Chapter Text
“You will never know how much I appreciate the kindness you've shown me. And I will spend the rest of my life trying to pay it back in whatever small doses you allow.”
Whatever small doses you allow was the phrase Lucy repeated in her mind as she walked out of the elevator after her conversation with Tim that fateful day. Lucy had been questioning how Tim was able to let go of their relationship so easily, but it wasn’t until they talked in the shop and the elevator that it had hit her. Tim still loved her. He just had so much unresolved trauma; he didn’t feel worthy of her love.
Lucy decided at that moment to run after Tim. He implied that he would do things on her terms and Lucy was ready to take a step forward. She had caught up to Tim and asked him to talk. He agreed and they drove separately to his house. Tim ordered them dinner and they sat on the couch opposite one another and talked, really talked.
Tim explained how he felt he wasn’t worthy of love due to his past and he wanted to save Lucy from him. Lucy explained how hurt she was because he made the decision for her without considering her feelings. Tim apologized repeatedly and reiterated how once again he would spend the rest of his life repaying her back in small doses. Lucy told him that the small doses would be appreciated but she wanted more. She wanted the good, the bad, and the ugly. Tim agreed, and from there, everything flourished.
Tim and Lucy found themselves a therapist (one who wasn’t a dirty psycho thank you very much). They worked hard in therapy, both together and separate. Tim learned how to deal with his trauma and learned how deserving of love he is. He realized how his decision to break up with Lucy may have seemed noble to him, but to Lucy it showed that he was ready to give up on them. Lucy worked through her anxiety and fears of abandonment and disappointment. Together, they learned how to properly communicate through any issues and how to lessen the fear of the other leaving.
Tim kept his promise of small doses throughout their healing journey. It started with bringing Lucy coffee to work and fixing the flat tire on her car. Then bringing her medicine and soup when she got sick. He bought Lucy flowers for their last first date and took her out for dinner. The gestures and therapy combined with their love for one another brought them back together.
Tim and Lucy still go to therapy monthly even though their relationship was stronger than ever. It’s a healthy way for them to talk about any work stressors or problems they might have. One thing they learned in their sessions is that they cannot just dwell on the past. They worked hard to heal, and they deserve every good thing that comes their way. After all, they were worth the risk.
Tim proposed a year later, and the next chapter of their lives was about to begin. Tim still found himself apologizing for the breakup at random moments, but Lucy would remind him that all was forgiven, and it made them stronger. That’s when Tim and Lucy came up with a phrase to remind themselves of how far they have come. A phrase they repeat whenever something good happens or something bad. A phrase that reminds them of how strong their love is. Tim and Lucy loved to look at each other and say, “The Future is Ours.”
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Tim wakes up one morning to Lucy curled into his side. He takes a deep breath and inhales her scent. He shifts slightly as Lucy stirs beside him. He places a soft kiss on her hair and pulls her closer.
“I can’t believe I get to wake up to this every day,” Tim whispers.
“Babe we’ve been married for almost two years,” Lucy responds sleepily, patting Tim’s cheek. “Let us enjoy these last few minutes before our alarm rings.”
Tim laughs and pulls Lucy even closer. “We can do that Luce.”
A few minutes later, Lucy’s alarm goes off and she grumbles as she turns it off. She feels Tim unwrap his arms from around her and moves to get off the bed. “Where are you going?” she pouts. “You’re warm. Come back.”
Tim laughs as he stretches. “Well, I was going to ask if you wanted to join me in the bathroom before Tamara comes over for breakfast, but I guess I’ll just shower alone...”
Tim barely got to finish his sentence before Lucy jumps out of bed and makes her way to Tim. “I guess you convinced me.”
Tim laughs as he grabs Lucy’s wrist and leads her into the bathroom. Knowing Tamara will let herself into the house with breakfast, Tim closes the door behind them. He leans down slightly and kisses Lucy softly. “Good morning Mrs. Bradford.”
Lucy kisses Tim back. “Very good morning, Mr. Bradford.”
*****
Showered, dressed, and ready for the day, Tim and Lucy emerge from their bedroom to find Tamara waiting with coffee and an assortment of bagels. Kojo is at her feet, while she’s pouring the coffee as the couple make their way to the kitchen island.
“Morning lovebirds,” Tamara says as Tim pulls her into a quick side hug. He sits down on a stool, while Lucy pulls Tamara in for a tight hug. Despite having not lived together for a few years now, the two were still very close.
“Good morning,” Tim responds, taking a sip of coffee.
“Morning T,” Lucy says. “How are studying for finals going?”
“Better now that you guys offered your house for me to use!” Tamara smirks.
Lucy laughs as Tim rolls his eyes. “What happened to asking?” he asks with a sly smile.
“What my dear husband is trying to say,” Lucy says, swatting Tim’s arm. “Is that you’re more than welcome to study here.”
“Luce, she knows that” Tim says rolling his eyes again. “It’s called a joke baby.”
Tim and Lucy playfully bicker for a minute while Tamara looks on and laughs.
“It’s good to see you laugh Lucy,” Tamara says sincerely. “Your spark is coming back.”
Lucy smiles at the younger woman. “It is. I’m finally feeling like myself again.”
Tamara leans across the island and squeezes Lucy’s hand softly as Tim wraps his arm around Lucy. They stay like that for a minute before Lucy nudges them off and declares how hungry she is. Tim and Tamara laugh as the three of them start to eat. They make small talk as they enjoy their breakfast. Soon after, the couple bids Tamara good luck on her studies and head out to work. It was one of the rare days were Tim and Lucy were able to ride in together.
Once they get to the station, Tim and Lucy walk in hand in hand, making their way to the front of the men’s locker room. They share a quick, chaste kiss before pulling away from each other. “Be safe out there, Sergeant Bradford,” Lucy says.
“Be safe out there, Detective Bradford,” Tim responds.
That exchange has become part of their daily ritual and everyone who hears them thinks it’s adorable. Tim and Lucy go their separate ways, with plans to meet in Tim’s office after their shift. Knowing today would be busy, they opted to have lunch separately and have a date night after work.
Later that night, after they got home from a relaxing dinner date, Tim and Lucy are cuddling on the couch, watching Top Chef. Tim looks down at Lucy and kisses her on her temple. She looks at him with a confused expression and Tim smiles and kisses her again.
“Everything okay, babe?” Lucy asks.
“More than okay Lu. Just thinking about how lucky I am that you’re in my life and about this morning,” Tim responds.
Lucy shifts slightly so she can look up at Tim easier. “What about this morning?” she asks.
“What you told Tamara. I don’t want to push you and I will never pressure you, but your comment made me curious…” Tim trails off, not knowing how to proceed.
Lucy understands what Tim was getting at. She grabs his hand and squeezes it reassuringly. “I know baby,” she says. “I’m ready to revisit the idea of fostering but not…” She trails off and takes a deep breath. “…if you’re okay with that?”
Tim smiles. “Of course! We can have Angela and Wesley over for dinner with Wade and Luna to make sure all our information is up to date and iron out any details needed.”
Lucy’s eyes shine. “I can’t wait baby. The future is ours.”
Tim leans down and kisses Lucy again. “The future is ours,” he agrees.
Lucy snuggles deeper into Tim, and they enjoy a quiet evening, enjoying each other and Kojo’s company. The future was indeed theirs, however nothing could prepare them for what was coming next.