Chenford Oneshots

I Don't Know What I'd Do Without You

A/n: Hi! So in this oneshot Tim's father Tom (i think) went to jail, because he wasn't dying.

The briefing room hummed with the usual pre-shift energy as officers from Metro and Patrol gathered. Tim Bradford stood near the front, scanning the room with his sharp, practiced gaze. Lucy Chen leaned casually against the wall beside him, her shoulder brushing his. Their proximity wasn't unusual to those who knew them, but there was a subtle intimacy in the way her hand lingered near his arm, an unspoken connection that hinted at more than just partnership. 

As Sergeant Grey began roll call, Tim's phone buzzed in his pocket. He frowned, glancing at the screen. Genny's name flashed, and his stomach twisted. She rarely called during work hours, and when she did, it was never good news. "I'll be right back," Tim murmured, his voice low. Lucy glanced at him, concern flashing in her eyes. "Everything okay?"

"Not sure," he said, already stepping away. Tim answered the call in the quiet hallway, his voice tight. "Genny?"

"It's done, Tim," she said, her tone cautious. "Dad's out." Tim's chest tightened, his hand gripping the phone. "What do you mean, 'out'?"

"The lawyer got him released this morning. Time served for the accessory charge." His jaw clenched. "And you didn't think to give me a heads-up?"

"I didn't want to spring it on you until I knew for sure," Genny said defensively, though there was a note of guilt in her voice. "I thought you'd want to know." Tim exhaled sharply, his pulse pounding. "I can't deal with this right now, Genny. I'm at work."

"Tim—"

"Later," he said firmly, ending the call. He stood there for a moment, his hand still gripping the phone, before shoving it into his pocket and forcing himself to return to the briefing room. 

Lucy was waiting for him when roll call ended. She watched him carefully, noticing the tension in his shoulders and the distracted look in his eyes. "You okay?" she asked softly, stepping into his office as he sat at his desk. She closed the door behind her without waiting for an answer, knowing he wouldn't want anyone overhearing. Tim sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Genny called. My dad's out of prison." 

Lucy blinked, caught off guard. "Oh." She moved closer, sitting on the edge of his desk. "How do you feel about that?"

He let out a dry laugh. "How do you think? Angry. Confused. I don't even know what to do with this." She stayed quiet, letting him gather his thoughts.

"He wasn't just a bad father, Lucy. He let things happen—things that no kid should have to go through. And now he's out, like none of it mattered." His voice was tight, raw with the emotion he was trying so hard to contain. Lucy reached out, placing her hand over his. "It mattered, Tim. It mattered to you, to Genny. And just because he's out doesn't mean any of that goes away." Tim's eyes flicked to hers, the vulnerability in his expression something he only let her see. "Genny thinks he's changed. She wants me to give him a chance, but I don't know if I can."

"You don't have to decide that now," she said gently. "It's okay to take your time. It's okay to feel angry, hurt, even conflicted. This is about what you need, not what anyone else wants." Tim stood abruptly, pacing the room as his emotions boiled to the surface. "It's just... complicated." "I know," Lucy said softly. He stopped, turning to face her. For a moment, he just looked at her, his defenses cracking under the weight of her understanding gaze. Lucy stood and crossed the room, wrapping her arms around him. Tim stiffened at first, but then he let out a shaky breath and leaned into the embrace, his arms circling her waist as he held on tightly.

"You don't have to go through this alone," she whispered.

"Thanks, Lucy," he murmured, his voice heavy with gratitude. She pulled back slightly, her hand resting on his cheek as she met his eyes. "I love you, Tim. And I'm here. Always." His throat tightened at her words, but he managed a small, genuine smile. "I love you too." Lucy pressed a soft kiss to his cheek before stepping back. "Take a minute if you need it. I'll cover for you." Tim nodded, watching her leave, the warmth of her presence lingering even after the door closed.

That night, Tim found himself at Lucy's apartment. She opened the door before he could knock, pulling him inside and wrapping him in another hug. "I figured you'd come over," she said, smiling up at him. He chuckled softly, the tension in his chest easing slightly. "You know me too well." 

They settled on the couch, her hand resting on his as he spoke. This time, he let it all out—everything he'd been holding back. The anger, the hurt, the confusion. And through it all, Lucy listened, her steady presence grounding him. "I want to believe he's changed," Tim admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I don't know if I can."

"You don't have to," Lucy said gently. "It's okay to set boundaries, Tim. It's okay to protect yourself." 

He looked at her, his eyes softening. "How did I get so lucky with you?" She smiled, leaning into him. "You make it pretty easy, Bradford." 

Tim chuckled, pulling her closer. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Lucy."

"You'll never have to find out," she said firmly, her love for him shining in her eyes.

They stayed like that, wrapped in each other's arms, the chaos of the day fading away as they found solace in the bond they shared. Together, they could face anything.

A/n: IDKKK I actually need ideassss! Hope you enjoyed