The rookie Groupchat

The story of 'Chenford'

A:Alright, guys, let me tell you when I knew Tim and Lucy were in love with each other. It wasn't even subtle. I don't know how the rest of you missed it.

J:Wait, wait.There was an actual moment? I just thought it was always simmering under the surface with those two.

N:I bet it was something to do with one of Tim's grumpy motivational speeches.

C:I knew there was something there, but I wanna hear this.

A:Oh, it was much more obvious than any of you think. Picture this: We were in the middle of that big op a few months ago, and Lucy had just gotten banged up,nothing too serious, but she was limping around. Tim, of course, was barking orders at everyone, but then suddenly, he stopped. Just stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her.

L:Angela! You're exaggerating!

A:Oh, no, Lucy, I'm not. I've got an eye for these things. Tim looked at her like she was a puzzle he couldn't figure out. And then, instead of checking on the team or the operation, he zeroed in on Lucy, asking her, "Are you alright?"

T:She was limping. Someone had to make sure she didn't push herself too hard.

A:Yeah, except for the fact that he didn't ask anyone else that question all day. He didn't even check on himself after getting grazed by that bullet earlier. He just cared if Lucy was okay.

J:Wait, Tim got grazed by a bullet and didn't say anything? Typical.

N:Tim could be bleeding out and still go, "I'm fine." But Lucy? Oh no, that's a different story.

Aa:Hold up. Tim, the "all-business" Bradford, dropping everything to play knight in shining armor for Lucy? Now this is a story I gotta hear.

C:So, what happened next?

A:So, after checking on Lucy, Tim hovered around her for the rest of the day. And trust me, Tim Bradford does not hover unless he's worried. He was basically circling her like a guard dog. And that's when it hit me. This wasn't just about "making sure his partner was okay." He was practically glued to her side. I'm talking full-on protective mode.

L:I didn't even notice that! I thought he was just being extra serious about the mission.

A:That's the thing,you didn't notice, but the rest of us did! He was being weird. It was like he was making excuses to be near you, even when it wasn't necessary.

N:Yup, that's when you know it's more than just work. Tim Bradford sticking around when he doesn't have to? That's suspicious.

T:I was just making sure the team stayed on track. Someone had to keep everyone focused.

A:Uh-huh, sure. So, fast forward to the end of the day, and Lucy's still limping around, pretending she's fine,classic Lucy. Tim goes full dad mode, telling her, "You're sitting this one out." And the way he said it? Not a suggestion, not even an order,it was practically a plea. That's when I knew.

J:So, he wasn't just bossy. He was worried worried.

Aa:Bradford, the tough guy, going all soft over his partner. I'm dying to know what that looked like.

 C:I think it's sweet. Tim Bradford turning into a softie for Lucy? That's gotta be love.

T: I'm not a softie

N:Mmm, sure. I think Angela's onto something. It's the little things with you two that make it obvious.

A:Exactly. That's when I started putting all the pieces together.How Tim was always checking on Lucy, and how Lucy lit up whenever he actually complimented her... which, by the way, happens once in a blue moon.

T:Hey, I give credit where it's due!

A:And when it comes to Lucy, it's due more often than you think. That's when I realized you two weren't just partners,you were partners. You know what I mean?

J:So it wasn't just me! I always felt like there was something going on but never had proof. Thanks for confirming.

N:I don't think Tim and Lucy even knew they were in love at first. It's like they were the last ones to figure it out.

C:They're both so stubborn! It took them how long to get to this point?

L:Okay, okay, we get it! But it's not like it was obvious from the beginning.

Aa:To everyone else it was. You guys had more tension than an action movie, but it took a bullet graze to make Tim realize it!

A:To you maybe. But to the rest of us? It was crystal clear. You two have been dancing around each other for ages.

T:I'm regretting this conversation already.

J:Don't worry, Tim. We're just happy you finally joined the rest of us in the real world. Took you long enough!

A:Exactly! You two might be the slowest burn romance I've ever seen, but hey, at least you made it.

Aa:Honestly, you guys could've made a whole show out of it. The drama, the suspense—it's gold.

L:Alright, alright, we get it. Can we move on now?

A:Never! This is the most entertaining story I've got.

G:Alright, enough, people. This isn't a soap opera. I'd prefer if you all focused on your jobs. But... if Bradford really needed a bullet graze to figure out he was in love, maybe he should see the department psychologist.

T:Thanks for that, sir. Just what I needed.

J:Don't worry, Tim. Sergeant Grey's just concerned. 

Aa:Tim, maybe this whole ordeal is just making you more "in touch with your feelings." You know, the bullet graze was the turning point.

L:This is getting out of hand. We need to end this conversation before Tim has us all doing drills at 5 AM.

A:Too late! It's never ending. You're stuck with us analyzing your love life forever.

G:I don't care who's in love with who

G:Just keep it professional.