Chenford Oneshots

I'm being impossible, and it's driving me crazy.

A/n: This is the second story in the pregnancy storyline!

Lucy sat at her desk in the detective's bullpen, staring blankly at the case files in front of her. She was supposed to be working on leads, but she couldn't focus. The hormones, the weird cravings, the constant mood swings—everything was piling up, and it made her feel like a mess. She'd been snapping at Tim lately, feeling guilty every time she saw the look of concern in his eyes. He never complained, never made her feel bad, but that almost made it worse. He was too patient, too understanding, and she hated feeling like she was being difficult.

Across the room, Angela and Nyla were going over details of the latest case, their usual banter filling the air. Normally, Lucy would be right there with them, contributing ideas, but today she felt like she was just... there. Her stomach knotted as she fought back the tears that were threatening to spill. God, why was she crying at work?

Nyla must have noticed her silence because she glanced over and raised an eyebrow. "Lucy, you good? You've been quiet all morning."

Angela turned from the board, frowning as she looked at Lucy. "Yeah, you don't seem like yourself."

Lucy swallowed, trying to push the emotions back down. "I'm fine. Just... tired, I guess."

Angela gave her a long, assessing look, not buying it for a second. "Uh-huh. You've been saying that a lot lately."

Lucy opened her mouth to brush it off again, but instead, she blurted, "I feel like I'm being impossible, and it's driving me crazy." She surprised herself with the admission. The words spilled out before she could stop them.

Angela's expression softened, and Nyla stepped closer, crossing her arms. "Impossible how?" Nyla asked.

"I'm driving Tim insane," Lucy muttered, staring at her hands. "I'm moody, I cry over nothing, and the cravings... I mean, it's like I'm a walking disaster. He's being so patient, but I can tell it's a lot."

Angela exchanged a glance with Nyla before stepping forward and sitting on the edge of Lucy's desk. "Tim loves you. He's not going to lose it over some pregnancy stuff."

"I know, but it's just... I'm being difficult," Lucy said, her voice wavering. "He deserves better than me freaking out over jalapeños at 3 a.m. or bursting into tears because I can't fit into my jeans."

Nyla's face softened, though her voice remained calm and direct. "Lucy, every woman who goes through pregnancy deals with this. You're not being difficult, you're being pregnant. And if you're worried about Tim, maybe you should talk to him about how you're feeling. He'll understand."

Lucy sniffled, wiping at her eyes. "I just hate that I'm putting him through this. He's trying so hard, and I'm a mess."

Angela's eyes narrowed slightly as she considered the situation, then she pulled out her phone, her fingers flying across the screen.

"What are you doing?" Lucy asked, her voice thick with emotion.

"I'm texting Tim to come here," Angela said simply.

Lucy's eyes widened. "What? No! He's working—"

"Too bad," Angela cut in, not giving her a chance to protest. "This isn't just about work. If you're upset, we're dealing with it."

Nyla nodded in agreement, her usual no-nonsense demeanor softening as she spoke. "Tim will want to know. You're not in this alone, Lucy."

About ten minutes later, Tim arrived, his brow furrowed with concern as he stepped into the bullpen. "Angela said you needed me?" His eyes immediately found Lucy, his expression softening when he saw her teary-eyed.

Lucy glanced at Angela and Nyla, who both gave her encouraging looks before stepping back, giving her space to talk to Tim. She let out a shaky breath and stood, feeling a mixture of relief and embarrassment.

"I'm sorry," she said, her voice quiet as she met Tim's gaze. "I didn't mean to drag you here. It's just... I'm a mess right now."

Tim stepped closer, gently placing his hands on her arms. "You're not a mess. What's going on?"

Lucy hesitated, feeling her throat tighten. "I feel like I'm being difficult, like I'm putting you through so much. You're being so patient, and I'm just... all over the place. I don't want to be like this."

Tim's eyes softened, and he reached up to cup her face, brushing his thumb across her cheek. "Lucy, you're pregnant. You're allowed to have mood swings and cravings and whatever else comes with it. None of this is too much for me. You and the baby are the most important thing in my life, and I'm here for you, no matter what."

Her breath hitched as she tried to hold back another wave of emotion. "But I feel like I'm making everything harder for you."

Tim shook his head. "You're not making anything harder, okay? This is just part of the process, and we'll get through it together. I'm not going anywhere."

Lucy felt the tears spill over again, but this time, they were tears of relief. Tim pulled her into his arms, holding her close as she let herself lean into him. His embrace was warm, steady, and everything she needed at that moment.

"I love you," she whispered into his chest, her voice muffled.

"I love you too," he murmured back, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "And if you ever feel like this again, just tell me. You don't have to carry it all by yourself."

Angela and Nyla stood nearby, watching the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and warmth. Angela smirked slightly, glancing at Nyla. "Told you he'd be good for her."

Nyla nodded, her arms crossed as she gave a small smile. "Yeah. He's solid."

Lucy pulled back slightly, looking up at Tim. "Sorry for making a scene at work."

Tim gave her a reassuring smile. "You didn't make a scene. You're just human."

Angela cleared her throat, drawing their attention. "And you're not in trouble for calling him here. This is detective business," she joked, winking.

Lucy laughed through her tears, feeling a little lighter, a little less burdened. She knew there would be more tough days ahead, but with Tim by her side, she wasn't so afraid of them anymore.