Archive of Our Own ^beta

Lucy and Tim were having lunch at the food trucks and Lucy was concerned about him, given everything that had gone down with Ashley recently.

“Hey how are you doing?” Lucy asks concerned, referring to his recent break up with Ashley.

“Surprisingly, I’m OK. It was two days ago but I’m not torn up about it” Tim says honestly.

“Cool, are we still on for Mark’s birthday party on Saturday?” Inquires Lucy.

“Sure” he mumbles. Lucy picks up on his lack of interest.

“I understand if you don’t want to go, there’s a lot of history there” she says as she bites into a pickle.

“No, it’s fine. Isabel and I are both adults and I’m happy for her, really. Plus Murray’s a good guy” he says truthfully.

“I’m proud of you” she beams happily at him.

“I’m thrilled” he says in his trademark training officer voice.

~~~

When they arrive back at division just before the end of their shift, Mark Murray was waiting for them.

“Hey Sarge, what’s up?” asked Lucy as they walked up to him.

“Isabel received two nasty messages today, it doesn’t take a genius to work out who it was” Murray snap’s at Tim.

“Hey before you jump the gun there Murray, you need actual—evidence, before you accuse people” Tim quips.

“I should’ve known better” Murray blurts out. “You just care about your girlfriend, to hell with everyone else.” He shakes his head in disgust.

“No, that’s not it” Tim argues.

“That’s not fair Mark, Tim broke up with Ashley, two days ago” said Lucy defending her friend.

Mark looked at him in surprise. “Really?”

“Yes I broke up with her. It might be Ashley, but it could also be a drug dealer that she pissed off, someone who recognized her from undercover work, or an unwanted admirer” explained Tim.

Mark sighs. “I guess you’re right. I am just...” Mark trails off.

“Protective, I know” Tim finishes for him, smiling softly.

“Right anyway, will you guys look into this?” Mark pleads with them.

Before Lucy can respond, Tim beats her to it. “We will. We might be divorced but I still care about her” Tim tells Mark.

“I know you do. Thanks. I will stop by sometime for an update” he says gratefully. Then he takes his leave, leaving Tim and Lucy alone.

Tim turns to see Lucy smiling, beaming actually. “What?” He questions her.

“You always surprise me, Tim Bradford.”

~~~

The next day, Lucy had the day off and had arranged to meet Isabel for lunch. Tamara, being Tamara gatecrashed the lunch, wanting to meet Tim’s ex-wife for herself. As Lucy approached the table she apologized to her friend for Tamara gatecrashing.

“I’m sorry about this Iz, this is Tamara. She just had to come and meet Tim’s ex wife” she says, glaring playfully at the teen.

“What?” Tamara says defensively. “Zaddy was a total ass when we met him, I just want to meet the woman who was brave enough to marry grumpy Dadford.”

Isabel laughs at the teenager. “It’s fine Luce, really. Although, I do have a couple of questions. Zaddy? And Dadford?”

“That’s just what Tamara calls Tim—to tease him” explains Lucy.

“Oh I see” replies Isabel.

“So, how are you Isabel?” Asked Tamara curiously, trying to break the ice.

“I’m good thank you. Lucy tells me that you are in college. How is that going?” Asked the blonde.

“Lots and lots of work. But not so long ago, it seemed like it was impossible to even think about college.” Admits Tamara.

“Why?” Asked Isabel curiously.

Well I used to live on the streets, until I stole a car that belonged to a cop” says Tamara shyly.

“Oh wow, that’s how you both met?” Isabel assumes.

Lucy and Tamara nod to the blonde.

“It’s crazy how life works sometimes” Isabel exclaims in awe.

~~~

Saturday night

Tim being the gentleman that he was, he picked Lucy up for Mark’s party.
He knocked on the door softly and the teenager opened the door.

‘Of course she’s going to give me shit.’ He groaned to himself.’

“Hey Dadford” she says fondly.

“Tamara, how are you?” He asks the girl, softly.

“Good. I met the former Mrs. Dadford yesterday, she’s nice. Ashley was a major downgrade.” The teenager replies, brutally honest as always.

Tim groans In annoyance. “Are you like this with everyone or is it something special just for me?”

“I can’t reveal all of my secrets Dadford, It’s all part of my brand” she teases.

“Where is Lucy?” He wonders out loud.

“Still finishing up. You’re a lucky guy. She is ‘SMOKIN’ The girl tells him.

Just then Lucy steps into the room, wearing a gold dress—that was backless. Tim almost forgets to breathe. Tamara nudges him on the arm. “See I told you.”

Before he can respond, Lucy starts talking.

“Are you ready to go?” Asked Lucy.

Tim nods, not able to get his voice to cooperate.

~~~

Isabel welcomes them inside to the party, where there was only a few people there as it was still early. “Lucy that dress is awesome” the blonde says with a smirk. Then Isabel shoots Tim a knowing look.

“Thank you” replies Lucy.

“Well have fun. I’ll be back, I have to go to mingle” Isabel tells them.

Tim turns to Lucy. “I’m sorry that I didn’t mention it earlier but you look stunning” he tells her, making Lucy blush like a schoolgirl.

“Thanks, you look very nice too—handsome boy” says Lucy, smirking mischievously.

He smiles at her compliment. “Would the lady like a drink?” He offers politely.

“Yes please, a beer” she tells him.

“OK, I’ll be right back.”

Then Lucy admires Mark and Isabels home while she waits for Tim to return with their drinks.

~~~

Tim sees Mark at the drinks table. “Hey Murray! Happy birthday” Tim says genuinely.

“Thanks man, I’m glad that you came. It means a lot, to both of us” Mark says truthfully. “Any progress on those notes?”

“Afraid not, sorry. Our CSI team is backed up but it’s their first order of business come Monday” Tim assures him.

“I probably shouldn’t be even talking about it right now. What can I get you?” Mark asked him.

“Can I get a couple of beers?” Said Tim politely.

“Sure. Did you come with Lucy?” Mark questions intrigued. “She’s really great, you’re both really great together. Now that you’re single, you should make a move” Mark suggests.

“We work together. It’s complicated” replies Tim, feeling slightly awkward.

“So un-complicate it. Life is too short man.”

~~~

As Tim walked back to Lucy, he sees a guy, trying to hit on her—badly. He walks up and hands her the beer. “Here you go babe” he says sliding his arm around her waist, staking his claim.

The guy stutters. “I-I’m sorry man, I di—didn’t know that she was taken” then he scurries off.

Lucy turns in his arms. “You’re evil Tim Bradford” she says amused.

“Come on Luce. He’s not the right guy for you” Tim says matter of factly.

“Really? Who is?” Asks Lucy curiously.

“Me” Tim blurts out. Lucy looks up at him in surprise. Then Tim swoops down and places a bruising kiss on her lips. Which she happily returns.

~~~

Across the room Mark and Isabel observe the little display.
“Finally, Isabel exclaims. They have been dancing around each other for weeks.”

“Wow, Mark says not quite believing his eyes. Maybe we should have them over for dinner. Unless that would be too weird for you.”

Isabel looks at him in surprise. “I’m just taken aback that you’re suggesting it.”

“Why? I like Lucy and I like Tim. No need to over complicate things” he says truthfully.

“Thanks for being the most understanding boyfriend” Isabel smiles, giving Mark a soft kiss on the lips. “I’ll call Lucy tomorrow.”