Chenford Oneshots

Her Loss

A/n: Guys I'm sorry I haven't posted, I have been really busy with some things, but I'm back stronger than ever :)

The roll call room was alive with its usual controlled chaos. Officers scribbled away at reports, phones rang, and snippets of conversations about the day's cases bounced around the room. Tim Bradford leaned casually against Lucy Chen's desk, a coffee cup in one hand and an amused smirk tugging at his lips. "Don't tell me you're still worked up over that jaywalker," he teased, his voice low enough to keep it between them. Lucy didn't look up from her report, but the corner of her mouth quirked in a way that betrayed her mood. "I'm not worked up. I'm just... reflecting on how utterly baffling it is that someone can think crossing six lanes of traffic during rush hour is a good idea."

"Ah," Tim said, nodding sagely. "So this is your 'reflective' face." Lucy rolled her eyes but couldn't stop herself from smiling. "You're hilarious."

"Part of my charm," he deadpanned.

Before she could fire back, the mood shifted. Lucy's posture stiffened, her eyes locking onto the entrance of the bullpen. Tim followed her gaze, and his smirk vanished the second he saw her mother. Dressed to intimidate in a sharp blazer and heels that clicked against the floor like a metronome of disapproval, Mrs. Chen strode into the room with laser focus. Tim straightened immediately, his protective instincts kicking in. "Is that...?" Lucy exhaled sharply, already bracing herself. "Yeah. That's my mom."

Mrs. Chen didn't bother acknowledging anyone else as she stopped in front of Lucy's desk. Her gaze flicked briefly to Tim, her expression dismissive, before settling on her daughter with a look that could curdle milk. "Lucy," she began, her tone crisp and cutting. "We need to talk." Lucy forced a tight smile. "Mom, I'm at work. This isn't the time."

"Oh, I think it is," her mother said, crossing her arms. "Because clearly, you're not listening to me any other time. I can't keep pretending that this... lifestyle you've chosen is acceptable. A police officer? Really? Do you even realize what people are saying about you? About us?" The bullpen began to quiet, officers discreetly turning their attention to the scene unfolding in the middle of their workspace. "Mom, I don't have time for this," Lucy said, her voice tight.

"Make time," Mrs. Chen snapped. "Because someone has to tell you the truth. This job is beneath you. You had opportunities—real opportunities—to make something of yourself, and you threw them away to... what? Chase after criminals and pretend you're making a difference?" "Enough," Tim said sharply, stepping forward. But Lucy shot him a warning look, silently pleading with him to let her handle it. She turned back to her mother, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "I am making a difference," she said firmly. "I love what I do. I'm proud of what I do."

"Well, I'm not," her mother spat. "And don't even get me started on your personal life. Honestly, Lucy, how much lower can your standards get?" Her eyes darted to Tim again, her disdain unmistakable.

The words hit their mark, and Lucy's composure cracked. Her jaw tightened, her eyes shining with unshed tears. Without another word, she turned and bolted, weaving through the bullpen and disappearing into the hallway. Tim didn't hesitate. He glared at Mrs. Chen for a long, tense moment before turning to the others. "I'll go after her," he said quietly.

"You do that," Captain Grey replied, stepping forward to address Mrs. Chen. "And Mrs. Chen, if you're here to insult one of my officers, I suggest you leave before you say something you'll regret." As Grey's voice cut through the room, other officers began chiming in.

"Lucy's one of the best we've got," Lopez said firmly.

"She's smart, dedicated, and brave," Harper added. "If you can't see that, that's on you." Juarez nodded in agreement. "She's saved my ass more times than I can count."

"And mine," Thorsen said.

Nolan crossed his arms. "Lucy's family to us. Maybe you should think about what that means before you walk in here and tear her down."

Mrs. Chen opened her mouth to retort but quickly shut it again under Grey's withering glare.

Tim found Lucy in his office, sitting on the edge of his desk with her head in her hands. She didn't look up when he entered, but her shoulders tensed at the sound of the door closing behind him. "Go away, Tim," she muttered.

"Not happening," he said, his voice soft but resolute. He crossed the room and leaned against the table beside her. For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Then Lucy exhaled shakily, brushing at her cheeks. "I'm sorry you had to see that."

"Don't apologize," Tim said immediately.

"She always does this," Lucy continued, her voice wavering. "She makes me feel like I'll never be enough. Like no matter what I do, it'll never be good enough for her." Tim's chest ached at the vulnerability in her voice. He reached out, taking her hand in his.

"Lucy," he said gently, "you are more than enough. You're one of the strongest, smartest, and kindest people I've ever met. You put yourself on the line every day to help people. That's not just good enough—it's incredible." She looked up at him then, her eyes glassy but searching. "You really think so?"

"I don't just think so. I know so," he said firmly. "And you know who else knows it? Everyone in that bullpen. They were lining up to defend you the second you walked out. Because they see what I see—a person who makes this world better just by being in it."

Lucy sniffed, a small, tentative smile tugging at her lips. "You're kind of sappy for a tough guy." Tim smirked. "Don't tell anyone. It'll ruin my image." She laughed, the sound soft but genuine, and Tim felt a weight lift from his chest. 

"I mean it, Lucy," he said, his tone softening again. "You're amazing. And if your mom can't see that, it's her loss." Lucy squeezed his hand, the warmth of his touch grounding her. "Thank you," she whispered. "Anytime," he replied, leaning closer until their foreheads almost touched.

A/n: This was suggested by @humbleone17

Thank you!! Hope you enjoyed.

Also I'm still chipping away at the suggestions but I will try to continue some more tomorrow sometime.