What if the UC mission had ended well (Season 5, Episode 1)

Part 40

They moved to the living room, settling on the couch together. Tim wrapped an arm around Lucy, pulling her close. She rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing. They decided to watch an episode of "Top Chef". The familiar sounds of the kitchen and the contestants' banter filled the room, creating a cozy atmosphere.
As the familiar sounds of "Top Chef" played in the background, Lucy shifted slightly on the couch, her fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on Tim's chest. The morning had been a perfect blend of playfulness and intimacy, and now, as they relaxed together, she couldn't help but feel a surge of contentment.
Lucy glanced up at Tim, a mischievous half-grin curling her lips.
Lucy- You know.
She began, her voice tinged with playful teasing,
Lucy- I really enjoy these kinds of mornings.
Tim caught the glint in her eyes and chuckled, his hand gently stroking her arm.
Tim- Oh, you mean the ones that start with, uh, a little bit of exercise, some cardio?
He teased back, a warm smile spreading across his face.
Lucy laughed softly, nodding.
Lucy- Definitely beats a morning jog.
Tim leaned down, brushing a kiss against the top of her head.
Tim- I could get used to it too.
He murmured.
Tim- It's definitely one of my favorite ways to wake up.
Lucy nestled deeper into Tim's embrace, her fingers still lazily tracing circles on his chest. The soft light from the television flickered across their faces, but their attention was only half on the screen. The warmth of Tim's body and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat created a cocoon of comfort that made everything else fade into the background.
Lucy- Yeah. 
She murmured after a few moments of contented silence.
Tim laughed softly, the sound vibrating through his chest, he leaned down, pressing another kiss to her forehead.
Tim- We could make this a regular thing. Start every day with a little... cardio
He added with a smirk. Lucy's laughter rang out, light and joyful.
Lucy's laughter filled the room, the sound warm and infectious. She looked up at Tim, her eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and affection.
Lucy- You know.
She said, a playful edge to her voice.
Lucy- As much as I love that idea, I'm sure Tamara wouldn't be too thrilled about hearing our morning 'cardio' sessions every day.
Tim chuckled, his fingers brushing a strand of hair from her face.
Tim- True, but we can find some ways to keep things... quieter.
Lucy grinned at Tim's suggestion, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Lucy- Quieter, huh? I guess that could work.
She said, her tone teasing.
Lucy- But, you know, I do need a break sometimes.
Tim raised an eyebrow, pretending to be surprised.
Tim- A break? Are you sure? I thought you were up for any challenge.
She laughed softly, shaking her head.
Lucy- Oh, I am, trust me. But even I need to recharge occasionally.
Tim smiled, his expression softening.
Tim- Fair enough. We can pace ourselves. Besides,
He added, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Tim- I'm in this for the long haul. No need to rush.
Lucy sighed contentedly, snuggling closer into his embrace.
Lucy- Good. Because as much as I love our 'naked time' I love just being here with you even more.
Tim's heart warmed at her words, and he couldn't help but smile. He gently tilted her chin up so their eyes met, the affection between them palpable.
Tim- You know, I feel the same way. The quiet moments like this, just holding you, they mean everything to me.
Lucy's gaze softened, her heart swelling with emotion. She reached up, cupping his cheek in her hand, her thumb brushing across his skin.
Lucy- You're pretty good at this whole 'long haul' thing, you know that?
Tim chuckled, leaning into her touch.
Tim- I do have a good teacher.
Lucy laughed, the sound soft and genuine.
Lucy- I guess we're both learning as we go.
They shared a tender kiss, one that lingered longer than usual, filled with a deep, unspoken promise. When they finally pulled back, Tim rested his forehead against hers, his voice barely above a whisper.
Tim- I wouldn't want to learn with anyone else.
Lucy felt a wave of contentment wash over her. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them wrapped up in each other.
Lucy- Me neither.
They settled back into the couch, the familiar sounds of "Top Chef" continuing to play in the background. But now, neither of them was paying much attention to the show. Their focus was entirely on each other, on the quiet intimacy that had become the foundation of their relationship. And in that moment, everything felt exactly as it should be.
As the episode came to an end, the credits rolling on the screen, Lucy reached for the remote to turn off the TV. Just as she did, her phone buzzed on the coffee table. She glanced at the screen and saw Angela's name flashing.
Lucy- It's Angela.
She said, picking up the phone and answering it with a smile.
Lucy- Hey, Angela! What's up?
Angela's cheerful voice came through the speaker, full of excitement.
Angela- Hey, you two! So, listen, we're all heading to the beach today. Wesley, Jack, John, Bailey, Nyla, James, and little Lia, Celina, and Aaron are all in. It's going to be a blast! You guys should come!
Lucy's eyes lit up at the idea of spending a day at the beach with their friends. She glanced at Tim, who was already giving her a look of playful dread. He wasn't a fan of the beach, and she knew it.
Tim- The beach?
He groaned, turning to her with a mock pout, his expression almost childlike as he asked,
Tim- Do we have to go?
Lucy couldn't help but laugh at his reaction, but the moment their eyes met, Tim knew the answer. Her excitement was contagious, and he realized there was no way they were going to miss this.
Lucy- Come on, Tim. It'll be fun. Besides, you know everyone will be there. It's going to be a great day.
Tim sighed dramatically, but there was a hint of a smile on his face as he relented.
Tim- Fine, but only because I love you.
Lucy grinned, leaning in to give him a quick kiss.
Lucy- I love you too. And I promise, I'll make it worth your while.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head as he wrapped an arm around her.
Tim- You always do.
Angela's voice cut back in, clearly having heard enough of their banter to be amused.
Angela- I'm taking that as a yes! We'll see you there in about an hour.
Lucy- We'll be there!
She confirmed, before hanging up the phone and turning back to Tim.
Lucy- Alright, let's get ready. Beach day awaits!
Tim groaned again, but this time there was no real protest in it. He couldn't deny Lucy anything, especially when she looked so happy.
Tim- Alright, let's do this. But you're carrying the beach bag.
Lucy shot him a look, her lips curving into a knowing smile. They both knew there was no way she was carrying that heavy bag, and not because she wouldn't, but because Tim would never let that happen.
Lucy- Sure, if you insist.
She teased, giving him a quick peck on the cheek before heading toward the bedroom to grab their beach essentials. Tim followed her, shaking his head with a grin, already mentally preparing himself for the sand, sun, and inevitable chaos that came with a day at the beach with their friends.
As Lucy started gathering their things, Tim pulled out the beach bag (by the way he only has one of these things because of her) from the closet, stuffing it with towels, sunscreen, and anything else they might need. He made sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, knowing that Lucy would appreciate it. She was always so thoughtful when it came to him, and he wanted to return the favor, even if it was just in small ways like this.
Lucy- Don't forget the speaker!
Lucy called out from the bathroom. Tim nodded, reaching for the portable speaker on the dresser and tossing it into the bag.
Tim- Got it. Anything else, boss?
He asked with a grin, and Lucy popped her head out of the bathroom, rolling her eyes playfully.
Lucy- Just your best attitude.
Tim- I'll do my best.
He promised. Despite his initial reluctance, he knew it was going to be a good day. How couldn't it be when she's with him?
With everything packed and ready, they quickly changed into their beachwear. Lucy slipped into a flowy cover-up over her bikini, while Tim opted for a simple t-shirt and swim trunks. As Lucy adjusted her top in front of the mirror, she caught Tim staring at her reflection, his gaze lingering a little longer than usual. There was a soft smile on his face, a mix of admiration and contentment that made her heart flutter.
Lucy- What?
She asked, her voice playful as she met his eyes in the mirror.
Tim shrugged, still smiling as he leaned against the doorway.
Tim- Just appreciating the view.
He said it casually, but the warmth in his voice made the compliment feel sincere and intimate.
Lucy turned to face him, a teasing grin playing on her lips.
Lucy- Well, take a good look, because this is as good as it gets.
Tim chuckled, pushing off the doorframe and walking over to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close as he looked down into her eyes.
Tim- I'd say it's perfect.
Lucy felt her cheeks warm under his gaze, the genuine affection in his words making her feel a little shy, even after all this time. She reached up, brushing a hand through his hair.
Lucy- You know, if you keep looking at me like that, we might never make it to the beach.
Tim's grin widened, but he didn't pull away.
Tim- I could think of worse things.
Lucy laughed, leaning up to press a quick kiss to his lips before gently pushing him back.
Lucy- We have all day for that. Let's go before Angela sends a search party.
Tim sighed dramatically, letting his arms fall away.
Tim- Fine, but just know I'm already counting down until we get back.
Lucy gave him a playful swat on the arm before grabbing the bag.
Lucy- You're impossible, you know that?
Tim smiled, taking the bag from her with one hand and lacing his fingers through hers with the other.
Tim- Yeah, but you love me for it.
Lucy- I do.
Tim squeezed Lucy's hand, feeling the familiar warmth that always came with being close to her. As they headed out to the car, Tim kept their fingers intertwined, savoring these small moments of connection.
Lucy- You know, I think we might actually be on time for once.
Tim chuckled, unlocking the car and opening the passenger door for her.
Tim- Miracles do happen.
Lucy rolled her eyes with a smile as she climbed in, and Tim rounded the car to the driver's side. Once they were both buckled in, he started the engine and pulled out of the driveway , the sun already shining brightly in the sky.
The drive to the beach was filled with easy conversation and laughter, the kind that only came naturally when two people were completely at ease with each other. By the time they pulled into the parking lot, both of them were in high spirits, ready to enjoy the day.
As they parked and began unloading their things, they noticed Angela and Wesley arriving at the same time. Wesley was on his phone, deep in conversation with a client, while Angela waved at them before heading towards the restroom.
Angela- Hey, guys! Sorry, Wesley's stuck on a call, and I really need to go. Can you watch Jack for a few minutes?
Lucy- Of course! We've got him.
Tim gave Angela a reassuring nod as she hurried off, leaving Jack in their care. The little boy was already bouncing with excitement, his eyes wide with anticipation of the beach fun ahead.
Jack- Uncle Tim, can we go to the water now?
Tim smiled down at Jack, nodding as he slung the beach bag over his shoulder.
Tim- Sure thing, buddy. Let's find a spot first, though.
Jack gave an enthusiastic nod, taking Tim's hand and Lucys as they made their way across the sand. They strolled together, the warm sand shifting beneath their feet, and spotted their group not too far away. Aaron, Celina, John and Bailey were already setting up, with umbrellas and beach chairs scattered around.
Jack held up a bottle of sunscreen, his small face serious. As Tim felt someone tugging his his shirt.
Jack- Can you help me with this?
Tim hesitated for a moment, holding the sunscreen bottle in his hand as Jack looked up at him expectantly. Although he wasn't uncomfortable with kids, he felt slightly awkward about putting sunscreen on someone else's child. It wasn't that he didn't know how to do it—he just felt out of place. He has never had to take care of a child.
Jack, however, remained oblivious to Tim's internal conflict, simply waiting with his innocent eyes full of trust. Tim couldn't exactly say no.
Tim- Uh, sure, buddy. Let's get you covered up.
He knelt down and squirted some sunscreen into his hands, then started to apply it to Jack's arms. Tim moved a little stiffly, his usual confidence replaced by a cautious carefulness. He worked his way up to Jack's shoulders, trying to be gentle, but the whole thing just felt... weird. He felt like he was going to hurt him or something like that, even though it's just sunscreen.
Lucy noticed Tim's slight discomfort and decided to step in. With a gentle smile, she walked over and took the sunscreen from Tim's hands.
Lucy- Hey, let me help with that.
She started to apply the sunscreen to Jack's back, front, neck, legs, her movements smooth and practiced. Tim felt a wave of relief as he stood up, letting Lucy take over. He stepped back, running a hand through his hair, feeling a bit more like himself now that the awkward task was out of his hands.
Tim- Thanks, Luce.
Lucy looked up at him, a knowing smile on her lips.
Lucy- No problem. And just so you know you're not like breaking him by applying sunscreen.
Tim chuckled, appreciating her stepping in. He watched as she finished up, Jack giggling as she made funny faces while rubbing the sunscreen into his cheeks.
Jack- Thanks, Auntie Lucy!
Lucy- You're welcome, little man.
Jack- Can we get in the water now?
She then turned to Tim with a playful smile.
Lucy- Not so fast, Jack! We've still got one more step before we hit the waves.
Tim raised an eyebrow, looking from Lucy to the water.
Tim- And what's that?
Lucy walked over to Tim, holding up the sunscreen with a grin.
Lucy- You need some too, or you'll turn into a lobster.
Tim chuckled, shaking his head as he held out his arms.
Tim- Alright, alright. I guess I do need to avoid becoming a walking sunburn.
Lucy- You know, I think our "cardio sessions" might be a bit uncomfortable if you end up with a sunburn.
Tim look at Lucy with a shocked and puzzled expression, watching down to Jack.
Tim- Oh? How's that?
Lucy smirked, enjoying the playful jab.
Lucy- Well, I imagine sunburn could make those kinds of activities a little... painful.
Jack, who had been listening with wide eyes, looked up at Tim and Lucy with curiosity.
Jack- What's cardio?
Tim and Lucy exchanged a quick, surprised glance. Tim cleared his throat, trying to navigate the situation with a casual tone.
Tim- Uh, well, cardio is a type of exercise. It's short for cardiovascular exercise, like running or biking. It helps keep your heart healthy.
Jack's eyes lit up with understanding.
Jack- Oh, like when we play tag or run around the park?
Tim- Yeah, something like that.
Jack- Cool! I like running around the park.
Tim chuckled, relieved that the explanation had gone smoothly.
Lucy smiled, also relieved that Tim's explanation to Jack had gone smoothly. She took the sunscreen from Tim's hand and began applying it to the spots he couldn't reach, her movements smooth and practiced.
Lucy- Can't have you turning into a lobster.
Tim chuckled, his eyes catching hers.
Tim- Thanks, Luce.
Lucy finished up, giving Tim's shoulders a final pat.
Lucy- There you go. Now you're all set.
Tim- Alright, buddy, let's go have some fun!
They headed toward the water, his feet sinking into the soft, cool sand. As he waded in, he kept a close eye on Jack, who was joyfully kicking and laughing in the gentle waves.
Tim- Stay close to me, okay? We don't want you drifting too far.
Jack nodded, his face bright with excitement. He splashed and played, occasionally glancing back at Tim to make sure he was still nearby. Tim stood in the shallow water, his gaze focused on Jack, ensuring his safety while enjoying the sunny day.