𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬↠The Rookie

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓮𝓷

"Realistically we don't need a new bathtub," Dolly spoke as she took a sip of her drink before taking a bite of the pasta on the plate in front of her.

The two were seated in a restaurant across from each other, the pair having their first romantic based outing since they had gotten back together.

Tim nodded in agreement with the statement but then hesitated. "But..." he started to say, before stopping himself and then just taking a bite of his meal instead.

"But maybe it would be nice to have a clawfoot tub, gives us a bit more space," Dolly defended before reaching over to wipe some leftover sauce off of his lip.

Tim smiled at the gesture and then shrugged slightly. "Sure, and we could buy a lot more expensive towels while we're at it." He took another bite of his meal, not wanting to argue.

"Maybe I will," She shrugged, looking around the restaurant.

Tim raised an eyebrow, not realizing that she was joking. "Come on," he said with a chuckle, "No towels over five bucks, okay?"

"The only towels you use are the ones my dad got us for our wedding," Dolly tilted her head, "Why don't you just use the new ones?"

Tim shook his head, trying not to smile. "I like the old ones. They're comfortable."

"They're ancient," She proclaimed as he took her hand and intertwined their fingers.

He continued to smile at the gesture and sighed with contentment. "They're just perfectly worn-in, is all."

"Oh my god, is that John, Lucy and Jackson?" Dolly spoke up as she looked over Tim's shoulder.

Tim turned his head and immediately spotted them. He then leaned into Dolly, getting closer so he could speak quieter. "Yeah, that's them for sure."

"Why are you hiding," Dolly bit back a wide grin as his face moved closer to hers.

Dolly could feel Tim's breath as he spoke. "Well, you know..." he started, "I'd just rather not have to bother with small talk."

"Hey John," Dolly waved the group over, "What a shock it is to see you three here."

John turned his head upon hearing the sound of Dolly's voice. He then walked over with Jackson and Lucy, both of whom looked just as surprised. "Dr Bradford? What are you doing here?" he asked, surprised to see her. His eyes moved over to Tim, who was sitting still holding her hand over the table, his head facing away from the group.

"Don't be rude," She warned Tim as if he was a disobedient child. Tim knew he had no choice but to obey her. He slowly turned around in his chair so his face was visible to the group.

"Hi," he said with a small wave, his face remaining completely blank and emotionless as if nothing important was going on.

"We'll let you get back to your date," Lucy said giving the two a brief smile before dragging Jackson and John away from the couple.

Tim gave a brief nod as the group walked away, and then turned his attention back to Dolly. "Was that necessary?" he asked in a low voice, still holding her hand tightly.

"Was what necessary?" She gave him a smile, her lipstick-coated lips pulling upwards.

"You know, getting them to come over and say hi," Tim began, still speaking very softly. "You knew I wanted to avoid talking to them."

"Why do you want to avoid talking to them, is it because they're rookies? Because if that was any other kind of officer you'd be fine," Dolly raised a brow at him but kept her soft tone.