Work Text:
Lucy Chen could be described in a myriad of ways.
Strong.
Sunshine.
Fighter.
Protector.
Survivor.
Sergeant.
That last one could still give her a prickle of goosebumps whenever a “Sergeant Chen” echoed through the Mid-Wilshire station.
There was one adjective that sometimes got overlooked, but was deeply intertwined into who she was.
Sentimental.
Strong as she may be, she still knew how to feel things deeply. Lucy understood the necessity of fully processing life’s transitions, of recognizing their magnitude and appreciating all the memories attached. It was a blessing and a curse.
And maybe she didn’t get it right all the time, such as when a certain love of her life walked away, leaving her so blindsided she couldn’t process anything for a while.
Fortunately, after giving herself lots of time, there was healing. The magnetic force that had pulled her to him so long ago never diminished in power. She couldn’t escape it if she tried; the love for him overflowed despite the pain. The truth was she never wanted to escape it. She knew there wouldn’t be anyone else for her out there; she just had to regain her trust in him. It took a lot of work, but she eventually got there.
And now? It was even better than before. No more walking on eggshells or brushing topics off. She and Tim were more honest, a raw, beautiful honesty that left her pinching herself most days at how much she was loved, and how much she loved him.
So after a few weeks of nightshifts and a lot of talks, when he asked her to move in (the second time he’d asked as she’d later found out), it was the easiest question she’d ever answered.
But dismantling the apartment that had seen her through the best and worst times of her life? That was a different story.
Tim had assured her there was no rush. “Take as much time as you need. It’s a big adjustment, and we can go as slow as you want,” he’d said as they’d cuddled in Tim’s bed, soon to be their bed. He’d kissed her temple, and she’d felt more content than she had in months.
“And if I don’t want to go slow?” she’d said, smirking.
Tim had grinned. “Then we get to start our next chapter even sooner.”
Lucy had giggled at that. “You have become such a romantic. It’s so adorable.”
“I’m not adorable.”
“Oh, but you are, and I’m gonna show you just how adorable you are.”
Lucy smiled at the memory as she ran her hand along the wall of her now-empty bedroom. It was one final walkthrough before heading over to Tim’s…their…house.
As it turns out, it ended up taking weeks to clean out and pack up her life, deciding what should be put in storage, and what furniture pieces could be left for Celina…and Miles, her new roommate. Night shifts and overtime diminished the chances of getting much done.
Through it all, she found herself frequently choked with emotion, shedding many tears as she was assaulted with all the memories that had taken place in this room: trying on every dress she had for her first date with Tim, Jackson giving her the St. Michael pendant after her parents had shown no support for her career, her first time sleeping with Tim.
She found herself overcome once more as she stepped into the mostly empty living room, tears rolling down as she let herself remember movie nights with Jackson, and then with Tamara. There was the night Tamara had interviewed her, Nyla, and June, and it had left her feeling so empowered. Then the way her lips had tingled for so long after she and Tim had kissed under the umbrella of undercover, where kisses weren’t supposed to feel like lightning, yet theirs had.
As she stood there, she let each memory wrap around her, stitching itself together with the others like a blanket. And while she knew she would be back to visit as long as Celina lived here, it would never be quite the same.
She was aware of his presence right before she felt his arms gently wrap around her from behind. “Luce?” he whispered.
“I’m ok, Tim, really, just feeling everything.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t realize this would be so hard for you. I hate that this is hurting you. If you need more time….”
Lucy shook her head, quickly turning around in his hold to face him. Her hands cupped his cheeks. “No, no. I don’t want you to misunderstand. I mean, yes, I am sad to leave, but Tim, I am so ready to move in with you. I’ve been ready. It’s more than that, but I’m not sure if I can explain.”
Tim dipped his chin and gave her what she called his puppy eyes, and she wondered if he was even aware of how powerful they were. “Try? For me?”
She sniffled. “I will always treasure the memories I have rooming with Celina, Tamara, and…Jackson, but that’s not what’s overwhelming me. It’s the memories with you here, because it was while I was living here that you…you became my home. We had so many firsts here, and they were all pieces that built something bigger: us. The two of us together, in any place, that’s home to me now, but it’s still sad to leave where these events actually happened.”
Tim leaned in to kiss her, a soft, sweet kiss that let Lucy feel all his reassurance and love. She felt relaxed and at peace, the overwhelming memories subsiding a bit for now. This adjustment was going to take time, but she knew it was worth it, because they were worth it. They’d fought and clawed their way back to each other, step by painful step, and they were never letting each other go again.
When they broke apart, he kept his forehead resting against hers. “You’re my home, too, maybe the only real home I’ve ever known. You’ve been my safe place longer than I’d ever realized it. No house has ever done that for me, but as long as you’re with me, I’m good.”
Her breath caught. Transparent Tim was seriously addictive. She couldn’t get enough of him.
“I’m good, too. I promise.”
“And hey, I’ll reminisce with you whenever you want. A lot of my best memories have been with you anyway. It’ll be nice to revisit them.”
She couldn’t help herself. “Like the time I stole your money clip?”
“Well….”
“Or left booties in your locker?”
“Lucy….”
“Or gave you a powder bomb?”
“Why are we together?”
“Because you looove me.”
He grinned, giving her a quick peck. “Oh yeah, that’s why.”
She sighed happily, giving the apartment one more thorough look, feeling grateful for the years here, but more than excited to start her forever with Tim.
Feeling his hand securely find hers, she heard him say near her ear, “You think you’re ready now?”
She grinned up at him. “So ready. Take me home, Tim.”