the ring back. “I knocked it off and didn’t think, uh, here’s a clean shirt.”

Tim grabs your hands rather than the shirt, stopping you before you can walk around him.

“I’ve had it for a while,” Tim explains. “I just- I could never find the right time to ask.”

Wiping a tear from your cheek, you press the shirt against Tim’s chest and ask, “Can you get dressed, please?”

“For what?”

“I need a hug, but you’re really wet.”

Tim laughs, changing right beside you before pulling you toward the bed. He rolls onto his side, looking at your face as you reach for him.

“What about the game?” you whisper.

“Who needs a game when I have you?”

“Well, if you’re not using the tv,” you begin, trailing off.

Tim sighs, kissing your cheek as he reaches over you for the remote. He turns on your favorite movie, inviting you to lay against his chest as you cuddle against him.

“Yes,” you say a few minutes later.

“Yes what?” Tim asks, looking down at you.

You pause the movie, rolling toward Tim to look up at him as you lay your chin against his chest. “If you proposed, I would say yes. No matter when or where.”

Tim smiles, and you decide to watch him rather than the movie.

Considering what his proposal may be like, you whisper, “I wish my mom was here.”

“A few months ago, I left to get breakfast, and then I was acting different the rest of the week. Do you remember that?” Tim asks. You nod, and he continues, “I went to see your mom that day. I showed her the ring and asked for her permission to propose. She told me that I had her blessing and she’d love to have me as a son-in-law.”

Tim smiles as he remembers Zoe's excitement after learning about his plans.

“I was going to propose the weekend that – that she died.”

“She loved you,” you remind him as he brushes his thumbs over your cheeks.

“And I love you.”

✯✯✯✯✯

“Get dressed,” Tim whispers in your ear as the movie ends.

“What?”

“Put clothes on. Unless you want to go to dinner wearing that,” Tim replies, gesturing to your well-loved pajamas. “Not that you don’t look beautiful, of course.”

“Move,” you mumble, pushing past him to reach the dresser he emptied for you after the funeral.

As he drives you to dinner, you watch Tim’s profile, feeling like the luckiest, most loved woman ever. He stops at a park, exiting beside a tree covered in fairy lights. Walking to the passenger door, he takes your hand and helps you out of the truck.

“Tim, what is this?” you ask.

“Something I should’ve done before,” he begins, kneeling. He looks into your eyes, reflecting the lights above you as he speaks. When you say yes, crying just as Zoe said you would, Tim stands, pulling you into his arms before sliding the ring onto your finger.

✯✯✯✯✯

“Hi,” you greet, lowering to sit in the grass. You look at the sparkling ring on your finger and smile. “Tim proposed. I- I wouldn’t have seen it coming if I hadn’t found it in the closet.”

The wind blows, wrapping around you like a comforting hug.

“He told me that he went to see you and you gave him your blessing. I know you loved him, and you knew how much I loved him, but… sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve him. He singlehandedly held me together after that day with Cole. And I don’t want to receive more than I give.” Leaning toward the headstone, you read your mother’s name and ask, “What do I do to show him I love him?”

“He knows,” Tim answers, approaching with flowers. “May I join?”

You smile, inviting Tim to sit with you at your mother’s grave. He lays the flowers against her headstone before wrapping his arm around your shoulder.

“What are we talking about?” he asks.

“Us.”

“That’s my favorite topic.”

As you fall back into conversation with your mom, and Tim joins you, you feel like your mom is sitting across from you. With her love and Tim’s, plus all the love you have to give, you know you will be okay. Great even, you think as you lean against Tim, and the sun glints off the ring on your left hand.

[sarahsmi13s]

Just a Little Guidance

whumptober day 6: forced to hurt someone

pairing: tim bradford x reader (oc last name: blake)

characters: tim bradford, y/n blake, zoe andersen, jackson west, john nolan, lucy chen, thane riggs (oc villain)

warnings: 18+ MDNI, language, blood, fighting, stabbing, mentions of SA, being held captive, forced to hurt someone, forced to hurt partner, crying, quitting, if i missed anything please please please let me know

word count: ~1.8k

a/n: this is for whumptober! please please please proceed with caution and use discretion, protect your peace

also if you are on the whump taglist but are not familiar with a character, you can skip it will not hurt my feelings!

also also, i do want to apologize for getting this up late got distracted while writing it so i finished it later than i had hoped

whumptober 2023 masterlist

summary:

You stood in front of Captain Andersen’s desk, hands shaking as you listened to her tell you about everything that would need to happen before you could return to duty. 

Tonguing your split lip, you shook your head. Tears gathered in your eyes as you looked at your trembling, still blood stained, hands as your shield and gun rested in them

How could they let you back to work after everything that happened? Tim was still in the hospital, you got to leave after just a few days. But what you saw, what you and Tim experienced over those two weeks… you couldn’t trust yourself.

“I-I’m sorry Captain… but I can’t,” you said softly, your bruised and busted hands curling around the items in your them.

She tilted her head, “I’m not sure I understand.” 

You sat your shield and gun on her desk, “I’m not coming back… I’m sorry… but I quit.”

Zoe nodded, giving you a sympathetic look as you avoided her eyes. “Is there anything I can do to change your mind?” You shook your head before she was even finished. “No, I’m sorry Captain… but I can’t. I’m quitting, I’ve made up my mind. I’m sorry.”

Without giving her a chance to reply, you turned on your heel and left.

You sat curled up in the hospital chair, just staring at Tim’s unconscious form laying there in the bed.

There were words stuck in your throat. It was like they were coming up sideways, choking you before coming up in broken fragments on your tongue.

What the hell could you say? Tim was laying in a hospital bed because of you. You had put him there. An apology just wouldn’t make that go away. Make what you did go away.

You sat in the uncomfortable chair, picking scabs and prodding at bruises as your mind replayed everything. Never giving you a chance to rest or forget what you did.

“I’m sorry, Tim… I’m so so sorry,” you sobbed, looking down at your blood covered hands. 

“It’s okay, baby,” Tim winced at the way your hands tried to patch him up from the wounds you had put there that day. “You’re doing this to protect yourself and for us to survive. I’m not mad.” 

You shook your head, “I should be stronger than this…” 

“Thane is a fucking psycho, do not put this blame on yourself,” he grunted as he sat up. “Hey, look at me.” You sniffled and looked up, “I’m hurting you, Tim. I shouldn’t hurt you, under any circumstance… even this. I should have let him–”“Don’t say that, don’t you dare say that.” 

“You were ready to take a bullet for me!”

“Because you don’t deserve to die!”“And you do?!”

You panted a little, “I shouldn’t be hurting you… I don’t want to hurt you.” He grabbed your hand, not caring about his own blood slicking up his hand. “I know that, and I can handle it. They’re coming, I know they are. I can hold out until then.” 

“But what if I can’t?”

After that conversation it was eerie silence as you both tried to sleep.

It was hard for you to fall asleep. The copper scent of Tim’s blood on your hands made you sick to your stomach . The substance was sticky and drying to your skin. Thane wasn’t allowing you to wash your hands, letting Tim’s blood dry on your hands in layers.

And when you woke up the next day it was your turn.

You were simply a punching bag. Though Thane would call it a ‘boxing match’. If you won, the next day you wouldn’t have to hurt Tim and you both got a decent meal with fresh water.

But you couldn’t win. 

You had gotten close the first few times. But Thane was an ex-Navy SEAL so he could take you down like it was nothing. And as time went on, you got weak. You didn’t have the energy to put up a decent fight and even give yourself hope. The only reason you still attempted was to keep Tim safe.

That night you sat on the floor with your head down and an arm clutching your side as your ribs ached. 

“I’m sorry,” you said quietly. Tim grunted as he turned to look at you, “Why are you sorry?” You sniffled, “I can’t win…” “You’re not supposed to win. He just likes to give you hope…” 

“I can’t keep doing this Timmy… hurting you, I can’t…” 

“If you don’t-”

“Yeah, I know. But I’m not going to kill you… I couldn’t live with myself if I did.” 

You didn’t give him a chance to respond and just got in your bed and tried to sleep.

The next morning, Thane woke you up with gentle caresses on your face.

“Time to wake up,” he said gently, pulling you up and to your feet. “C’mon we have a big day ahead of us.” 

You whimpered as he pulled you over to a table, gun pressed to your lower back. “Pick your first weapon.”

You shake your head, tears spilling over, “No.” 

Thane growled and pulled harshly on your hair, making you look up at him. “You pick or I do, I won’t tell you again.” The gun digs into your back, “And you won’t like what I pick.”

You gritted your teeth as he pulled your hair harder, “I’m done playing your game. Shoot me.”

“Y/N, it’s okay…” Tim said, but his words were breathy. “I-I can take it.” 

“You hear that? He can take it,” Thane smirked before kissing your forehead. “Pick up the knife.”

“I said, no.”

He growled before slamming your face down on the table.

Tim looked away, jaw clenched as you cried out a little. You don’t blame him, you’d look away too. 

This position hadn’t been unfamiliar. 

Often after those boxing matches, Thane would use your weak state to release other frustrations. 

So you just closed your eyes and braced yourself.

“Oh look at you,” he cooed, his hand rubbing your back. “Mmmm you’ve learned. But right now isn’t about us. It’s about you and Tim. So pick up the knife or I will fuck you as you look your boyfriend in the eyes. Pick. It. Up.”

“Pick up the knife, Y/N…”

“Okay! Okay…”

Thane smirked and pulled you back up to stand. “Good girl.”

Your hand shook as you wrapped your fingers around the blade’s handle. The thought of turning and plunging it into your capture’s stomach flashed in your mind but you knew better. You weren’t fast enough and his trigger finger was quick.

Eyes filling with tears, Thane guided you forward.

“Stab him.”

Your eyes widened and you turned your head to face him. “W-what?”

“You heard me, stab him.”

“That wasn’t-”

“Do it or I'll shoot him in the head.”

You closed your eyes, sobbing as your hands shook violently. “It’s okay Y/N. It’s gonna be okay,” Tim reassured, kissing the top of your head.

But you didn’t believe him.

When it was just cuts or burns, it was easier to believe that he would be okay. But you could see that he was weak. He was shaking from blood loss and he could barely keep his eyes open. His voice was tired and breathy so he desperately tried to put authority in it.

But it wasn’t working.

You shook your head, crying openly as you brought up the knife.

He gritted his teeth and braced himself as you found a spot on his torso and pushed the tip of the blade in.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry,” you whispered tearfully, pulling the knife back out. 

You watch horrified as blood leaks out of the new wound and down his side. You had hurt him, again. It made you feel sick.

Suddenly, Thane’s right in your ear, his eyes on the bare half inch of blood on the blade.

“Oh, come on now. Don’t waste my time,” he growled. He wrapped his arms around you and put his hands on top of yours. 

“No, no please,” you begged through your tears, trying to fight him.

But your resistance was used in Thane’s favor as he used your combined force to plunge the knife into Tim’s stomach.

You gasped, feeling the sickening warm feeling of fresh blood coating your hands.

Tim couldn't hold back his shout of agony, gritting his teeth as tears came to his eyes. 

Thane leaned in, laughing in your ear as you sobbed, “Look at that, seems like all you needed was just a little guidance.” 

You covered your mouth, smearing blood on your face as your eyes stayed unmoving from the knife handle. You could have collapsed to the floor in a sobbing heap if Thane hadn’t had arms around you.

“Ooooh not so fast there Y/N. One’s not going to cut it, sweetheart. Take it out and do it again.”

When you hesitated, Thane took your hands and wrapped them around the handle, “Take it-”

“LAPD DROP YOUR WEAPON AND PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR.”

You sobbed in relief as Thane turned to who you recognized to be John Nolan, Bishop’s rookie.

“Put your weapon down and kick it over to me.” 

Thane followed his instructions, smart enough to know that he was cornered. 

You held Tim’s face, “It’s gonna be okay baby. They’re here, just like you said they would be.”

Tim had been unconscious when you said that, finally succumbing to the pain.

“Officer Blake?”

You jumped at the call of your name, being pulled from your memories as you looked up to see the three rookies. Jackson was the one to address you.

“You don’t have to call me that anymore Officer West…”

He nodded and swallowed, “Right we’re out of uni-”

“No, I quit… I’m not an officer anymore.”

The rookies’ eyes widened and they shared a look when your eyes moved to Tim.

“But you’re great at your-” 

You cut John off, bitterness in your tone, “If I was good at my job he wouldn’t be in this bed…”

You took a breath, finally letting yourself touch him and grabbing Tim’s hand. “I should have been stronger…”

“Thane’s a psychopath, who knows what situation we would be in had you held out longer,” Lucy tried, watching your glass eyes as they looked over Tim. “That doesn’t make you a bad cop…”

“I don’t trust myself… and being a good team requires trust. I can’t go back out onto the street if I do not trust myself, that’s how people get hurt.”

You shook your head, letting it fall between your shoulders. “It took just a little guidance and I plunged a knife into the man I love…”

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[backstagepaige]

“Dear Marco,”

“I propose we keep this act up, I need to prove to someone I don’t like him and you need to get your ex so envious that she’s begging on her knees. What do you say Baby?”I smirked at the way he shifted and he looked out the window before turning to look at me. He extended his hand and said “Deal.”

Not my gif all credit to the owner!!

Warnings: None? Unless you count cursing

Pairing Marco x Reader

Word count:2,715k

Author: @backstagepaige please do NOT repost my work anywhere without elicit permission from myself. This took me a bit to write and I’d appreciate it if credit was given where its due

Authors Note: I actually wrote this for @thevikingsheaux​ 500 Followers Writing Challenge and this is my first one shot I’ve ever posted on tumblr so forgive me for any spelling, grammatical, errors or any errors at all i’m new to this. Also I know Marco isn’t in it much but I was hoping to possibly write a part 2 with more of him and the reader. I hope you all enjoy! I in no way own the idea of “Too all the boys I loved before” This is purely for fun!

Prompt:  “ 9. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before type of situation where the reader’s little sister mails out her love letters to crushes that were never meant to see them”

          “You know you could've just told me you liked me right?” My eyes dragged over to the voice that cut into my conversation.

          “Excuse me?”My brows furrowed as I turned fully to face the soccer captain. Marco tilted his head back and looked at me through hooded eyes. He rolled them and reached into his back pocket pulling out a very familiar green envelope. My back straightened and eyes blown wide as I looked from him to the letter. The question now was do I play stupid or do i just own up to it?

          “I um... Where? When did you get that?” Marco groaned and opened it, unfolding the pink paper inside. And began reading from it loudly, “Congratulations on the big game, I knew you'd be able to pull that last goal off! I’m really sorry about Stacey though”I cut him off by snatching the paper and shoving it in my back pocket. I grasped his forearm and tugged him away from the people I was talking to.

          “Listen I wrote that in high school okay? I was a kid with a crush on the soccer captain, who by the way, Everyone also had a crush on.”I rambled feeling the hair that had fallen out of my ponytail stick to my neck and the heat creeping up my cheeks and into my ears.

          “(Y/N) you do know high school was only a year ago right?” I rolled my eyes and threw my hands in the air. People had begun slowing down to look at us and whisper.

          “Look, Yeah i liked you but you were hung up on Stacey and I knew i stood no chance. So I wrote a letter to get my feelings off my chest and I had no intentions of the letters getting mailed. I knew you didn’t like me... Good luck at the game tomorrow, I gotta go. Bye Marco”I quickly ducked my head and hurried around him.

          How the fuck did he get that? I thought as I glared at the books strewn across the table for four. I groaned rubbing my eyes and laid my head down among the words of the Martindale- Hubbell Law Dictionaries. My head felt thick as I sat up and let it fall to the side, reaching for my phone. No one came to the second floor but I made sure to peek around and make sure the creep of a librarian wasn’t breathing heavy behind a bookshelf. Scrolling through my contacts I hunted my sisters number and tapped on her contact seeing her photo pop up on the screen. I closed some of the books and stacked them as I waited for her to pick up the phone.

          “How’s college whore?”I rolled my eyes as the words flooded my ear. “Just cause i’m in a sorority doesn’t mean i’m sucking off every frat guy. Stop watching porn you brat, it’s ruining college for you”I laughed hearing her gag over the line “First of all, I never wanna hear you say sucking off and porn again, Secondly I prefer the real thing not videos”I squinted my eyes shut and shook my head. “Oh my god moving on, College is fine. How’s home?”I speed, pinching the bridge of my nose and sighing as she laughed. “Good, We all miss you but I miss you the most don’t let them lie to you- Your room is so awesome though (Y/N)”I furrowed my eyebrows and shot up in my seat making the legs of the chair squeal against the hardwood floor surely scratching it. “What are you talking about brat?”Her nickname felt heavy on my tongue as she giggled at something the muffled voices on the other line said. “Well you aren’t here but on the holidays so mom said I could switch rooms with you,”I felt my mouth drop at the betrayal by my mom She promised my room would always be my room no matter what! How rude! I went to speak but she cut me off “You know you had a letters at the bottom of your desk drawer? They were addressed so I figured you meant to mail them and never did so I took the liberty of doing it for you. You’re welcome no need to thank me! But hey I gotta blast and befriend some bad influences- I love you and miss you so much can’t wait to see you” I wanted to yell ‘wait’ but the dial tone cut me off. I stared out the tall windows and watched as people walked across the quad and walked up the stairs to come to the library and only one thing floated around my head.  I’m gonna fucking kill her.

          Zoe was sprawled out on my bed with her head hanging off the edge, Her hair dragging against the floor as she watched me pacing back and forth.

          “Why did I have to be the only kid born with brain cells?” “How many brain cells can you actually have? You’re the one who wrote the addresses on the letters.” I stopped and glared at her opening my mouth to spit something back but decided against it and continued pacing. “For the love of god,”Zoe jumped from the bed and grasped my shoulders turning me to face her and shaking me a bit. “You criminal justice majors and your anxiety. How can you even wanna be a cop?”Zoe laughed continuing “You can’t do anything about it now. Just own up to it and be honest- Who knows, he's single maybe you guys can be the power couple this school needs?”I rolled my eyes before closing them and rubbing the heels of my hands into my sockets harshly.

            “You’re right... Rejection isn’t something I really handle all too well.”I looked down at my hands and picked at the red acrylics. Zoe let me go and took a step back, “I’d never thought of you as the sheepish type. Wolfish? Definitely but sheepish? Not my (Y/N).” My cheeks flared with heat and I tightened my jaw “ I’m not sheepish. You can’t be in my line of career choice. That’s how you end up in a body bag.”I barked watching as Zoes brown eyes rolled behind her lids.

          “You definitely have the dramatics of cop that’s for damn sure” “And you have the attitude of a lawyer”I smirked watching as she spun around slowly her left eye twitching slightly. “Take. That. Back.”Her teeth were gritted and I crossed my arms “What are you gonna do? Strangle me with your fabrics?”She flicked her hair over her shoulder as she answered “Maybe, but you always told me to never kill anyone I know. I’ll settle for bugging you for the rest of your life.” I gasped and placed my hands on my cheeks and shrieked “The horror! I'll take getting strangled by a scarf over that”I laughed as Zoe stuck her tongue out and waving me off as she flopped on her bed.

          “Remind me why we joined a sorority?”She groaned and I crawled onto my bed and laid down. “Because we wanted to experience everything college has to offer even all the coke whores and guys that wear shorter shorts than mine...Plus we got a free pen”I laughed hearing her mumble ‘Fuck frat boys.’ My laughter died down as I saw a facebook message from Alex Hogh Andersen saying ‘I just received the most precarious letter in the mail from home today’ I screamed and threw my phone.

          “I’m so fucked, I’m so fucked, I’m so fucked!”I hissed viscously scrubbing my scalp as the cold water pounded on my scalding skin as I tried to recant the letters I wrote to the three boys. Marco, Alex, and- “Oh god” I reached out of the shower trying to find my phone.

          I quickly dialed my brothers number praying he’d pick up. “(Y/N)? What's wrong?”My 20 year old brother spoke and I sighed “Hey Are you with JP?”I was tapping my foot as the water pounded on my upper back.

          “Yeah? Why?” “Let me speak to him please” there was a pause “Uhm Okay...”I heard him move the phone and a gruff voice came through the phone. “Hey (Y/N/N)” “JP Hi! Uh I have a weird question.”

          “Uh...Go on?” JP spoke and I could just see him rubbing his jaw. “Oh! Sorry uhm How’s Sophie?”I stuttered scratching my neck and turned to make the water hotter.                                                                                                                 “She's good, She and I aren’t exactly seeing each other anymore...”His voice trailed off and I opened my mouth to speak.

          “Uh (Y/N)? You there?” “Yeah yeah I’m sorry I spaced out...” “Of course you did, How’s College?”I scoffed and babbled on “No no no you are not changing the subject! What happened? You two were engaged!”I turned the water off and reached for my towel pressing the phone between my shoulder and cheek. I wrapped the towel around me as JP spoke, “She thought I was cheating- Hey Cam I’ll be right back”I heard JP matter as I stepped out of the shower.

          “What that's insane! You would never-”JP cut me off and spat “Why’d you send me that letter (Y/N)?” “Jordan I promise you that letter was never meant to be mailed for Gods sake I wrote it before you and Sophie even dated! Yeah I may have written another when you when you got engaged but Jordan I’ll call Soph right now and talk to her”I was pacing again as the words fell  of my tongue.

          “Why didn’t you just tell me? I told you everything!” Oh he was mad mad. “It’s not easy telling your brothers best friend that you cared for him! Jordan I’m sorry” I felt like my throat was closing up as I let the lid drop on the toilet and slump down on it. I rubbed my forehead and took a deep breath trying to control my breathing “I like you (Y/N). See it’s not that hard?”I froze at his words and pulled the phone away from my ear to make sure I was still on the phone.

          “Jordan I... I... I’m seeing someone.”I blurted and covered my mouth from spewing anymore word vomit. “Well then... I guess this is gonna be weird then”I jumped as a knock resonated through the room. I heard Zoe yell that she’ll get it and I slowly stood up opening the bathroom door. I let my hand fall from my ear, Seeing Jordan and Cam standing in the doorway and Jordan ended the call “Hey” I whispered as Cam ran up and hugged me.

          “We have a mixer tonight you guys are more than welcome to come but if anyone asks, you're with the VP of Sisterhood Event Planning and you're here to make sure no one breaks the rules; basically security,” I brushed my hair stepping out of the bathroom. “I gotta run to my professor's office and turn in my case and reports, I shouldn’t be more than thirty minutes to an hour.” I rambled as I walked to my desk and gathered the papers looking back to the boys as they slumped on my bed.

          “Xbox remotes are in the bedside drawer and help yourself to what’s in the mini fridge” Zoe jumped in saying “Not my stuff though” “Well duh.”I sighed shaking my head and starting to stuff my binders in my bag and hugging everyone, “Be good, Don’t! Flirt with sisters either!”I scolded pointing a finger at both the boys before closing the door.

          After dropping off the reports and case work I walked out to the field to see the boys scrimmage, I looked for a ponytail and a yellow band on someone’s right arm. When a couple of the guys saw me they smiled and waved, I waved and walked further onto the field.

          “Hey boys, Where’s your captain?”I asked as Jaxon stood up and threw an arm around my shoulders bumping his head with mine.

          “There’s our favorite photographer! Where ya been love?” He asked “Busy, You know i’ve been picking up cases for Crane. The internship isn’t helping with all the reports they're slapping me with... Where’s Marco?”I repeated raising an eyebrow and crossing my arms.

          “Under the bleachers with some redhead. Lacy or something” “Stacey”I stated matter of factly looking to the bleachers on the other side of the field.

          “That’s it! He stopped the scrimmage so it must be important, especially with the season starting tomorrow”  I nodded and ducked under Jaxon’s arm and throwing a hand in the air. “Hope to see you guys at the mixer tonight!”I shouted taking long strides to the bleachers.

          As I got closer to the bleachers I heard shouting, I knew better than to eavesdrop but i’m only human- of course i’m gonna do it.

          “What was the whole point of this Stacey huh? It wasn’t enough to dump me before championships last year; Now you come and tell me you want me back? For what?”Never in my life had I heard Marco yell so loud. “I... I miss you Mar...”and never did I think i’d hear Stacey Ross sound so weak. “No you don’t, I bet your little sugar daddy dumped you and you can’t be alone so here you are trying to ring me back in well guess what Stac?” I jogged around into their line of sight “M! There you are!”I exclaimed happily running up to him and wrapping my arounds around his waist.

          “Thought you said scrimmage was over at three?”I asked softly turning my back to Stacey and winking at him. “Yeah, Well it got interrupted”He spoke shakily raising an eyebrow. I turned and saw Stacey's eyes widen, “Oh my god Stacey Ross! Look at you!”I let him go and took a few steps closer to her. “You look like a hundred bucks! I just wanna thank you real quick, If you hadn’t broken up with M, He and I would've never taken the chance to be together! So thank you. Marco here must’ve spaced and forgotten our coffee date at 3:30”I cooed looking back at him and sticking my hand out for him to take, He grasped it softly and I gently pulled him away.

          When we were out of ear shot I whispered “Just go along with it and I’ll buy you a coffee”Marco looked at me stunned but nodded anyway squeezing my hand a little bit. As we rounded the bleachers I shouted at the team, “Sorry guys I gotta steal your Captain for a bit- Grayson take over yeah?”The blonde boy bobbed his head and stood up.

          I looked at Marco and squeezed his hand seeing him look backwards at the bleachers. “What the fuck was that?”Marco barked as soon as we got in my car.

          “Hey watch your tone! I just saved you from the claws of that demon! You know you would’ve taken her back and she would’ve gone back to UF and fucked the first professor she could open her legs for!”I snapped turning the car on and twisting to face him.

           “She transferring (Y/N)”My eyes dropped to my lap. “Oh... Well”I started laughing and covered my mouth. “I wanna make her work for it.”My eyes flicked on the lips that just spoke those words.

           “I can help with that, I need help anyway that's why i'm here”I softly spoke turning my head to face him fully. “I propose we keep this act up, I need to prove to someone I don’t like him and you need to get your ex so envious that she’s begging on her knees. What do you say Baby?”I smirked at the way he shifted and he looked out the window before turning to look at me. He extended his hand and said “Deal.”

[fluentmoviequoter]

Keep Living with Us

Part 2 of Keep Living with Me | Requested Here!

Pairing: Tim Bradford x fem!Anderson!cop!reader

Summary: After the death of your mother and getting engaged to Tim Bradford, you take another step in life.

Warnings: fluff, brief angst, mentions of parental death (Zoe Andersen), pregnancy

Word Count: 1.8k+ words

Picture from Pinterest

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

“What about those?” Tim asks, pointing at another page in the magazine before you.

You hum before turning the page. Tim pulls his hand away from your lap before gently removing the magazine from your hands. He raises an open palm to your cheek and gently turns your face to his.

“What’s wrong?”

“I don’t want to answer any questions unless they’re asked under fairy lights,” you murmur.

Tim notices that your eyes aren’t quite to his. The past few months have been hard, but you’ve been able to move on and take your life back from the man who murdered your mother. Thanks in no small part to Tim and his constant presence by your side.

“That proposal spoiled you,” he muses. “I knew I should have asked you in those ratty old pajamas.”

“You said I look beautiful in those pajamas.”

“And you do. You don’t have to talk to me about it if you don’t want to, but don’t hold it all inside.”

“I just- planning a wedding is hard, but I always thought I’d be doing it with her. My mom was in every idea and dream I had of my future. Now she’s gone. Even looking at bridal magazines makes me miss her more.”

Tim leans forward and kisses your forehead. He loves you and has reminded you that life is worth living, and the loss and grief you feel do get better, though it never goes away.

“I have a question for you,” you murmur against his palm.

Tim looks up before he clicks his tongue. “No fairy lights.”

“Will you go dress shopping with me? You don’t have to see the dress or anything, but I want you there.”

“Of course. I’m great at picking wedding dresses; ask Angela.”

“Thank you.”

Tim hasn’t said you’re welcome in weeks, always saying, “I love you” instead. Just as he does now.

“I love you more.”

“Knock, knock,” Wade calls through the curtain separating your bridal suite.

“Come in,” you call.

“Wow,” he compliments as he enters. “You look beautiful.”

“Don’t make me cry this makeup off.”

Wade chuckles before asking to speak privately. Your bridal party, including Angela and Lucy, excuse themselves, and you take Wade’s hand as he leads you to sit on the settee.

“I know what you just said about crying, but I have something for you.” He pulls an envelope from his blazer pocket and taps it against his hand. “Your mom was a planner and a good one. She, uh, wrote you this letter and gave it to me in case anything ever happened to her. Actually, she wrote you a different letter, and replaced it with this one a week or so before everything happened.”

You take the envelope carefully, tearing up at the sight of your mom’s handwriting on the front.

“I’ll leave you to read it, but it’s a big day, and you deserve to know that your mom loved you.”

“Can you stay? Please,” you say as he stands.

Wade nods and returns to his seat. He watches you as you remove the letter and read it. When your eyes reach the bottom of the paper, you look away quickly and wipe under your eyes with the pads of your thumbs.

“Can you find Tim?” you ask with a sniffle. “I need to talk to him.”

“I can. He’s not seeing that pretty dress, though.”

You stand after Wade leaves and pace the bridal suite. It’s less than three minutes later when Tim steps through the curtain. Finding it impossible not to, you laugh at him.

“This was Wade’s idea,” he grumbles.

Tim raises his arms, and you take his hands with another laugh.

“Whose tie is that?” you ask.

“Wesley’s. Can’t you tell from the quality silk?”

Tim uses your joined hands to pull you closer, and he lowers his voice to ask if you’re alright.

“Wade gave me a note from my mom. She talked about you and how happy we were together. Uh, the last line was that our life together would be twice a life.”

“You sound like you’re about to cry,” Tim says. “Please don’t. If you start crying, I have to take the tie off.”

“Just hug me, Tim,” you demand.

Tim happily pulls you into his arms and kisses the top of your head. In parallel to the night after the funeral, Tim holds you close and whispers promises that everything will be okay and you’re never alone. When he adds that he loves you and he can’t wait to be your husband, you choke on a cry.

“Don’t,” you say as his hands move to the tie. “I’m okay. You- you can go now.”

“Oh, great,” Tim groans as he turns away. “Now it’s my turn to cry when you walk down the aisle in the perfect dress.”

The moment you step into Tim’s sight at the end of the aisle, tears build in his eyes. Though it’s Wade at your side, you feel your mom’s presence, too. It’s as if she is right beside you and cheering you on the entire walk down the aisle.

“You’re perfect,” Tim whispers as he takes your hand.

You shake your head, but Tim squeezes your hand to reiterate his point.

“The dress is perfect,” you reply with a smile.

Tim picked it for you to try on and it ended up being your favorite. The surprise on his face when he first saw it was just as amazing as you anticipated. Now, at the altar before all your closest friends and those who have become family, you know that you’re living again, and nothing can take the life you have built with Tim.

“I love you,” Tim mouths as the crowd takes their seats.

“I love you more,” you reply silently.

“Hi,” you greet.

“Watch your step,” Tim chides as his hands move to your hips. “This is harder than it looks.”

“Sorry.”

Tim moves the bouquet into the crook of his elbow before taking your hands. The sun has set, and only ambient light illuminates the trail before you.

“Hi again,” you start over. “We got married, Mom.”

“Thanks to you,” Tim adds.

You don’t sit down, too worried about grass stains on your reception dress. Tim seems to understand why you stop farther back. He steps forward and sets the flowers at the base of the headstone before returning to your side.

“It was your daughter’s idea to give you her bouquet,” Tim says.

“And it was your son-in-law’s idea to do it before we left. Everything that I am and have is thanks to you, Mom. I miss you like crazy, but I know you’re with me everywhere I go.”

“She loved you,” Tim murmurs against your shoulder.

“She loved you, too,” you tell him. “We’re going on our honeymoon. I know you would’ve given me a hard time about the time off, but you’d also be happy for me. I love you, Mom.”

You turn away and smile at Tim. He nods before kissing you and whispering, “I’ll catch up.” When you’re out of earshot, he squats and says, “I will treat her better than you ever thought I would. Thank you for letting me be your son-in-law, Zoe.”

Four months after you return from your honeymoon, you walk into the Mid-Wilshire Station; not for work, but to visit Tim on your day off. Your smile is wide, and even Smitty notices your contagious excitement.

“Tim!” you call when you see him.

“Hi,” he greets as he turns to meet you. “What are you doing here?”

“I have something to show you. Can we go somewhere private?”

“Ooh,” Smitty interjects before pursing his lips.

“I would gladly go somewhere away from him,” Tim agrees.

He leads you into an empty break room before looking you over. Other than your growing smile, you look the same as you did when he left this morning.

“Here,” you say, passing him a small box.

Tim raises his brows before removing the lid. The small plastic stick inside causes him to freeze, and he slowly puts the lid back on and sets it down before cupping your face between his hands.

“We’re pregnant?” he asks softly.

You nod, and your smile falters for a moment before Tim’s smile grows to match yours. He pulls you into a kiss before wrapping his arms around your waist and spinning you around. As you gasp in surprise and excitement, you know that this is the life your mom and Tim talked about.

“What is happening in here?” Angela asks as she opens the door.

You nod at Tim, and he says, “We’re having a baby.”

“You’re pregnant?!” “Who’s pregnant?” Lucy asks from outside. She sees you and squeals before joining your hug with Angela. “Ooh, can I do your gender reveal party?”

“Not without me,” Angela answers.

“You’re not arguing with me, Tim. What’s wrong?”

“I can’t find a single thing wrong with this moment,” Tim admits as he pulls you into another hug.

“You really didn’t know about this?” Tim asks again.

“No! Just shoot it, Tim!” you cheer before placing your headphones on again.

Tim levels the gun in his hands before aiming at the target. A shooting range gender reveal sounded like the perfect idea, and you were happy to let Tim do the honors. As he pulls the trigger, you hold your breath for the millisecond it takes to hit the target.

The packet behind the target erupts and turns the range pink. You cheer before Tim picks you up and yells in excitement. He sets you down and kisses you before running his hands over your bump, where your daughter is healthy and growing.

“We’re having a girl,” he whispers in awe.

“I love you,” you reply.

You’re pulled apart by your friends, but the joy of everyone around you only increases your happiness.

The night after the gender reveal, you find yourself lying beside Tim, with your head on his chest as you watch your most recent ultrasound.

“Look at her little hands,” you coo. “She’s perfect.”

“Hey,” Tim says. You ignore him to point out something else. “We should name her Zoe.”

You sit up quickly, momentarily forgetting that you have a bump to impede your movements. Tim moves to accommodate your new position and smiles at the look on your face.

“What?” you ask.

“We should name her Zoe. Your mom got us here, and honoring and remembering her like that would- I think it’s a good idea.”

“It’s a great idea,” you agree. “Tim, thank you. For everything.”

“Of course.”

“No, you don’t know; you can’t imagine how much you and our relationship… how much you’ve done for me and what it means. I can’t thank you enough or tell you that I love you enough.”

“I love you more,” Tim says.

You smile wetly as tears gather in your eyes. Tim pulls you against his chest and restarts the ultrasound recording. When he whispers again that he loves you, your baby kicks. At this moment, you can’t imagine how different things would be without Tim, or if you had given up and stopped living. You’ll never know because of Tim Bradford.