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

Part 45

Lucy woke up to the soft light of the early morning streaming through the curtains. She stretched lazily, feeling the pleasant ache of a good night's sleep in her limbs. Slipping out of bed, she padded to the bathroom, the cold tile a sharp contrast to the warmth of the bed. When she returned, she paused in surprise—Tim was sprawled out on her side of the bed, his arm thrown over where he had been laying.
With a mischievous smile, Lucy decided to act as if he wasn't there. She climbed back into bed, sliding under the covers and settling herself on top of him. Tim didn't move at first, seemingly still asleep, but then she felt his arms snake around her waist, and he let out a soft, sleepy chuckle.
Without warning, Tim rolled them both over, pulling her tight against him until they were nestled together in the middle of the bed. The warmth of his body, the solid feel of his embrace—it was comforting, almost instinctual, how naturally they fit together. For a few moments, they lay there in silence, breathing in unison, lost in the easy intimacy of the morning.
After a while—they have been normal for too long—, Tim stirred, stretching his arms and legs with a contented groan that ended in a funny, exaggerated sound, like a cross between a yawn and a sigh. He shivered slightly as if shaking off the last vestiges of sleep.
Lucy, caught off guard by the ridiculousness of the noise, found herself giggling. It was the kind of laugh that bubbled up unexpectedly, light and carefree, the kind that made her stomach flutter. Tim grinned at her, clearly pleased with himself, before he slid out of bed and headed to the bathroom.
When Tim returned, Lucy was still lying on her stomach, her face buried in the pillows. The morning light highlighted the curve of her back, and he couldn't resist the urge to be a bit playful. Instead of lying beside her, Tim decided to use her as a pillow, resting his head on her butt.
Lucy wiggled slightly, turning her head just enough to glance back at him.
Lucy- What are you doing?
She asked, her voice slightly muffled by the pillow.
Tim grinned, shifting a little to get more comfortable.
Tim- You're really comfortable, you know that?
Lucy gave Tim a playful nudge with her hips.
Lucy- Come on, get up here.
She said, her voice laced with amusement.
Tim sighed dramatically but complied, shifting off her and moving up the bed until his head was level with hers, while she was rolling on her back. He paused for a moment, then without hesitation, settled his head on her chest, nestling against her as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Lucy smiled down at him, her fingers instinctively threading through his hair, gently massaging his scalp.
Tim closed his eyes, letting out a contented hum.
Timm- You have no idea how much I love this.
He murmured, his voice low and relaxed.
Lucy continued to play with his hair, twirling the strands between her fingers, enjoying the simple intimacy of the moment.
Lucy- I think I have some idea.
She teased softly, her tone warm.
Tim chuckled, the sound vibrating against her, sending a pleasant warmth through her chest.
Tim- It's one of the best ways to wake up.
He admitted, tilting his head slightly to look up at her. His eyes were half-lidded, his expression peaceful, as if he could stay like this forever.
Lucy gazed down at him, her fingers still moving lazily through his hair.
Lucy- You're like a big puppy, you know that?
She said with a smile, her tone affectionate.
Tim grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Tim- Only for you.
He replied, his voice soft but sincere.
For a while, they lay there in comfortable silence, the only sounds the gentle rhythm of their breathing and the distant chirping of birds outside. Lucy felt a deep sense of contentment, the kind that comes from being completely at ease with someone, from knowing that in this moment, everything was just as it should be.
Tim shifted slightly, his head still resting on her chest, and let out a sigh of pure relaxation.
Tim- I could stay like this all day.
He said, his voice a soft rumble against her.
Lucy smiled, feeling the warmth of his words seep into her.
Lucy- Me too.
She whispered, her fingers still moving gently through his hair.
Time seemed to stretch out, each moment blending seamlessly into the next. There was no rush, no need to move or speak. They were perfectly content, wrapped up in each other, sharing a quiet, tender connection that was more than words could ever express.
As they lay there, Lucy couldn't help but think that these were the moments she cherished the most—the simple, quiet times when they could just be together, completely in tune with each other. It was a kind of closeness that was rare, something special that she held close to her heart.
And as Tim lay with his head on her chest, lulled by the gentle rhythm of her heartbeat, he couldn't imagine being anywhere else. This was where he wanted to be—right here, with her, in this peaceful, perfect moment.
As they lay in their comfortable silence, Lucy's stomach gave a quiet rumble. Tim, with his head resting on her chest, felt the subtle vibration against his ear. He smirked but didn't say anything at first, enjoying the peaceful moment. But as the grumble grew louder, he couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Tim- Well, someone's definitely hungry.
He teased, his voice vibrating against her as he lifted his head to look at her.
Lucy blushed slightly, her lips curving into a shy smile.
Lucy- Guess I can't hide that, huh?
She murmured.
Tim grinned at her, his eyes filled with affection.
Tim- Nope, not when I'm this close.
He said, giving her a gentle nudge as he sat up.
Tim- Come on, you need to eat something before your stomach decides to make more demands.
Lucy laughed softly, nodding in agreement as she started to sit up.
Lucy- I suppose you're right.
She admitted, her tone light and playful.
Tim got up from the bed, still smiling as he stretched his arms above his head.
Tim- How about I make us something simple? Eggs and toast?
He suggested, his voice warm with care.
Lucy- Sounds good.
Lucy replied, feeling the pleasant warmth of their earlier intimacy still lingering. She got up and followed him towards the kitchen, their footsteps quiet in the soft morning light.
As they walked through the hallway, Lucy couldn't help but watch Tim's broad back as he led the way to the kitchen. There was something about the easy way he moved, the relaxed atmosphere of the morning, that made her feel playful. A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes as she quietly closed the gap between them, her footsteps light and deliberate.
Before she could second-guess herself,—her intuitive thoughts won this battle— Lucy gave in to the urge. With a soft giggle, she jumped onto Tim's back, wrapping her arms around his shoulders and her legs around his waist.
Lucy- Gotcha!
She exclaimed, her voice bubbling with laughter.
Tim stumbled slightly, caught off guard but quickly regained his balance. He let out a surprised laugh, his hands instinctively moving to support her legs as he carried her.
Tim- Well, hello.
He said, his tone full of amusement as he adjusted to her weight on his back.
Lucy rested her chin on his shoulder, grinning.
Lucy- Hey. 
She replied, her voice soft in his ear. The spontaneous gesture had lightened the mood even further, filling the air with an almost childlike sense of fun.
Tim shook his head, still smiling as he continued towards the kitchen with Lucy clinging to his back.
Tim- You know, if this is how you want breakfast delivered, I might have to start charging a fee.
He teased, glancing over his shoulder at her.
Lucy laughed, the sound warm and carefree.
Lucy- I think I can afford it.
She quipped, tightening her grip around him as she nestled her face into the crook of his neck, feeling the warmth of his skin against her cheek.
When they reached the kitchen, Tim carefully lowered her to the floor, but not before giving her a quick spin to make her laugh again.
Tim- Alright, I think you've had enough fun for now.
He said with a grin, turning towards the counter to start on breakfast.
Lucy smiled as she watched him, feeling a deep sense of happiness. There was something about these spontaneous, silly moments that she loved—moments where they could just be themselves, free of any pretense or worry. As she leaned against the counter, still buzzing from the playful energy of their morning, she felt a strong sense of gratitude for the bond they shared.
Tim glanced over at her, catching the content expression on her face.
Tim- What are you smiling about?
He asked, cracking an egg into a pan.
Lucy- Just thinking about how lucky I am.
She replied softly, her eyes meeting his.
Tim paused for a moment, his gaze softening as he took in her words.
Tim- Me too.
He said simply, his voice full of sincerity.
They fell into a comfortable rhythm in the kitchen, working together seamlessly. Tim cracked eggs into a bowl, whisking them with a practiced hand, while Lucy reached for the bread, popping slices into the toaster. The scent of cooking eggs soon filled the room, mingling with the aroma of freshly toasted bread.
As the eggs sizzled in the pan, Lucy set the table, placing plates and utensils down with a quiet efficiency. Tim glanced over at her, catching the little smile she wore as she moved about. There was something undeniably comforting about how easily they fit together in moments like this.
Tim- I've got some cheese here. Want it in the eggs?
Tim asked, holding up the cheese with a questioning look.
Lucy- Yes, please.
She replied with a grin, her voice light and cheerful.
Tim chuckled as he unwrapped the cheese, shaking his head in amused disbelief.
Tim- You know, I've never met anyone who treats their lactose intolerance like it's an optional thing.
He said with a grin, glancing over at Lucy as he started grating the cheese into the eggs.
Tim- But I get it—cheese does make everything better. It's hard to argue with that.
Lucy laughed, her cheeks tinged with a bit of color as she leaned against the counter.
Lucy- I'll take it. I'm not about to let a little thing like that stand between me and delicious food.
She replied with a playful shrug, as if it were the most logical thing in the world.
Tim raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her confident dismissal of lactose intolerance.
Tim- Oh, really? You're acting like it's nothing.
He said, his tone light but genuinely curious as he continued grating the cheese into the eggs.
Lucy nodded, a playful smile on her lips as she leaned back against the counter.
Lucy- Yeah, actually. Most cheeses don't have that much lactose in them—especially the harder ones. The aging process breaks down a lot of the lactose, so it's easier to digest. It's the softer ones, like cream cheese, ricotta, or mozzarella, that you have to watch out for.
She explained, her tone casual but informative.
Tim looked at her with a mixture of surprise and admiration.
Tim- I had no idea. You've really done your research on this, haven't you?
Lucy shrugged with a grin, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Lucy- When you love cheese as much as I do, you find ways to make it work. Plus, it's totally worth it.
Tim couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head in amazement.
Tim- You're something else, you know that? I was, thinking you were just taking a big risk for the sake of flavor.
He teased, finishing up with the cheese and stirring it into the eggs. The aroma filled the kitchen, making Lucy's stomach rumble again, though this time, it was more out of eager anticipation.
Lucy- I mean, I'm technically still taking a bit of a risk, but I like to think I'm doing it smartly.
She replied, her tone light but sincere as she moved to get the butter for the toast.
Tim glanced over at her, shaking his head with a smile as he plated the eggs.
Tim- Well, smart or not, I'm just glad you're not depriving yourself of something you enjoy.
Lucy smiled warmly at his words, appreciating his understanding.
Lucy- Life's too short to skip the good stuff.
She said, her voice soft but firm.
As they finished preparing breakfast, the atmosphere in the kitchen remained light and easy, filled with the comforting sense of togetherness that seemed to come so naturally to them. They brought their plates to the table, sitting down to enjoy the meal they had made together.
Lucy took her first bite of the cheesy eggs, savoring the rich, creamy flavor. She closed her eyes briefly, letting out a contented sigh.
Lucy- Definitely worth it.
She declared with a smile, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction.
Tim chuckled, taking a bite of his own and nodding in agreement.
Tim- I can see why you're willing to take the risk.
After finishing their breakfast, Lucy and Tim shared a few lingering moments at the table, savoring the warmth of their meal and each other's company. The conversation drifted between lighthearted topics and comfortable silences, both of them fully at ease in the other's presence.
Tim- Alright, let's clean up so we can get back to being lazy.
He said with a grin, standing up and gathering their plates.
Lucy- Sounds like a plan.
She replied, her tone playful as she stood to help, but Tim quickly stopped her with a gentle hand on her arm.
Tim- I got this. You just relax.
Lucy smiled, appreciating the gesture, but she wasn't one to sit idly by. Instead, she grabbed the napkins and started wiping down the table, making quick work of it while Tim rinsed the dishes and loaded them into the dishwasher.
As they finished up, Tim looked over at her, his expression warm and thoughtful.
Tim- You know, you're really something special.
Lucy looked up, slightly surprised by the sincerity in his voice. She walked over to him, placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
Lucy- Right back at you.
Tim grinned, clearly pleased, before drying his hands on a towel. He turned towards her, a playful glint in his eyes.
Tim- Now, let's get to the couch.
Before Lucy could react, Tim swooped her up into his arms with ease, drawing a surprised laugh from her as she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.
Lucy- Tim! You don't have to carry me everywhere, you know.
She teased, but there was a note of affection in her voice.
Tim- Maybe not, but I like doing it.
He replied, his tone light but with a genuine undercurrent of affection. He carried her out of the kitchen and into the living room, where he gently placed her down on the couch. Tim laid down on top of her, just as he had done earlier, his head resting on her chest.
Lucy chuckled softly, wrapping her arms around him as she felt his weight settle comfortably against her. It was a position that felt both intimate and familiar, a testament to how naturally they fit together.
Lucy- Comfortable?
She asked, her fingers threading through his hair once more.
Tim- Perfectly.
He murmured, closing his eyes as he let out a contented sigh. The steady rhythm of her heartbeat beneath his ear was soothing, grounding him in the peacefulness of the moment.
For a while, they lay there in silence, the world outside fading away as they focused on the simple, quiet connection they shared. Lucy continued to gently stroke his hair, her touch light and affectionate, while Tim relaxed against her, his breathing slow and steady.
Tim- Let's just stay like this for the rest of the day.
As they lay in silence, Tim shifted slightly on Lucy's chest, his face thoughtful. After a moment, he looked up at her, his expression soft but serious.
Tim- Let's move in together.
Lucy blinked, caught off guard by the suddenness of his suggestion. Her fingers froze in his hair as she processed his words.
Lucy- Wait, what?
Tim smiled gently, propping himself up on his elbow to look at her more clearly.
Tim- I'm serious. We've been spending almost, not almost,—we've been spending every night together. It just makes sense, doesn't it? Let's stop going back and forth and make it official.
Lucy's heart raced. She wasn't sure what to say. It wasn't that she hadn't thought about it, but hearing it come from him, just like that, felt like a big leap.
Lucy- Tim, I don't know... it's a lot to think about.
Tim nodded, his gaze understanding but persistent. He sat up, leaning back against the couch as he turned to face her.
Tim- I get it, it's a big step. But think about it. Tamara's already looking for a new place. If you move in with me, she can stay at your place. We'd still see her, and she could visit anytime. Hell, she'd even get her own key for my— our place if she wanted.
Lucy sat up too, still chewing over his words.
Lucy- I don't know, Tim... what if one of us needs space? A night alone?
Tim reached for her hand, his fingers lacing with hers, his expression gentle but certain.
Tim- Then we deal with it, together. If you still need space after that, I'll sleep in the guest room, no questions asked. But... I have to warn you, there's a good chance you'll wake up the next morning with me cuddled up to you. And I'm already sorry for that, if it happens.
Lucy couldn't help but laugh softly, the seriousness of the moment eased by his playful tone.
Lucy- You're incorrigible.
Tim- Maybe, but you know I can't stay away from you for too long.
Tim smiled, his eyes softening as he thought about what he wanted to say next. He took a deep breath, his voice growing more serious.
Tim- You know, these past four months when you were away... they were the worst. I kept thinking it would get easier, but it didn't. Just knowing you're leaving again on Sunday... it hurts, Luce. I don't know how to deal with it.
Lucy's expression softened as she listened to him, her heart aching at the sincerity in his voice.
Tim- But what keeps me going, what I keep holding onto, is the thought of you graduating from the UC-Academy and coming back home. I can't wait for that moment when I can just hold you again, smell your perfume, see you in person instead of on a phone screen. It's like... when you're not here, a part of me is missing. When you're back, everything feels right again. I feel complete.
He looked down at their intertwined hands, his thumb brushing over her knuckles as if grounding himself in her presence.
Tim- So yeah, I want us to live together, but it's more than that. I just want to be with you, Luce. I don't want to spend another night without you if I don't have to.
Lucy felt a wave of emotion wash over her. The vulnerability in Tim's words, his raw honesty, was almost overwhelming. She could see how deeply he cared for her, how much he wanted to be with her, and it made her heart swell with love.
Lucy- Tim... I had no idea you felt like that.
He gave her a small, almost sheepish smile.
Tim- I'm not great at talking about this kind of stuff, but I'm trying. Because you're worth it.
Tim's smile softened further as he looked into Lucy's eyes, his voice low and sincere.
Tim- You're worth so much more, Luce. And I know I'm not perfect at this—talking about my feelings, opening up—but I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to get better. For you. Because you deserve nothing less.
Lucy's heart swelled with emotion, the depth of Tim's commitment touching her deeply. She could see the determination in his eyes, the genuine desire to grow and be the best version of himself for her. It wasn't just about moving in together; it was about the life they were building, the future they were committing to.
Lucy- Tim, you're already more than enough. But knowing that you're willing to grow and be even better... it means everything to me.
She leaned in, her lips brushing softly against his, the kiss tender and filled with unspoken promises. When they pulled back, Lucy rested her forehead against his, their breaths mingling in the quiet intimacy of the moment.
Lucy let out a soft sigh, her forehead still resting against Tim's as she tried to gather her thoughts. The weight of his words hung in the air, and she knew she needed to be honest about where she stood.
Lucy- I need some time to think about it.
Her voice was quiet but steady, making it clear that she wasn't ready to make a decision just yet. She felt a mix of emotions, wanting to be sure she was making the right choice for both of them.
Tim nodded, his expression full of understanding.
Tim- Of course, Luce. Take all the time you need.
He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead, his touch filled with reassurance.
As Tim pulled back slightly, he noticed the thoughtful expression on Lucy's face and realized how much he had just sprung on her. His heart ached at the uncertainty in her eyes, and he knew he needed to acknowledge that.
Tim- I'm sorry, Lucy... for the way I just dropped this on you.
His voice was soft, filled with regret, as he reached out to gently tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
Tim- I could've handled it better, I know. I guess... it just felt right in the moment, you know? But I should've considered how you'd feel about it.
Lucy looked at him, her expression softening as she saw the genuine remorse in his eyes.
Lucy- Tim, it's okay. I appreciate you being honest with me. It's a big decision, and I just need some time to wrap my head around it.
Tim nodded, his thumb brushing lightly against her cheek.
Tim- I understand, and I don't want to rush you into anything. Take your time.
As they sat there, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air, Tim felt a pang of regret for overwhelming her with such a big decision. He wanted nothing more than to make things right, to reassure her that there was no pressure.
Without another word, he reached out and gently pulled Lucy into his arms, wrapping her in a warm, comforting embrace. The tension in her body slowly melted away as she rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Tim leaned back on the couch, guiding Lucy with him until she was lying against him, her body fitting perfectly against his. It was a reversal of their positions from earlier, but now, it felt just as natural. His hand found its way to her hair, fingers threading through the soft strands as he held her close.
As Tim held Lucy close, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest beneath her cheek became a soothing lullaby. The warmth of his embrace was comforting, a gentle anchor in the midst of her swirling thoughts.
Lucy lay there, her mind racing as she processed the weight of Tim's proposal. Moving in together was something she had thought about before, but hearing it voiced so clearly by him made it all the more real. The idea of sharing a home with him was both thrilling and daunting. She had always envisioned a future with him, but now it felt like the first real step toward that future.
She recalled their conversations about the future—about children, and their dreams of family life. Tim had expressed a desire for three kids, while Lucy had hesitated, suggesting two would be enough. Tim had been respectful of her perspective, understanding that he wouldn't be the one to experience the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. Lucy had always appreciated his understanding, and it had solidified her sense of partnership with him.
But now, with Tim's proposal hanging in the air, it wasn't just about the possibility of children—it was about making a home together, creating a shared life. The commitment of moving in together symbolized a deeper level of their relationship, a tangible step toward the future they had talked about.
Her first instinct had been to say yes, to leap into his arms and embrace the idea with all her heart. The thought of living together, waking up next to him every day, was incredibly appealing. But she needed time to process, to ensure that she was making the right choice for both of them.
Tim's steady breathing and the comforting warmth of his embrace helped her clear her mind. She thought about the practicalities, the logistics, and the emotional readiness. It wasn't just about wanting to be with him; it was about the shared responsibilities, the adjustments, and the commitment that living together entailed.
After a few moments, she felt a gentle shift in Tim's hold as he adjusted to get more comfortable. She felt his lips press softly against the top of her head, a reassuring gesture that reminded her of his unwavering support.
Lucy turned her head slightly, her lips brushing against his chest.