Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Military Base, 2011

It was raining when Ty left. The kind of rain that made the world feel distant, soft and sorrowful, as though even the sky understood the weight of the moment. The sound of the droplets hitting the tarmac echoed through the military base, mixing with the steady hum of engines and the low murmur of soldiers preparing to deploy. Each drop was a quiet reminder of what was slipping away.

Lucy stood beneath the overhang near the barracks, her arms wrapped tightly around herself as if that alone could hold her together. Her eyes were swollen from the nights she'd spent holding her brother, whispering promises they never thought they'd have to make. But tonight was different. Tonight, she had to let him go — not just away, but into something bigger and more dangerous than either of them could really grasp.

"Please, Ty," she whispered, her voice trembling. "You don’t have to do this."

He didn’t answer right away. His back was to her as he adjusted the strap on his military-issued duffel bag, his uniform already darkened by the rain. His shoulders slumped under the weight of it all — the gear, the orders, the reality of where he was going and what he was about to face. The storm outside mirrored the one raging inside him, a force that seemed to pull him in two different directions.

"I have to," he said quietly, his words cutting through the steady rhythm of the rain. "I can't stay here while you’re across the country, and I can’t keep pretending this place is enough."

"Then I won’t go," Lucy said, her voice sharp and desperate.

"No," Ty replied firmly, still not looking up. "This is your way out of this town, and this is mine. You’re going to college in New York. I'm going to serve."

She sucked in a shaky breath as the truth settled deep in her chest. He wasn’t just leaving — he was signing up to put himself in harm’s way. The one person she thought she could always protect, the one person who was supposed to stay close, was walking into a life where she couldn’t follow. But she knew this was his way out. 

Ty turned around then, his eyes meeting hers, and for the first time in days, she saw the boy he used to be—the one who laughed at her silly jokes, the one who swore they’d always stick together. But now he was wearing the uniform of a soldier, and that boy felt further away than ever.

"If you need anything at all, you can always call me," Lucy said softly, trying to offer him some comfort, even though she knew the distance between them was already growing.

"I know," Ty answered quietly, his gaze softening for a brief moment before he adjusted the strap on his shoulder.

A voice crackled over the loudspeaker, calling the next wave of soldiers to board. Ty’s jaw tightened. His eyes flicked toward the transport plane where other young men in uniform were lining up. His future — dangerous, uncertain — was waiting for him.

Lucy’s throat tightened as Ty took a step toward the plane. She reached out, pulling him into a hug that neither of them wanted to end. For a moment, she wished she could freeze time, keep him here, keep them together, away from all the mess. But the rain kept falling, and with each drop, the moment slipped further away like water through her fingers.

"Pinky promise?" Ty asked, his voice small, almost like the little boy he used to be.

"Pinky promise," Lucy replied, holding out her pinky and locking it with his, a silent vow between them, unspoken yet understood.

Ty pulled away, his hand lingering in hers for a second before he let go. He gave her one last look — a soft, knowing smile that almost broke her — before turning toward the transport.

Lucy stood frozen as he disappeared into the line of soldiers, his figure blending into the sea of camouflage. The engines roared to life, the sound cutting through the rain, and then he was gone.

The rain was all that remained as the silence settled in, thick and heavy.

He wasn’t just leaving. He was going to serve his country. And he wasn’t coming back anytime soon.

Chapter Text

Mid-Wilshire Precinct, 2025

She sat at her desk, her mind still reeling from the events of the gala. Two days had passed, but she couldn’t shake the memories. Why couldn’t she move on? He was the one who walked away from her. He was the one who hurt her. Yet, here she was, consumed by thoughts of him.

“Are you okay?” Angela’s voice broke through the haze of her thoughts, drawing her back to the present.

“Yeah, just… haven’t really slept well lately,” Lucy admitted, forcing a smile.

“Yeah, sure, if that’s what you wanna call it,” Angela teased, eyebrows raised. Lucy shot her a pointed look.

“Oh, come on. I’m not an idiot,” Angela added, half-smiling.

“Never called you one,” Lucy replied, her tone sharp but playful. “But I did say I didn’t want to talk about it.”

“Fair enough.” Angela shrugged and turned to walk out of her office. She paused before leaving, glancing back at Lucy. “But hey, Tim’s the real idiot here.”

“Even though he’s your best friend?” Lucy raised an eyebrow, smirking.

“Especially then,” Angela said with a chuckle, and the two of them shared a quiet laugh before Angela walked off.

Lucy turned back to her computer, her stomach twisting as she typed. It was the last thing she wanted to do, but she had to know. She had to.

Tyler Henry Chen, 35.

Her heart skipped a beat as she hit search. The screen blurred as she waited, dread slowly creeping in. Any day now, an obituary could appear. God, she hoped today wasn’t that day.

It had been fourteen years since he enlisted and walked into that military base, wearing a uniform that seemed too big for him at the time. He never promised to keep in touch, but a part of her had always hoped he would. For the first two years, postcards arrived sporadically from distant places—postmarks from cities she’d only seen on maps. Then, nothing. Silence.

No Results. 

Today was not that day, and she was grateful for that.

She closed the browser and stood, grabbing her jacket. A new body had turned up—another in the trail of victims someone was leaving behind. Angela was already in the driver’s seat when Lucy slid into the passenger side. The hum of the engine and the steady patter of rain against the windshield filled the silence as Angela pulled out of the station.

“You good?” Angela asked, glancing at her.

“Yeah,” Lucy lied, her gaze drifting out the window as the city blurred past. But her mind wasn’t on the case. It was on Tyler.

Where was he now? Was he safe? Was he happy?

She shook her head, trying to clear the questions that had no answers. He was out there somewhere. He had to be. And until she knew otherwise, she’d keep searching.

Even if it was just to see those words again.

***

The pain was sharp and constant, but he had learned to live with it. His left knee still aches when the weather turns cold, a reminder of how it all ended. Most days, he could ignore it — push it to the back of his mind like a bad dream — but some nights, it crept back in, crawling beneath his skin and settling in his bones.

It wasn’t supposed to end like that.

Fourteen years. He had signed up thinking he’d serve his time, maybe make a career out of it. He liked the structure. The order. The sense of purpose that came with it. And for a while, it made sense. The deployments, the long nights, the endless stretches of desert beneath a burning sky — it all made sense when he was part of a unit, when his brothers had his back.

But then it all went sideways.

He didn’t even remember the blast, not really. One second they were on patrol, the next there was heat, noise, and the sensation of flying. He woke up in a hospital bed with a nurse explaining the damage to his knee, the surgeries he’d need, the months of physical therapy ahead.

They gave him a medal. Pinned it to his chest in a quiet ceremony with a few officers standing at attention. He stood as straight as he could on crutches, trying not to show how much it hurt. When it was over, they shook his hand, thanked him for his service, and handed him a folder with his discharge papers. Honorable discharge.

That was it. Fourteen years, and it ended with a folder and a handshake.

The hardest part wasn’t leaving the service. It was figuring out how to exist without it. Without the noise, the routine, the mission. Civilian life was too quiet. The silence sat heavy on his chest.

He didn’t tell anyone why he was back. He didn’t even know where she was. Probably still New York. Probably married to her highschool sweetheart and with kids. Maybe he would just show up one day with a limp and a scar, a duffel bag over his shoulder. Maybe she wouldn’t press him for details, and maybe he would be grateful for that. He figured if he didn’t say it out loud, it wouldn’t be real.

But sometimes, when the nights were too quiet and the ache in his knee kept him awake, he’d think about the guys who didn’t make it home. The ones who weren’t lucky enough to walk away, even with a limp. And he’d wonder why it was him who made it out.

And why it still felt like part of him never left. 

He doesn’t know what to do with his time.

Does he go and track down Lucy or does he go anywhere else? 

Or does he call Tim? 

***

Tim and Isabel’s Wedding, 2017

“You actually did it,” Ty said with a grin, walking up to his best friend, Tim, who was standing by the bar at the reception.

“I did,” Tim replied, holding a drink in his hand, his eyes shining with a mix of excitement and nerves.

Ty shook his head with a chuckle. “Man, I never thought I’d see the day. You, married. Who would’ve thought?”

Tim laughed, the sound rich with disbelief. “Yeah, I didn’t think I would either.” He took a sip of his drink. “But here we are. I guess she’s worth it.”

Ty smiled. “I’m happy for you, man. You really found someone.”

“Thanks, Ty,” Tim said, giving him a sincere look. “You’ve always had my back. I’m glad you’re here.”

Ty grinned, stepping closer. “Wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

The music played softly in the background, but the two men stood in the middle of the crowd, sharing a moment that felt timeless. The years of service, of late nights and long missions together, had built a bond that couldn’t be broken. They were more than just brothers-in-arms. They were brothers in every sense of the word.

“Alright, enough of the sentimental stuff,” Tim said with a playful nudge. “So, are you going back, or what?”

Ty hesitated for a moment, the question weighing on him. He’d been thinking about it for months, ever since he’d left the service. He had his reasons for stepping away, but the itch to go back, to return to the life he knew, was still there.

“Yeah, I think so,” he replied, voice steady but uncertain. “I’m not sure how, but I think I need to get back into it. I just—” He trailed off, unsure how to explain it.

Tim gave him a sympathetic look. “You know, if you need anything — a place to crash, someone to talk to — I’m here, man. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Ty smiled, grateful for the offer, even though he wasn’t sure if he’d take it. He knew Tim meant it, though. Tim always meant it.

“I know, Tim,” Ty said, his voice low but filled with gratitude. “You’re a good friend.”

Tim clapped him on the shoulder, a familiar gesture. “Always, man. I’ve got your back, no matter what.”

With that, Tim walked away, disappearing into the crowd as the music shifted, but Ty remained, looking around the room filled with laughter, joy, and a sense of new beginnings. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he had a place — even if he wasn’t sure exactly where that place was yet.

***

“Hey dude, I think I need a place to crash.”

Chapter Text

Veteran Support Group

He wasn’t sure why he wanted to meet here. Out of all the places, why a veteran support group? He felt out of place, like he didn’t belong. Maybe it was because he hadn’t fully accepted that he wasn’t in the military anymore. He wasn’t back in the States on leave, about to head out for another deployment. He was here, trying to figure out how to live a life that wasn’t dictated by orders, routines, and the constant hum of adrenaline. The transition was harder than he’d expected, and no matter how many times he tried to convince himself that he was fine, a part of him still felt lost.

Ty sat in the corner of the room, his hands clasped tightly in his lap as the group murmured quietly around him. The room smelled faintly of coffee and stale air, and the conversations felt distant, as if he were listening from behind a thick glass. He still didn’t know why he’d walked through those doors. The faces around him were all familiar in some way, but he didn’t know how to relate to them.

Then, through the door, walked Tim.

Ty’s chest tightened, not from surprise, but from the sheer weight of the moment. Tim looked exactly like he always had, yet there was a shift in his posture, a certain weariness that Ty could recognize. They hadn’t seen each other in years, but the bond was still there, unspoken. Tim caught Ty’s eye across the room, his face breaking into a small, almost reluctant smile.

Without a word, Tim made his way over, dropping into the chair beside him. The others in the group seemed to fade into the background, their voices muffled and distant as Ty turned to his best friend.

“Why did we meet here, man?” Ty asked, his voice low but tinged with disbelief.

Tim shrugged, a wry smile playing on his lips. “Thought you could use someone who actually knows what you’re going through.” His eyes flickered to the group before he met Ty’s gaze again. “You don’t have to do this alone, Ty. You never have.”

Ty didn’t know what to say. The words he had spent so long keeping inside suddenly felt too heavy to speak. He glanced around, feeling his discomfort growing as the familiar walls of the military world seemed to collapse back in on him. But sitting next to Tim, the world seemed a little less impossible.

“I didn’t think I needed this,” Ty muttered, almost to himself, his eyes darting nervously to the others who were in the middle of their own quiet conversations. “I’m not… broken, Tim.”

“I know you’re not,” Tim replied, his voice gentle but firm. “But we all need help sometimes. Even if we don’t want to admit it.” He leaned back in his chair, his tone softening. “You might not be in the military anymore, but you don’t have to leave everything behind. You’ve still got people who care about you, and it’s okay to lean on them.”

Ty stared at him for a long moment, feeling the weight of the years they’d spent side by side, watching each other face battles that no one else could understand. And for the first time since leaving the service, he felt the tiniest flicker of hope, like maybe he wasn’t completely alone in this.

“Thanks, man,” Ty said quietly. “I didn’t know if I was ready for this. For any of it.”

“None of us are,” Tim said, giving him a slight grin. “But we figure it out, one day at a time.”

Ty exhaled slowly, feeling the tension start to ease in his shoulders. For the first time in a while, the weight of the world didn’t feel so unbearable. Maybe, just maybe, this group wasn’t so bad. And maybe, just maybe, he wasn’t so lost after all.

Once the meeting started, Ty realized that he wasn’t alone. Despite the initial discomfort, he started to notice something that he hadn’t expected—people who shared the same struggles, the same quiet burdens that came with life after the service. He was scared to talk, still unsure about opening up to strangers, but then Tim spoke, his voice clear but tinged with uncertainty.

“I messed up with Lucy, I think,” Tim said, the words hanging in the air.

The group leader nodded knowingly. “Well, Valentine’s Day is tough for a lot of people,” she offered, trying to lighten the mood.

Tim shook his head, though, the weight of the situation heavy in his eyes. “Look, things have been solid between us recently. You know, I… I really feel like I’d earned my way back in,” he said, his words trailing off.

Ty, who was leaning forward, was immediately intrigued. What was Tim talking about? Who was Lucy? He knew it wasn’t his sister, Lucy. She was happily married in New York with her high school sweetheart, living a life far removed from the world Tim and Ty had left behind.

Tim’s voice grew quieter as he continued, his gaze dropping to the floor. “You know? Both on a personal and professional level. And then… we ended up in this hotel room, and I knew it was a bad idea in that moment. I knew I was being selfish. You know that,” he stopped, sighing deeply. “That I hadn’t finished doing the work to fix what I had broken. I just… I couldn’t help myself.”

The group leader, a woman in her late forties with a calm, steady demeanor, spoke up. “This is said with love, but you’re using a lot of ‘I’ language. I felt this, I did that. But Lucy was a willing participant, yes?”

Tim’s eyes flickered, and he nodded quickly. “Yeah, of course.”

“Then why are you taking away her agency?” she asked, her voice soft but pointed. “If this was a mistake, then it’s one you made together.”

Ty watched as Tim’s expression shifted, like something in the group leader’s words had finally clicked. It was rare to see Tim like this—vulnerable, self-reflective. Ty had always seen him as the one who had it together, the guy who always had the answers. But now, sitting in this circle of strangers, Tim looked like he was searching for something that he hadn’t found yet.

The group leader shifted her attention, pointing at Ty. “What about you?” she asked. “You’re new! How about you introduce yourself?”

Ty looked at Tim, who gave him a small shake of his head, signaling him to go ahead. The gesture gave Ty the confidence he needed.

“Umm, yeah, sure,” Ty said, clearing his throat. “My name is Ty. I was in the military for 14 years. I got honorably discharged after a blast—left me with this limp,” he said, lifting his leg slightly, motioning to the faint, permanent limp he still carried. “I kind of don’t remember what happened. Tim was my sergeant for about four years when I first started off. And, uh… I guess I don’t really know what else to say.”

There was a brief, light chuckle from the group, the tension in the room easing a bit.

“Thank you, Ty. It’s a big first step just to be here,” the group leader said kindly, and Ty nodded, feeling the truth of her words. Just showing up had been hard enough.

She turned to him again, her tone soft. “Do you have a support system? Family?”

Ty hesitated, the words sticking in his throat. “Not really,” he finally said, shaking his head. “I haven’t talked to my parents since I first left. I have a baby sister, but she lives in New York with her husband, probably with kids by now. I just… I feel like I shouldn’t bother her.”

The group leader nodded sympathetically. “You probably could, but I understand. It seems hard.” She gave him a moment before moving on.

Ty was left in the silence of the room, the soft hum of others talking around him a background noise to his swirling thoughts. For the first time in a long while, he felt like he wasn’t alone. 

Tim’s House 

"Woah, what the hell happened to you?" Ty asked when Tim walked into his house late that night, referring to the cut on his face.

"Idiot criminals, that's who," Tim muttered, walking straight into the kitchen. "Please tell me there’s food."

Ty grinned and opened the fridge, pulling out the plate he’d put together earlier. "Yeah, you're welcome."

Tim nodded in appreciation as he sat down next to Ty on the couch, diving into the food with a quick, hungry bite. "So, what did you think about this morning?" he asked between bites.

"It was weirdly cool," Ty admitted, leaning back into the cushions.

Tim raised an eyebrow. "You don't get judged?"

"No, not at all. Thank you," Ty replied, his voice soft but genuine.

"For what?" Tim asked, glancing up from his plate.

"Letting me stay here. For the meeting this morning," Ty said, his words a little hesitant but full of gratitude. "I wasn’t sure I could do it alone."

Tim’s expression softened, the usual sharp edge to his features gone. "Anytime, man. You know you don't have to thank me for that." He took another bite, but there was something unspoken in his eyes, a kind of understanding that had always been there between them.

Ty leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued by the sudden shift in the conversation. He noticed the tension in Tim’s shoulders as he set his plate down, clearly not finished with the meal but still distracted.

“So… about what happened with Lucy in the hotel room,” Ty said, his voice careful. He wasn’t sure how far to push, but the topic had been lingering ever since Tim brought it up earlier.

Tim sighed heavily, rubbing a hand over his face like he was trying to wipe away the weight of it all. He didn’t look at Ty right away, as though he was trying to find the right words. Finally, he met Ty’s eyes.

“Who even is Lucy? And what happened with Isabel?” Ty asked, trying to sound casual but definitely fishing for answers.

Tim sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Isabel and I divorced about four years ago.” His tone was calm, but Ty could hear the weight beneath the words. “She became an undercover cop and… she became an addict. She’s clean now, but it just destroyed us.”

Ty’s eyes widened. “Damn, man. I’m sorry.” He meant it, but his curiosity was growing fast. “But Lucy?”

Tim hesitated for a second, then let out a short breath. “Lucy was a detective from another precinct. She came crashing down into my life, and… she’s incredible. Smart, tough, funny. We dated for about a year, and then… I was an idiot.”

Ty sat up a little straighter. “How were you an idiot?” He was definitely interested now.

Tim rubbed the back of his neck. “There’s something you should know… Ray’s alive.”

Ty’s head snapped toward him. “Wait—what?”

Tim nodded slowly. “Yeah. He’s in jail now. Mark wanted to make good on our promise, but I talked him down. Kind of stalked Ray until I caught him in a crime or something.”

Ty shook his head, trying to process it all. “You got kicked out of Metro and broke up with Lucy… because of Ray?”

Tim’s jaw tensed. “I wanted to protect her. So… I kind of disappeared on her.”

“Define ‘disappeared.’”

Tim’s gaze dropped to the floor. “Left during date night. Didn’t text or call for 36 hours.”

Ty’s eyes widened. “Wow. You really were an idiot.”

Tim chuckled softly, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah.” He leaned back against the couch, his expression darkening. “I was drowning. When it finally caught up with me, I walked out of the station. It was like… an out-of-body experience. Lucy was there, and before I knew it, the words came out of my mouth and I was walking away.”

“What words?” Ty pressed.

Tim’s throat tightened. “That it was over.” He let out a shaky breath. “Everything in me was telling me to turn around and take it back, but my head said I deserved this pain, so… I didn’t.”

Ty watched him carefully. “Buddy…”

Tim’s eyes were guarded, but Ty could see the regret there, buried beneath the surface. “I loved her, Ty. Still do.”

Ty leaned forward, his tone serious but gentle. “Then why the hell are you sitting here talking to me instead of fixing it?”

“She’s scared,” Tim said as he got up, carrying his empty plate to the dishwasher.

“Well, yeah, no duh. It sounds like you broke her trust,” Ty said, following him into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter, watching Tim clean up. “But have you actually tried talking to her?”

Tim sighed. “She doesn’t want to talk.”

Ty frowned. “Okay, but didn’t you guys just hook up? How’d that go the morning after? Did she sneak out?”

Tim shook his head, his expression guarded. “It was just ex-sex on Valentine’s Day.”

“Oof.” Ty winced. “That’s gotta sting.”

Tim wiped down the counter, avoiding Ty’s gaze. “She said she doesn’t regret it.”

Ty’s eyes narrowed. “But let me guess… she also said it can’t happen again?”

Tim’s jaw tightened as he nodded. “Pretty much.”

Ty let out a low whistle. “Man, you’re in deep.”

Tim glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Yeah.”

Chapter Text

Chen’s Residence, 2010

It was one of those nights. The kind where you hold your breath until you’re sure the coast is clear. The kind where the Chen siblings knew not to leave their rooms until they heard their parents’ bedroom door close for the night.

It wasn’t anything new in their house. It started with the tense silence around the dinner table, and it ended with food half-eaten and doors slamming. The house always felt like it was on the edge of something, never quite settled.

It was just after 10 when there was a quiet knock at Lucy’s door. She opened it to find her older brother standing there, his face a mixture of frustration and concern. Without a word, he stepped inside, closed the door behind him, and sat down beside her on the bed.

“Are you okay?” Lucy asked softly, breaking the silence that had hung between them for the past few minutes.

“Yeah, it’s the same thing every single day,” Ty replied quietly, his voice carrying a weight she could feel.

Lucy sighed, looking down at the blanket spread out on her bed. “It’s not fair. You could’ve been out of here by now. You could’ve left three years ago.”

Ty shook his head, his fingers absently picking at the edge of her blanket. “And leave you here? Absolutely not,” he said, his voice firm but gentle.

Lucy turned to him, her expression softening. “Ty, I can handle myself here. It’s only a couple more months until New York.”

Ty didn’t meet her gaze. Instead, he stared at the bed, a sense of unease settling in his chest. “And that’s when I go off and serve.” He paused, running a hand through his hair. “I can do this for a couple more months, Lu. I’ve been doing it for years. I can keep going.”

There was an uneasiness in Lucy’s stomach as she watched her brother, the weight of the conversation settling between them like a cloud that wouldn't lift. The military. It was the one place she couldn’t follow him, couldn’t protect him. It was the one place that made her feel helpless.

“You know you’re going to the one place that I can’t protect you,” Lucy finally said, her voice small but firm.

Ty looked up at her, his expression softening, though there was still a quiet determination in his eyes. “Lu, I’ll be okay. I’m doing this for me. And you’re the little sister. I’m supposed to protect you, not the other way around.”

She crossed her arms, the frustration rising in her chest. “This is such bullshit. They’re so mad over who you love. You can’t change that,” Lucy said, the words coming out in a rush as she started to pace around her room. The anger bubbled inside her, and the injustice of it all made her heart ache.

Ty’s face darkened as he leaned back on her bed, his arms crossing in a familiar, defensive gesture. “Well, they’ve tried. Multiple ways,” he said quietly, his mind drifting back to the memories of the conversion camps and the churches their parents had dragged him to—places that had tried to change him, to make him someone he wasn’t.

Lucy stopped pacing, her heart sinking as she saw the hurt in his eyes. “I hate that they did that to you,” she said, her voice trembling. “I hate that you had to go through all of that alone.”

“I wasn’t alone, Lu,” Ty said, his voice thick with emotion. “I had you. You’ve always been there.” He paused, letting the silence stretch between them, before adding, “But I need to do this. For me. For us. So we can move on, no matter what they think.”

Lucy sat down beside him, her own eyes glistening with unshed tears. She didn’t want him to go. But she also knew that this was something he had to do. For himself. For his future. She just wished it didn’t feel so heavy.

Lucy sat down beside him, her shoulder brushing against his. For a moment, neither of them said anything. The weight of it all—the past, the future, the things neither of them could control—hung between them like a thread threatening to snap.

“I wish you didn’t have to go,” she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ty glanced down at his hands, then back at her. “I know.” His voice was steady, but there was a quiet tremor beneath it. He reached out and gently took her hand, threading their fingers together. “But I promise you—I’m going to be okay.”

Lucy shook her head, her eyes stinging. “You can’t promise that.”

Ty smiled faintly. “No. But I can promise that I’ll try. And that I’m coming back.”

Lucy hesitated, then held out her pinky. It was something they hadn’t done since they were kids, back when promises were simple and unbreakable. “Promise me?”

Ty’s eyes softened as he curled his pinky around hers. His grip was warm and sure. “Promise.”

Lucy squeezed his pinky tight, as if holding on to the moment could somehow make it last. “And promise me you won’t let them make you feel like you’re broken.”

“I promise,” Ty said, his voice steady. “And promise me you’ll go to New York. That you’ll make a life there. You deserve that.”

Lucy nodded, her throat tight. “I promise.”

Their pinkies lingered together for a moment longer before they let go. Ty smiled, a quiet, tired smile, and Lucy mirrored it. It wasn’t enough to make the fear go away—but it was enough to make her feel like maybe, just maybe, they could survive what was coming.

***

Lucy and Celina’s Apartment, 2025 

That was one of their last conversations before it all became too much. Before he left. Too much of the fighting. Too much of the abuse. Lucy spent those last few months before leaving for New York hiding in her room or escaping with Nathan. She couldn’t stand being around her parents anymore—their cold stares, the cutting remarks. The worst were the digs about Ty, spoken like casual truths. At the end of the day, Ty’s not really our kid. But between Ty and Lucy, that was a lie. Ty was her brother in every way that mattered—blood, heart, and soul. Even if they did have different fathers. 

Now, years later, Lucy sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers lightly tracing the chain of the necklace resting against her collarbone. It had arrived in the mail shortly after her wedding, tucked in a small box with a long, handwritten note from Ty. He’d apologized for not being able to be there, explaining it in that careful, guarded way he always did when he didn’t want to say too much. She never held it against him. There was no reason to. He had his reasons, and she understood more than most what it meant to carry the weight of those choices. She remembered sitting on the floor of her apartment after reading the note, clutching the necklace so tightly in her hand it left an imprint. That night, she cried harder than she had in years—not because he wasn’t there, but because she wasn’t sure if she’d ever see him again.

“Hey so Nyla is asking if we want to go on a hike,” Celina said, peeking her head into Lucy’s room, snapping her out of her thoughts. 

“A hike or spying on Glasser?” Lucy asked, referring to Nyla trying to take down a serial killer.

“What do you think?” Celian asked and Lucy already knew the answer. 

“Yeah I will come. Give me 5 mins,” Lucy said and Celina walked back to her room as Lucy closed her door, still necklace in hand. Maybe she will see him again. Someday in the near future. 

***

Veteran Support Group 

A week had passed since Ty had moved in with Tim. He’d been trying to find work, but it was hard when you have a limp and weekly physical therapy sessions. Now he was sitting next to Tim in a circle, getting ready to dish out some of his feelings—or at least try to.

“Ty? Glad to see you back here again! You wanna start?” the group leader asked, her tone encouraging.

Ty took a deep breath. “Still not a hundred percent sure what to say,” he admitted. There was scattered laughter around the room.

“That’s okay. How are you adjusting?” she asked.

“It hasn’t been the easiest thing ever,” Ty said, rubbing his hands together. “I still feel like I’m on leave, you know? Not sure when that feeling’s going to go away.”

“That’s completely normal. Fourteen years is a long time to have that kind of structure,” the leader said. “Have you been looking for work?”

“Yeah, but it’s kind of hard with physical therapy and the limp,” Ty replied.

“Yeah, it’ll be great once you’re out of my guest room,” Tim said beside him, smirking. The group laughed.

“Hey, it’s been a week,” Ty shot back, grinning. “I’ve offered to pay rent, and you have dinner the second you get home—so shush it, dude.” More laughter rippled through the circle.

“Okay, fair enough,” Tim said, backing down with a smile.

The group leader smiled. “Have you thought about reaching out to your sister?”

Ty’s smile faded. “A little, but she’s gotta have her hands full.”

“Not even to tell her you’re alive and out?” she pressed gently.

Ty hesitated, his fingers tightening around the edge of his chair. “I think I’m scared to do that,” he said quietly.

“That’s fair,” the leader said, her tone softening. “But don’t you think she’s worried about you?”

Ty didn’t answer. He just stared down at his hands. The leader took his silence as her cue to back off and moved the conversation along. But Lucy stayed on his mind for the rest of the meeting—her face, her laugh, the way she used to always know what to say.

As the meeting wrapped up, Tim’s phone buzzed. He pulled it out, and his expression immediately tightened.

“Oh, geez,” Tim muttered.

“What’s going on?” Ty asked.

“Wildfire,” Tim said, standing up. His mind was already a thousand miles away. “Gotta get to work. But I’m not sure how you’re getting home.”

“We’re actually grabbing breakfast,” a guy named Brian offered. “Ty, you’re more than welcome to join us. I can drop you off after.”

Ty hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah, that sounds good.”

“You really don’t mind?” Tim asked Brian.

“Not at all,” Brian said with a shrug.

“Thanks, man,” Tim said, already halfway out the door.

“Stay safe, Sergeant,” Brian called after him.

“I’ll try my best,” Tim said over his shoulder as he walked out.

Ty watched as Tim disappeared through the door, his footsteps fading down the hallway. A part of him wanted to go after him, to offer some kind of reassurance—but he knew better. Tim would handle it. He always did.

“You ready?” Brian asked, standing up and stretching.

Ty hesitated, his gaze lingering on the door where Tim had just left. “Yeah,” he said, standing up and grabbing his jacket.

They walked toward the exit together, the early morning sun filtering through the windows. Ty’s mind was still racing with thoughts of Lucy. The last time they’d spoken. The years in between. The letters he’d almost sent more times than he could count. The letter he did send. 

“You okay?” Brian asked, his voice breaking through Ty’s thoughts.

“Yeah,” Ty said automatically, though his chest felt tight.

They stepped outside, and the cool morning air hit Ty’s face. He took a breath and stuffed his hands into his jacket pockets.

“She’s probably not even thinking about me,” Ty said quietly.

Brian gave him a knowing look as they walked toward his car. “Maybe. Or maybe she’s been waiting for you to call.”

Ty didn’t answer. He wasn’t sure he could. Instead, he slid into the passenger seat and watched the city pass by through the window.

He knew one thing for sure: he couldn’t keep avoiding this forever. Sooner or later, he’d have to face it. Face her. 

Chapter Text

Tim’s House, 2025

Ty was not expecting to walk into Tim’s house and find it completely trashed.

Literally trashed.

Furniture overturned, papers scattered everywhere, a lamp smashed on the floor. Ty was pretty sure the TV was broken, the spiderweb cracks in the screen catching the light from the hallway. He stood frozen in the entryway for a long moment, trying to make sense of the chaos.

“Is everything… woah, what the hell happened?” Brian asked as he stepped inside and took in the wreckage.

Ty took a cautious step forward, his eyes scanning the damage. “Probably looters,” he said, his voice tight. He crouched down to pick up a broken picture frame, brushing glass off the photo beneath it.

“You think Tim knows?” Brian asked, stepping carefully around the broken glass.

“If he did, he would’ve called me,” Ty said. He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I should probably clean this up before he gets home.”

“You want help?” Brian offered.

Ty shook his head, already heading toward the kitchen. “No, it’s fine. You probably have more important things to do.”

Brian followed him, leaning casually against the counter as Ty pulled a trash bag from under the sink. “Actually, I don’t,” Brian said.

Ty gave him a sideways glance. “You sure?”

Brian shrugged. “Yeah. And besides, it looks like a two-person job.”

Ty hesitated, then handed him a trash bag. “Only if you really want to.”

Brian smiled faintly. “Good thing I do.”

They started working together in silence, the sound of broken glass and debris hitting the plastic bags filling the room. It was methodical, almost grounding. Ty’s muscles burned from the effort, but he kept going. He knew Tim would downplay it when he got home, act like it was nothing. But Ty had lived through enough to know the aftermath was always harder to deal with than the moment itself.

As Ty knelt down to pick up another broken frame, he felt Brian crouch beside him.

“Pretty shitty welcome home, huh?” Brian said softly.

Ty huffed out a breath. “Yeah. But at least I’m not cleaning it up alone.”

Brian’ smile was small but genuine. “Yeah. Not alone.”

They kept working for a while, the silence growing comfortable. Then Brian spoke again.

“So… what about your sister?” Brian asked, his tone light but curious.

Ty stilled, setting down a shattered piece of ceramic a little too carefully. “What about her?”

“You gonna reach out?” Brian pressed gently.

Ty sighed, rubbing his hand over his face. “I don’t know.”

“She probably thinks you’re dead,” Brian said.

“I know.”

“And?”

Ty shook his head. “It’s complicated.”

Brian raised an eyebrow. “Complicated how?”

Ty exhaled slowly. “Because she’s better off not knowing. She’s got her life. Her career. She’s happy.”

“And you think telling her you’re alive is gonna ruin that?”

Ty’s jaw tightened. He didn’t answer.

Brian studied him for a moment before saying, “Look, I don’t know her, but… if it were me? I’d want to know.”

Ty swallowed hard, feeling the weight of that truth settle in his chest.

“Yeah,” he said quietly. “I know.”

They kept working, the silence between them growing heavier. Ty focused on the task in front of him, carefully sweeping up the glass and debris, but his mind was somewhere else.

Lucy.

Brian’ words lingered. If it were me, I’d want to know.

Ty knew it was true. He knew Lucy deserved to know. But what if knowing didn’t make anything better? What if it only made things worse?

“Do you talk to her often?” Brian asked after a while, his tone casual but curious.

Ty hesitated, tossing a handful of glass into the trash bag. “Not for a while.”

“How long is ‘a while’?”

Ty’s jaw tightened. “A couple of postcards and letters but haven’t seen her in fourteen years.”

Brian straightened up, his eyebrows raising. “Damn. Fourteen years?”

Ty nodded stiffly.

“And she thinks you’re dead?”

“Probably,” Ty said quietly. He sat back on his heels, resting his hands on his knees. “It just seems easier that way. Safer.”

Brian frowned. “For who?”

Ty didn’t answer.

Brian dropped down beside him, his tone softer now. “What happened?”

“She was… safe without me,” Ty finally said. His voice was low, rough around the edges. “I thought if I left, if I stayed away, she wouldn’t have to keep worrying about me. Wouldn’t have to keep trying to save me.”

Brian studied him for a long moment. “And now?”

Ty’s mouth twitched into something that almost resembled a smile. “Now I’m not so sure.”

Brian leaned back against the wall, his arms resting on his knees. “Well, you can’t change the past. But you can change the fact that she still thinks you’re gone.”

Ty shook his head. “I don’t even know how to start that conversation.”

Brian smiled faintly. “Start with ‘I’m alive.’”

Ty’s gaze drifted back to her face. Lucy’s face. That bright, fearless smile. He remembered how hard she fought for him—how she stood between him and their parents, between him and everyone else who tried to tear him down.

And he’d let her think he was gone.

“She’s gonna hate me,” Ty said, his voice quiet.

Brian shrugged. “Maybe. But I think she’d rather hate you and know you’re alive than live the rest of her life thinking you’re dead.”

Ty’s throat tightened.

“Besides,” Brian added, his tone light, “if she’s anything like you, I doubt she gives up that easily.”

Ty’s mouth tugged into a small, reluctant smile. “Yeah. She never did.”

Brian nudged his shoulder. “So what’s the worst that could happen?”

“She could hate me forever,” Ty said without hesitation.

Brian’ smile widened. “Or… she could forgive you.”

Ty’s breath hitched. He hadn’t allowed himself to hope for that. Not really.

Brian stood up, holding out a hand to help Ty up. “Come on. We’ve got a house to clean.”

Ty hesitated, then took Brian’ hand and let him pull him to his feet.

“And after that?” Ty asked.

Brian smiled. “Maybe you make a phone call.”

Ty’s chest tightened. The idea terrified him. But for the first time in a long time, it didn’t feel impossible.

“Maybe,” Ty said quietly.

Ty sat in silence for a long moment, his mind spinning with the weight of the conversation. The words Brian had said were still ringing in his ears— Maybe it’s time to find out . He hadn’t considered that.

Brian was leaning against the counter, staring at Ty with a level of understanding that Ty wasn’t sure he deserved.

“You know,” Brian started slowly, “sometimes we think we’re protecting the people we love by staying away. But it’s like we forget that maybe they need us there, even if they don’t say it.”

Ty’s eyes flickered to Brian, a sense of unease settling in his chest. “You don’t know what it’s like. You don’t know how bad it got for us.”

“I don’t,” Brian admitted. “But I know what it’s like to keep running from the hard things. You think you're saving someone by not facing the truth, but in the end, it just keeps piling up.” He paused, his voice softer. “Do you think she’s been better off without you in her life?”

Ty clenched his fists, his throat tightening. “No. I don’t.” He stared down at the floor, trying to push the guilt away. “I ruined everything. I couldn’t protect her. She needed me, and I was too much of a coward to be there when it mattered.”

“You weren’t a coward,” Brian said, his voice steady. “You did what you thought was best for her at the time. But things change. People change.”

Ty’s hands shook as he looked up at Brian. “But what if I’m too late? What if she’s moved on? What if she’s forgotten about me?”

“She hasn’t. You are her brother.” Brian said firmly, stepping closer. “Not if she’s still holding onto that part of her life. No matter how much time has passed, the people we care about—they stay with us. Even when we’re not there.”

Ty felt a pang in his chest. “But I hurt her, Brian. I left her. I disappeared.”

“Yeah, but you weren’t running from her,” Brian said, his tone more serious now. “You were running from yourself. From the things you thought would destroy her, the things you thought she couldn’t handle. You weren’t leaving her behind. You were leaving yourself behind.”

Ty swallowed hard, the weight of the words settling deep inside him. “I don’t know if I can fix it. I don’t know if I can make it right.”

Brian let out a deep sigh. “You won’t know until you try. You owe it to yourself, and you owe it to her, to at least try.”

Ty turned the words over in his mind. Could he really do it? Could he face her after all these years? After everything that happened? His heart beat faster, a mix of fear and hope threading through his chest.

“I’m scared, man,” Ty admitted, his voice quieter now. “I’m scared that I’ll make it worse. I’m scared that… that I’ll lose her for good this time.”

Brian knelt down beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. “That’s the risk we all face, Ty. We all make mistakes. We all have things we wish we could take back. But it’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up. Being there when it counts.”

Ty took a deep breath, feeling the weight of it all. His mind flashed back to Lucy, the last time he saw her, the way she looked at him like she was begging him to stay. He hadn’t given her the chance to fight for him, for them.

“I don’t want to be the one who kept her in the dark,” Ty whispered.

“You won’t be,” Brian said gently. “You’re here now. And that’s the first step.”

Ty’s eyes finally met Brian’, and for the first time in a long while, he felt like he wasn’t carrying the burden alone. “I’m going to find her,” he said, his voice steady. “I’m going to fix this.”

Brian gave him a small, knowing smile. “You’re not fixing it, Ty. You’re just being honest. And that’s all she’ll ever need.”

Ty nodded, a new resolve forming inside him. It wasn’t going to be easy, but maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t too late.

***

It was late by the time they were done. Ty was cooking dinner, stirring the pot while chatting with Brian, when Tim finally walked in, looking tired and worn out. Kojo immediately bounded toward him, tail wagging as he greeted his owner.

"Wow, the second time in a week that you came home looking like hell," Ty teased, his voice light but amused.

"Don't blame him! There's literally a raging wildfire out there," Brian defended him, holding up his hands in mock surrender.

"Thank you," Tim said, giving Brian a grateful look as he set his gear down on the counter.

"But you do smell like a structure fire," Brian added, wrinkling his nose slightly.

"Well, that’s what usually happens when you literally get trapped in the middle of one," Tim replied, shrugging as he made his way toward the kitchen.

"What back up? Excuse me?" Ty asked, narrowing his eyes and setting down the spatula.

"Ridley," Tim said with a sigh, clearly frustrated.

"A rookie?" Ty raised an eyebrow.

"He said he wasn’t informed about the closure of the road," Tim explained, rubbing his temples.

"Okay, even I know that's a bunch of bullshit," Brian said, shaking his head.

Tim gave a tired laugh, a dry humor to his voice. "I don’t know. And then one of our detective's husbands got shot."

"Jeez," Brian said softly. "Is he okay?"

"Yeah, he’s out of surgery, but it was definitely a shift," Tim said, looking like he had more on his mind but wasn't ready to dive into it. "Then I screwed up."

Ty stopped stirring, immediately locking eyes with him. "With Lucy?"

“Oh geez,” Brian added. 

"Why are you in my house?" Tim asked, trying to make the conversation light as he half-smiled at Brian.

"Hey, thanks to him, your house got cleaned faster," Ty said, grinning as he brought over the plates of food.

Tim looked around, noticing the pristine state of the house. "Right, that happened."

"Okay, sit down!" Ty gestured to the empty seat next to Brian. "How did you screw up with Lucy?"

Tim let out a deep sigh, pulling out a chair and sitting down. "Told her I still love her," he admitted, his voice low but resolute.

There was a brief silence as both Ty and Brian took in his words. Then Brian spoke up, clearly curious. "Okay, how?"

Tim took a bite of his food before answering, chewing slowly. "Well, we were under the fire shelter, and I thought we were going to die, so… yeah," he said, his tone heavy with the gravity of the moment.

Ty blinked, processing that information. "Wait, Lucy was in the middle of the wildfire?" he asked, his eyes wide with concern.

Tim nodded, taking another bite of his meal before speaking again. "Yeah. She was there with me. It was crazy, Ty. Everything was happening so fast. I didn’t think we'd make it out."

The weight of his words hung in the air, and for a moment, all of them sat in silence, the tension of the day settling around them like the smoke that still hung in the air outside. The fire had taken so much from them all, but for Tim, it seemed to have opened up something deeper—a truth he hadn't been able to face until that very moment.

Ty broke the silence first, his voice quieter. "You should talk to her. Don't let that moment be the last time you tell her how you feel."

Tim glanced up, meeting Ty's eyes, then looked at Brian. Both of them were waiting for him to make a move. He sighed again, a deep weariness pulling at him, but there was a spark of determination in his eyes now.

"I will," Tim said. "When the time's right, I'll talk to her and if she lets me.”

And for the first time that night, it felt like the weight of his secret—of his love for Lucy—had lightened just a little bit.

***

Brian finished his meal and stood up, gathering his things. "Alright, I’m out. Got an early morning ahead of me," he said, giving a quick nod to Tim.

"Thanks for helping with the cleanup," Tim said, standing up and slapping him lightly on the back. "And for not letting Ty completely destroy my kitchen."

Ty rolled his eyes, but a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "You’re welcome," Brian said, grabbing his jacket. "Take care, Tim. And hey, Ty, don’t burn anything else, alright?"

Ty smirked. "I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try."

As Brian left, the door closing softly behind him, Tim leaned against the counter, watching his friend walk out. He turned back to Ty with a teasing look in his eyes.

"So, I see you two have become fast friends," Tim said, raising an eyebrow.

Ty froze for a second, narrowing his eyes at Tim. "What are you implying?"

Tim’s grin widened. "You and Brian. He’s here helping, cleaning, chatting. Sounds like you’ve got a new buddy."

Ty scoffed, shaking his head. "I don’t know what you’re talking about. We just—"

"Just what?" Tim interrupted, chuckling. "Just bonded over cleaning my house? Sure, Ty. That’s the story you’re sticking with?"

"Shut up, Tim," Ty muttered, trying to hide his smile, but Tim saw through it.

Tim laughed, his tone playful. "Oh, I can see it now. The two of you, side by side, getting into trouble together. What is this, the start of something?"

Ty threw his hands up in mock exasperation. "It’s not like that, alright? He just... offered to help. And you were busy with the whole wildfire thing, so I wasn’t going to turn him down."

Tim leaned in, a teasing glint in his eye. "Right. You weren’t gonna turn him down. Mm-hmm."

Ty glared at him, but it was clear Tim had gotten under his skin. "Just finish your food, alright?"

Tim grinned, taking another bite. "Sure, sure. But just so you know, you’re not fooling anyone. You’ve got a new friend, and you’re not nearly as cool as you think you are."

Ty sighed dramatically. "Whatever, man.”

"Alright, alright," Tim said with a smirk, sitting down at the table. "But one of these days, I’m gonna get the full story about you and Brian."

Ty shot him a look but said nothing. He knew Tim well enough to know that the teasing wouldn’t stop, but he didn’t care. For now, he just wanted to eat his food in peace.

Chapter Text

Mid Wilshire Precinct

She felt like she had failed. It wasn’t her fault that she’d been paired with a rookie who turned out to be a pathological liar—lying about girlfriends, about cancer—but that didn’t make it feel any less like a failure.

“You know you didn’t fail,” Tim’s voice came from behind her as he leaned against the doorway of her office.

Lucy sighed, slinging her bag over her shoulder as she turned to face him. “Yeah, I know. But I can’t shake the feeling that I could’ve done something more.”

“Don’t go down that road,” he said, his voice steady in the way that only someone who truly knew her could manage. Of course, Tim knew her.

“I know,” Lucy said, walking toward the exit with him. “But why lie about something so serious? Who lies about having cancer?”

Tim hit the elevator button. “Who knows? Maybe he actually does have cancer.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “If he had cancer, he would’ve submitted to a blood draw. He was just trying to cover his tracks.”

“True,” Tim admitted as the elevator doors slid open. He followed her inside as she hit the button for the parking garage.

“But still… it feels like I failed,” Lucy said, the words coming out before she could stop them. “I mean, a sergeant detective who couldn’t train her rookie? That sounds like a failure.”

Tim shook his head. “You did a good job with your first rookie. No proper training, no real guidance—and you still figured it out. Catching onto his lies is exactly what a detective would’ve done. You didn’t fail, Luce. You did your job.”

The elevator doors opened, and Lucy stepped out with a sigh.

“You ready to head back to your orphanage of an apartment?” Tim asked, smirking.

“Never a quiet moment,” Lucy said as they made their way toward their cars.

“Yeah, no, I get it,” Tim said.

Lucy shot him a look. “Respectfully? You do not. The only roommate you have is a dog.”

Tim chuckled. “And a military buddy who doesn’t pay rent.”

Lucy paused by her car, tilting her head. “Since when did you start taking in strays?”

“About a week and a half ago. He was honorably discharged and needed a place to land. Not a stray but a good friend when we served together,” Tim said casually.

“Wow,” Lucy teased, her lips curling into a grin. “It’s almost like Tim Bradford has a heart.”

“I have a heart,” he shot back, smiling.

“Mhmm,” Lucy said as she unlocked her car. “Goodnight, Tim.”

“Night, Luce,” he called over his shoulder as he headed toward his car a couple of spaces down.

Lucy slid into her car, but the smile lingered long after she drove away.

Tim’s House 

Ty was sitting on the couch with his phone in one hand. He still had her contact from 14 years ago. Was the number still the same? He wasn’t sure. He couldn’t find her on the NYPD website. There was no Detective Lucy King. There was no way she would have kept Chen but there was no Detective Lucy Chen either. 

He remembered the night where she told him that she wanted to go to school for criminal justice and wanted to be a detective. It was months before that night. That night he walked out and only looked back once and it was just for Lucy. 

Chen’s Residence, 2010 

He was in the kitchen, stirring a pot of pasta. It was one of those rare nights when their parents were out with coworkers, leaving the house quiet for once. Ty didn’t mind—it was nice to have the place to themselves.

He heard the front door open, followed by the soft thud of Lucy dropping her bag by the door. A few seconds later, she walked into the kitchen, practically glowing. That wide, almost mischievous smile on her face meant she’d figured something out.

Ty turned from the stove, eyebrow raised. “Okay… what’s up?”

Lucy dropped into one of the chairs at the table, still grinning. “I think I know what I want to study in college.”

Ty leaned against the counter, folding his arms. “Oh yeah? Let’s hear it.”

“Criminal justice,” she said, her voice steady, proud.

Ty’s brow lifted. “Criminal justice?”

She nodded.

“And what are you planning to do with that?” he asked, though the answer was already forming in his mind.

“Detective,” she said with absolute certainty.

And suddenly, it all made sense.

Ty smiled. “Yeah. I can see that.”

Lucy tilted her head. “You think so?”

“Absolutely,” Ty said. “You’ve always had a way of figuring things out—putting pieces together that no one else could.”

Lucy’s smile widened. “Maybe I’ve been training for this my whole life.”

“Probably,” Ty said, smirking as he turned back to the stove. “Just don’t go trying to interrogate me.”

Lucy laughed. “No promises.”

***

Present day

He was so proud of her. He knew what he wanted to do, and now she knew what she wanted to do. They both finally had a way out of that house.

He had promised to be there for her until they were out. But then came the night that turned his world upside down. After that, he had nowhere to go. The military bases became his home. And now he was out.

And here he was, sitting on his old sergeant’s couch with his dog curled up beside him, his phone in his hand, contemplating calling her for the first time in fourteen years. Just to tell her that he was out for good.

She is in New York now.
Detective. Married. Kids.
Her life was perfect. So why would he complicate it?

But it was Lucy. His little sister. His saving grace in that house.
She got him through high school. She got him through the bad nights with their parents. When things were at their worst, she had been the only good thing left.

He took a breath and hit call , putting the phone to his ear.

It rang for a second before an automated voice cut in:

"We’re sorry, the number you have dialed is no longer in service."

The line went dead.

He stared at the phone, feeling the disappointment settle deep in his chest. Fourteen years was a long time. What were the chances that her number would still be the same?

He should’ve known better. He was disappointed, but maybe this was the world’s way of telling him it wasn’t meant to happen.

If he was meant to reunite with his baby sister, the world would find a way to make it happen.

For now, he just had to swallow it and move on.

Ty set the phone down on the coffee table and leaned back against the couch, his head resting on the cushion behind him. Kojo lifted his head, sensing the shift in Ty's mood. The dog nudge his hand, and Ty absentmindedly scratched behind his ears.

"Guess it’s not meant to be, huh?" Ty murmured, more to himself than to Kojo.

Kojo huffed, settling his head back on Ty’s lap. Ty sighed and closed his eyes. He was trying not to feel the sting of rejection—it wasn’t like she had purposely shut him out. People changed their numbers all the time. Fourteen years was a long time.

He heard the front door open, and Tim walked in, looking like hell. His shirt was wrinkled and stained with something, and he was clearly tired. Tim dropped his keys on the counter and sighed as he spotted Ty on the couch.

"You look like crap," Ty said without opening his eyes.

"Feel like crap too," Tim replied, sitting down heavily in the armchair across from him.

"Rough day?"

"Understatement." Tim ran a hand through his hair. “Had inmates from the closest jail be transferred to our care and right before they got there our systems went down. A civilian got hit and a cop got beaten up. And there was a racoon.” 

“Woah ok. Rough day really was an understatement,” Ty joked.

“Yeah! What about you?” Tim asked as he came to sit down next to Kojo and started to pet him. 

“It was fine. Had an interview but I am not sure if it is going to pan out,” Ty said clearly hiding something. 

“What else?” Tim said as still petting his dog. 

“Tried to call my sister,” he said, cracking. 

“And?” Tim said, giving him his full attention. 

“Her number was out of service,” Ty said with a sigh. “Guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” 

Tim frowned. "Maybe she changed it. People move around, change things up."

"Yeah." Ty’s mouth pulled into a tight line. "Or maybe she just doesn’t want to be found."

"You really think that?"

Ty shook his head. "I don’t know. Just feels like… after everything, maybe it’s better if I don’t try to force it."

Tim sat forward, elbows resting on his knees. "She didn’t  stop loving you, Ty. I’m sure of that."

"Yeah, well…" Ty’s voice trailed off. He didn’t sound convinced.

Tim studied him for a moment. "You’re not gonna let this go."

Ty huffed out a breath. "What’s the point? She’s got a life. A good one. I don’t want to come back after fourteen years and screw that up."

Tim’s expression softened. "Maybe she has a crappy life."

Ty glanced at him, brow furrowing. 

"You don’t know how she’d feel about seeing you again," Tim continued. "She’s not a kid anymore. Maybe she’s been wondering about you this whole time."

Ty let out a bitter laugh. "Yeah, and maybe she’s been relieved not to have to deal with me."

Tim’s eyes narrowed. "Stop that. You’ve always thought the worst about yourself, but that’s not how she saw you.”

"That was a long time ago," Ty said.

"Yeah, and you think that kind of bond just disappears?" Tim shook his head. "Call her again. Track her down if you have to. Just don’t give up this easy."

Ty hesitated, looking down at his hands. His knuckles were still rough from years of training, still marked by scars from his time in the service.

"What if I show up and she’s pissed?"

"Then you deal with it." Tim stood up. "But you owe it to both of you to try."

Ty sat there, turning Tim’s words over in his mind long after Tim had disappeared down the hall. Kojo lifted his head again and nudged Ty’s hand.

Ty sighed. "Guess it’s not over yet."

Kojo’s tail wagged.

Chapter Text

Mid Wilshire, 2025

“Hey,” Tim said, knocking on her office door. Lucy glanced up from her laptop, her eyes meeting his.

“What’s up?” she asked.

“The dad’s here,” Tim said as Lucy closed her laptop and stood up.

“And how does he seem?” she asked as they started walking toward the interrogation room.

“Nervous,” Tim replied, holding the door open to the viewing room. Lucy stepped inside, her eyes immediately landing on the father sitting at the table. His hands were clasped tightly together, his leg bouncing under the table.

They had caught the case a day ago—a home invasion gone wrong. The mother was out when it happened. The son had been shot and killed—with the father’s gun. The father’s story had been inconsistent from the beginning. Something didn’t add up.

“Good morning, Sergeant Chen,” Miles said as Lucy and Tim entered the room.

Lucy nodded in greeting but kept her focus on the scene unfolding through the one-way glass.

“What do you need done?” Tim asked, his eyes flicking between Lucy and the father in the interrogation room.

“Get him to tell us what actually happened,” Lucy said. 

Tim gave a small nod. “You got it.” He turned and walked into the interrogation room, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp.

Miles shifted beside Lucy as they watched Tim take a seat across from the father. His movements were calculated—non-threatening but intentional.

“Sarge, can I ask you something?” Miles said after a moment.

“Yeah, of course,” Lucy replied, not taking her eyes off Tim and the father.

Miles hesitated before asking, “Do you really think a parent could kill their own child?”

Lucy’s jaw tightened as the question hit a little too close to home. She took a moment to gather her thoughts before answering.

“I think you’re still new to this job,” Lucy said, her tone measured. “And nothing that terrible has happened to you yet.”

Miles frowned, but Lucy kept going.

“Families are complicated. When they fall apart, it leaves them vulnerable. And when people are vulnerable, that’s when the most unpredictable—and dangerous—things can happen.”

Her eyes darkened as memories flickered at the edge of her mind. She forced them back down.

Her brother.

“So to answer your question,” Lucy continued, her gaze steady on the father, “Yes. Parents can kill their children. Anyone can kill anyone. There’s no rhyme or reason to it—but it happens.”

Miles looked down, processing her words. “That’s… messed up.”

Lucy’s eyes narrowed slightly as Tim leaned forward in the interrogation room, his voice low but firm. The father was sweating now, his hands trembling.

“Yeah,” Lucy said quietly. “It is.”

Tim’s tone was calm but pointed as he sat across from the father. The man’s hands were shaking, and sweat had started to gather at his temples.

“So,” Tim said, his voice low, steady. “You said you were asleep when it happened?”

The father nodded quickly, his eyes darting to the door as if he could bolt at any second.

“Right,” Tim said, leaning back in his chair. “But the problem is, your wife said you were awake when she left. That you were watching TV.”

The father’s mouth twitched. “She’s confused. I wasn’t—”

“And the gun.” Tim cut him off. “Your gun was locked in the safe. Except, the safe wasn’t broken into. So someone with the code had to open it.”

The father’s hands curled into fists on the table.

“That means someone in the house opened it,” Tim said, his gaze sharpening. “That narrows it down to you.”

Lucy watched from the other side of the glass, arms crossed over her chest. Tim was pushing him now—just enough to see where the cracks would form.

The father swallowed hard. His chest was rising and falling rapidly.

“I told you—I was asleep.”

“Except you weren’t.” Tim’s voice sharpened. “And your wife said you and your son had been arguing. About something big.”

The father’s gaze dropped to the table.

“What were you fighting about?” Tim pressed.

The man’s eyes flashed up toward Tim. “It’s none of your business.”

“Actually,” Tim said, voice even, “it is.”

The father’s leg started bouncing under the table. His breathing was ragged now.

“He—” The man’s voice caught. His eyes filled with something that looked more like rage than grief. “He was… confused.”

Tim’s expression hardened.

“Confused,” Tim repeated. “About what?”

The father’s jaw clenched so tightly the muscle twitched. He looked away.

“About who he was.”

Tim’s brow furrowed. “Meaning?”

The father’s breath hitched. His hands were shaking.

“He said… he liked boys.” His voice was cold, distant. “He told me he was gay.”

Lucy’s breath caught in her throat. Miles stiffened beside her.

Tim’s eyes darkened. “And that was a problem for you?”

The father’s face twisted with something ugly. “It’s not natural.”

This was hitting a bit too close to home. She disappeared into her thoughts. 

***

Ice Cream Parlor, 2006

He had gotten his license a couple of days before. Finally, a way out if he needed it—but he wasn’t going to leave his baby sister to fend for herself. He was going to stick around as long as she needed him.

They were at their local ice cream shop. It had almost become routine at this point. If things at home got too bad after dinner, they’d get into his car and just go somewhere. Some nights the fights got so bad that they never even ate, so they’d find a drive-thru or grab pizza. But other nights, it was ice cream.

It started out quiet, like always. Like if they said anything, the glass would start to crack. But after a while, they stopped caring. What happened in that house stayed in that house, but they didn’t have to carry it with them when they left.

That night was like every other night. Dinner was served. They got halfway through. Then Dad said something. An argument started. Mom tried to stop it. People got up. Doors slammed. And they were left at the table.

They cleaned up, didn’t say a word, and then Ty grabbed the keys.

Ten minutes later, they were sitting at their usual table by the window, the hum of the soft-serve machine in the background. Lucy had strawberry in a cup; Ty had chocolate with sprinkles. The neon glow from the shop’s sign buzzed faintly against the window.

Lucy was sitting across from him, legs pulled up to her chest. She was swirling the tip of her cone in lazy circles, but her eyes were watching him closely.

“You’re quiet,” she said, licking the edge of her cone.

Ty gave her a small smile. “I’m always quiet.”

Lucy tilted her head. “Not with me.”

He sighed, running his finger through the condensation on the table. His leg started bouncing under the table. His throat felt tight.

“Ty?” Lucy’s voice was soft.

He rubbed a hand over his face, his eyes dropping to his half-melted ice cream.

“I need to tell you something,” he said, his voice low.

Lucy’s eyes sharpened. “Okay.”

He took a shaky breath. His heart was hammering painfully against his ribs. He didn’t know why he was scared. This was Lucy. His baby sister. The one person in the world who had never made him feel small or wrong.

“I’m…” His throat closed up, and he stared at his hands. “I’m gay.”

It hung in the air for a second.

Lucy didn’t say anything right away. He couldn’t look at her. His heart was pounding in his ears. He waited for the weight to come crashing down. For her to pull away. For her to look at him differently.

Instead, he heard the soft sound of her cup hitting the table.

Then she reached across the table and covered his hand with hers.

“Okay.”

He finally lifted his eyes. She was smiling at him, the corners of her eyes a little glassy.

“You’re not… surprised?”

She shook her head. “No. I’ve known for a while.”

His brow furrowed. “How?”

Lucy’s smile widened. “Ty, I’ve seen your search history.”

His face flushed bright red. “Oh my god.”

She laughed. “Relax. It wasn’t exactly subtle.”

Ty shook his head, but his chest felt lighter somehow.

“You’re really… okay with it?”

Lucy squeezed his hand. “You’re my brother. I love you. That’s not changing.”

Ty swallowed hard, his eyes stinging. “Thanks, Lu.”

Lucy’s gaze sharpened. “Did you tell them?”

Ty’s eyes darkened. He shook his head. “No. And I don’t think I ever will.”

Lucy’s hand tightened around his. “Okay.”

He took a deep breath. The tension in his chest started to ease.

“Besides,” Lucy said, giving him a teasing smile. “You think I’d ever let them touch you?”

Ty laughed softly. “Yeah, I guess not.”

Lucy leaned forward, her voice light but her eyes serious. “We’re gonna get out of that house, Ty. Both of us. And when we do, we’re gonna be happy. I swear.”

Ty smiled, a small but real smile. For the first time in a long time, he believed her.

The secret only stayed a secret for a week. Still to this day they didn’t know how they found out. 

***

Chen’s Residence

It was a couple of days later when everything came out.

Ty knew something was wrong the moment he walked through the door.

The house was too quiet. No yelling. No footsteps. Just an unnatural stillness that made the hair on the back of his neck rise.

Lucy was sitting at the kitchen table, her hands folded tightly together, her face pale. Their mom was standing near the sink, clutching a glass of wine like it was the only thing keeping her upright. And Dad—

Dad was at the head of the table, hands pressed flat against the wood, his knuckles white. His eyes were locked on Ty. Cold. Sharp.

“Sit down,” Dad said, his voice low.

Ty’s stomach dropped.

“What’s going on?” he asked, but he already knew. His heart was hammering painfully in his chest.

“Sit. Down.”

Ty’s eyes flicked toward Lucy. She looked like she wanted to say something, but her mouth stayed shut. Slowly, Ty sat down across from her.

His father’s gaze was cutting through him like glass. “You want to tell me something?”

Ty frowned. “What are you talking about?”

His mother’s lips curled. “You’re gay now?” she said, her voice dripping with judgment.

Ty’s stomach twisted. His eyes darted toward Lucy, but the look on her face told him everything he needed to know—she didn’t say anything.

“So?” Ty said, his jaw tightening.

“Are you going to deny it?” Patrick’s voice was sharp.

Ty’s back straightened. His heart hammered painfully in his chest. “Why would I deny something that’s true?”

His mother’s face darkened. “So it’s true? You are a—”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” Lucy cut in sharply. Her voice was low and dangerous.

“Stay out of this, Lucy,” Vanessa snapped, her eyes flashing.

Lucy’s jaw tightened. “No.”

Patrick’s gaze burned into Ty. “So, what? You’ve been lying to us this whole time?”

Ty’s hands curled into fists under the table. “I didn’t lie about anything.”

“This is why you’ve been sneaking around?” Patrick’s voice rose, anger bubbling beneath the surface. “What the hell did you think was going to happen when we found out?”

Ty’s chest tightened painfully. “I don’t know. Maybe I hoped you’d still care about me.”

Patrick scoffed. “Care about you? After this?”

“Why does it matter?” Ty’s voice was sharp now. “It’s not like anything’s different.”

Patrick’s eyes narrowed. “Everything’s different.”

Vanessa shook her head, disgust twisting her mouth. “You have no idea how much shame you’ve brought on this family.”

Ty’s heart was pounding so loud it felt like it was going to burst out of his chest. He forced himself to meet his father’s eyes.

“I’m not ashamed of who I am,” he said quietly.

Patrick’s mouth curled into a sneer. “You should be.”

Lucy’s hand shot across the table, gripping Ty’s.

Patrick’s gaze darkened. “I’m not going to have a son who disgraces this family.”

Ty’s throat burned. His hands were trembling under the table.

“Then I guess you don’t have a son anymore,” he said, his voice tight.

Patrick’s mouth twisted. “That’s your choice.”

Ty stood. His hand was still wrapped around Lucy’s. His father’s cold gaze followed him as he pulled Lucy up with him.

“Come on,” Lucy whispered.

Ty’s chest was burning, his breath tight in his throat. But he didn’t look back as they left the room.

Patrick’s voice followed them down the hallway. “Don’t expect to live under my roof if this is the path you’re choosing.”

Ty stopped at the base of the stairs. His hand tightened around Lucy’s.

“I’m not choosing anything,” he said over his shoulder. “This is who I am.”

Patrick didn’t answer.

Lucy tugged his arm gently. “Come on, Ty.”

Ty took a shaky breath and followed her up the stairs, his legs heavy. Once they reached his room, he sat down on the edge of the bed, his head dropping into his hands.

Lucy sat next to him, her hand resting on his back.

“I’m sorry,” Ty whispered.

Lucy shook her head. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for.”

Ty lifted his head, his throat burning. “I don’t know what to do.”

Lucy’s hand tightened on his arm. “We’ll figure it out.”

Ty’s chest felt tight. “What if he—”

“It doesn’t matter,” Lucy said softly. “I’ve got you.”

Ty’s eyes stung. He leaned into her, his breath shaky.

And for the first time in days, the weight in his chest lifted just a little.

***

Present day

Tim’s hands curled into fists on the table. He took a breath. “So what happened?”

Was what she heard coming out of own thoughts. 

The father shook his head, his gaze flicking toward the door. “It’s not my fault. I was trying to help him.”

Tim’s face hardened. “Help him how?”

“I told him—he could change.” His voice was strained now, and his hands were trembling. “I told him he was confused. I told him to stop acting like… like that.”

Tim’s gaze sharpened. “And when he didn’t?”

The father’s eyes darkened. “He told me I was wrong. He told me I was a terrible father.”

Tim leaned forward. “And what did you do?”

The father’s face crumpled. “I— I didn’t mean to—”

Tim’s expression stayed hard. “But you did.”

The father’s head dropped. His whole body started shaking. “I just wanted him to listen to me.” His voice broke. “I grabbed the gun to scare him.”

Lucy’s heart hammered painfully in her chest.

“And then?” Tim asked.

The father’s breath hitched. “He… he wouldn’t stop yelling at me.” His voice broke into a sob. “I told him to shut up. I just wanted him to stop.”

“And you pulled the trigger.”

Tears streamed down the father’s face as he nodded slowly. “It just… happened.”

Tim’s eyes were cold. “No. You made a choice.”

The father’s shoulders sagged. His head dropped into his hands. Tim’s jaw was tight as he stood up, shooting a glance toward the viewing room. Lucy nodded and pushed the door open.

As Tim stepped out of the room, Lucy’s gaze followed the father through the glass as he sobbed into his hands. Her jaw was set, but her eyes were sharp.

“Arrest him,” she told Miles as she walked out and back to her office. 

She sat down and tried to get back to work, but she couldn’t focus. Her eyes skimmed over the report on her screen, but none of the words were sinking in. Her mind kept drifting—back to the case, back to her past.

Twenty minutes later, there was a knock on her door.

“Come in,” she called, expecting it to be one of the detectives with a question.

Instead, it was Tim. He stepped inside holding two cups of something warm.

“Peppermint tea,” he said as he set a cup down on her desk.

Lucy’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Oh no… what did you do?”

Tim gave her a look. “Seriously?”

Lucy smiled despite herself. He knew her too well.

Tim sat down in one of the chairs across from her. His gaze softened. “I know that case hit a little close to home.”

Lucy’s fingers curled around the cup. She pulled the lid off to let it cool.

“You thinking about him?” Tim asked quietly.

Lucy sighed. “I think about him every single day.”

Tim’s eyes stayed steady on her. “Have you ever thought about reaching out?”

Lucy’s thumb traced the edge of the cup. “No… and I don’t think he wants me to. The silence tells me all I need to know.”

Tim’s mouth opened like he was about to say something, but then his phone buzzed. He glanced down at the screen and sighed.

“Duty calls?” Lucy asked.

“Duty calls,” Tim said, standing up.

Lucy hesitated for a second. “Tim?”

He paused at the door. “Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

Tim’s mouth tugged into a smile. “Someone messed something up, so it was free.”

Lucy gave him an exaggerated look of betrayal. “Just when I thought we were getting somewhere—you hit me with that.”

Tim’s smile widened. “What can I say? I like keeping you on your toes.”

Lucy shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her as Tim walked out of her office. The door clicked shut behind him, and for the first time that day, the tightness in her chest eased—just a little.

Chapter Text

Lucy and Celina’s apartment, 2025

Lucy walked into her apartment, surprised by how quiet it was for a small place with three people sharing two bedrooms. She headed to her room to change, letting the quiet settle around her. A few minutes later, Rachel and Celina walked in, carrying a bag of takeout.

Once Lucy had changed, she walked out into the kitchen.

“Hey! We got food,” Rachel said as Celina started laying out the containers.

“Yeah, I can see that,” Lucy said, still tired from her day.

“You okay?” Rachel asked, watching her carefully.

Lucy hesitated before answering. “Yeah. Just a case.”

“Bad outcome?” Celina asked.

“Yeah, something like that. It was the home invasion gone wrong,” Lucy answered, rubbing the back of her neck.

“Oh! That was all over the station,” Celina said, remembering.

“What went wrong?” Rachel asked as they settled onto the couch with their food, Celina sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of them.

“For starters, there were too many inconsistencies. And the son was killed with the father’s gun, so it wasn’t a home invasion,” Lucy said, taking a bite of her food.

“So… the father killed his son and tried to make it look like a home invasion? Why?” Rachel asked, her eyes widening.

“The son was gay,” Lucy said quietly.

Rachel’s expression softened. “That hit close to home, didn’t it?”

Lucy hesitated, then nodded.

“What do you mean hit too close to home?” Celina asked, confused.

Not many people knew Lucy had a brother. It wasn’t a secret, exactly — it just never came up. He was never around.

“You haven’t told her?” Rachel asked.

“Told me what?” Celina pressed.

“Not a lot of people at the station know,” Lucy said. “Grey knows because it was in my file. You can’t get anything past Angela. Jackson knew. Nolan knows because you know, and I told Tim because… well, yeah.”

“Hello? Tell me what?” Celina said, getting frustrated now.

“I have an older brother,” Lucy admitted. “I haven’t seen him in fourteen years.”

“Wait, what?” Celina’s eyes widened. “Why don’t I know this? And fourteen years?”

“Honestly?” Lucy sighed. “I figured you’d judge me. You’d probably kill for one more hour with your sister.”

“Fair — but I wouldn’t judge you,” Celina said. “I know every family has its own problems. Where is he?”

“Last I knew, he was still in the military. He’s been there since he left when he was 21, and I was 18,” Lucy said.

“What happened?” Celina asked cautiously.

Lucy hesitated. “He’s gay. Our parents are homophobic. There were a lot of arguments, and one night it got to be too much. He enlisted. He tried to stick it out until I moved to New York, but… I can’t blame him.”

She didn’t mention the punches or the threats or that night. That part was still too raw. 

Celina sat back, absorbing it all. “That’s… rough.”

Lucy gave a small shrug. “Yeah.”

“Have you tried reaching out to him?” Celina asked carefully.

Lucy sighed. “I thought about it… a lot. But it’s been so long, you know? And part of me feels like… maybe he’s better off without me.”

Rachel shook her head. “That’s not true, and you know it.”

Lucy gave her a look. “Do I?”

Rachel set down her container and leaned forward. “He left because of your parents, not you. You know that.”

Lucy stayed quiet, staring down at her food.

“So… what would you even say if you called him?” Celina asked.

Lucy let out a breath. “I don’t know. ‘Hey, it’s been fourteen years. Sorry about our toxic parents. How’ve you been?’”

Rachel smiled faintly. “It’s a start.”

Lucy shook her head. “It’s not that simple.”

“But maybe it could be,” Celina said softly.

Lucy’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know if he’d even want to hear from me.”

Rachel’s gaze softened. “There’s only one way to find out.”

Lucy frowned, picking at the edge of her takeout box. “I don’t even know if I have his number anymore.”

Rachel gave her a knowing look. “You work at a police station.”

“Abusing department resources to stalk my brother? That seems healthy,” Lucy said dryly.

“You wouldn’t be stalking,” Celina pointed out. “Just… checking in.”

Lucy hesitated.

“What about Tim? Did he clock you?” Rachel asked.

“Immediately. Kind of annoying,” Lucy said, taking a bite of her food. “He’s been… good.”

“Good?” Celina and Rachel said in unison.

Lucy sighed. “He was there for me through the whole Seth thing — and today, when the case hit a little too close to home.” She paused, swirling her chopsticks in the container. “He’s not forgiven. It still hurts… but not as much as it did.”

Rachel gave her a look. “Listen, when Tim and I were together, it was good — but the way that guy looks at you? You’re his whole world.”

Lucy’s expression hardened. “Yeah, his whole world that he walked away from.”

“Doesn’t hurt as much as the day it happened? My ass,” Celina said.

They all laughed.

Rachel smiled knowingly. “You can’t tell me you don’t feel it.”

Lucy’s eyes narrowed. “Feel what?”

Rachel rolled her eyes. “The tension. The way he looks at you like you’re the only person in the room.”

Lucy sighed. “He left, Rachel.”

“And he came back,” Rachel said softly. “And he’s still here.”

Lucy stared down at her food, her appetite fading. “Yeah… but is that enough?”

Rachel leaned in. “It could be.”

Lucy’s jaw tightened. “I don’t know if I’m ready for that conversation.”

Celina raised an eyebrow. “You sure about that?”

Lucy’s eyes flicked toward her.

“Because it sounds like you’ve already had it — in your head at least,” Celina pointed out.

Lucy’s throat tightened. She hated that they were right. Tim had been there — really there — when things got hard. He didn’t push. He just… stayed.

“I don’t know what I’d even say,” Lucy admitted.

Rachel smiled. “How about the truth?”

Lucy scoffed. “That’s easy for you to say.”

Rachel’s eyes softened. “It’s not easy for anyone. But you know Tim. He’d rather hear the hard truth than live with you pretending you’re fine.”

Lucy sat back against the couch, her mind racing. She thought about the way Tim had stood beside her through the Seth mess, through this latest case. The way his eyes softened when he looked at her. The way he never pushed — but never left either.

“Okay,” Lucy said quietly.

Rachel’s eyes widened. “Okay?”

Lucy nodded slowly. “Yeah. I think… I’m ready.”

Celina grinned. “About time.”

Rachel smiled. “You sure?”

Lucy met her gaze. “No. But it’s Tim. I think… I need to try.”

Celina raised her chopsticks. “Well, this just got interesting.”

Lucy rolled her eyes. “Don’t make a big deal about it.”

Rachel smirked. “Too late.”

Lucy shook her head, but a small smile crept onto her face. For the first time in a long time, it felt like she was moving toward something instead of running from it.

And this time, she wasn’t going to let fear stop her.

Celina stretched her legs out, resting her head on Rachel’s shoulder. “Alright, enough emotional heavy lifting for one night. Movie?”

“God, yes,” Rachel said, grabbing the remote.

“What are we watching?” Lucy asked.

“Something mindless,” Celina said, already scrolling through the options.

Rachel smirked. “Rom-com?”

Lucy groaned. “You’re both terrible.”

Celina grinned. “And yet you love us.”

Lucy sighed, resting her head against the back of the couch as the opening credits started to roll. “Yeah. I guess I do.”

And for the first time all day, the weight in her chest didn’t feel so heavy.

***

Tim’s House 

Ty came out of the house with two beers in hand, Kojo trotting after him, tail wagging. He handed one of the beers to Tim before settling into a nearby patio chair.

Kojo nudged Tim’s hand with his nose, eager for attention. Tim scratched behind his ears, the dog’s soft fur a quiet comfort in the cool evening air.

“You’ve been quiet tonight. You good?” Ty asked.

“Yeah, just thinking,” Tim said.

“About what?” Ty pressed.

“A case we had today. It wasn’t pretty.” Tim took a sip of his beer.

“What happened?”

Tim hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “Father killed his son… for how he lived.”

“Jesus,” Ty said, his eyes widening. “I know stuff like that happens, but hearing it firsthand—”

“It still shocks you,” Tim finished. “Yeah. Lucy took it pretty hard. Family stuff.”

Ty nodded, reading between the lines. “Yeah. I get it.”

Ty took a long sip of his beer, his gaze drifting toward the darkening sky. Crickets hummed in the distance, filling the silence between them.

“Is she at least okay?” Ty asked after a moment.

Tim rubbed his hand over his face, feeling the weight of the day settle in his chest. “She says she’s fine.”

“But?”

“But I know her.” Tim’s voice was quiet. “She’s not fine. She just… shuts down when it’s too much.”

Ty nodded. “You gonna talk to her about it?”

“I don’t know,” Tim admitted. “I don’t want to push.”

Ty’s eyes softened. “Yeah, but maybe she needs someone to push a little.”

Tim huffed out a breath, giving Kojo’s head another scratch. The dog sighed contentedly and curled up at his feet.

“She’s been through enough,” Tim said. “I don’t want to make it worse.”

“Or maybe you’re the one person who won’t make it worse,” Ty said. His tone was even, but his eyes were sharp.

Tim glanced at him. “When did you get so smart?”

Ty grinned. “Hanging around you for five years, I had to pick up something.”

Tim snorted, shaking his head. He took another sip of his beer, the quiet between them settling into something easier.

“You sticking around for a while?” Tim asked.

“Yeah. Figured I’d crash on the couch.”

Tim’s smile widened. “Good. Kojo’ll keep you warm. But you do know that I have a guest room that you have been sleeping in for the past 2 weeks?” 

Ty just laughed. Tim glanced down at the dog, whose eyes were already drifting shut. He let his hand rest on Kojo’s back, the steady rise and fall of his breathing grounding him.

“I think I’ll take you up on that,” Ty said.

Ty clinked his beer against Tim’s. “You know you’re always welcome.”

Ty didn’t say anything, but the tightness in his chest eased just a little.

Tim stared down at his beer, his thumb tracing the curve of the bottle. His jaw tightened as he thought about Lucy — the way her face had closed off after the case today, how her voice had gone sharp and brittle when she said, I’m fine.

He knew that tone. Knew it too well.

“She doesn’t really talk about her family,” Tim said, his voice low. “Not with me.”

Ty watched him carefully. “You think you should ask?”

Tim’s hand tightened around the bottle. “I don’t know.” He exhaled, his gaze drifting toward the shadows stretching across the yard. “She’s not the kind of person you push when she doesn’t want to talk.”

“But you’re not just anyone,” Ty said quietly.

Tim’s throat tightened. He knew that too — knew he had a place in Lucy’s life that other people didn’t. But that didn’t mean she’d let him in when it came to this.

“I’ve tried before,” Tim said. His voice was steady, but there was an edge underneath. “She shuts down. Changes the subject. Or she looks at me like I’ve crossed a line.”

Ty raised an eyebrow. “And you’re afraid of that?”

Tim’s jaw flexed. “I don’t want to make her feel like she has to tell me something she’s not ready to say.” His thumb tapped against the bottle. “And honestly? I don’t know if I want to hear it.”

Ty frowned. “Why?”

“Because if it’s as bad as I think it is…” Tim shook his head. “It’ll kill me to know she went through that alone.”

Ty was quiet for a moment, considering him. “But you’re not the same person you were when you first met her.”

Tim’s eyes flicked toward him.

“She’s not either,” Ty added. “Maybe it’s different now.”

Tim let out a breath. His mind flashed back to Lucy’s expression earlier — the tension in her shoulders, the way her eyes had gone dark and hard when the details of the case came out. He’d wanted to reach for her then, but he hadn’t. He wasn’t sure why.

“You think I should push?” Tim asked.

“I think,” Ty said carefully, “you already know what you want to do.”

Tim’s chest tightened. His eyes dropped to Kojo, still curled at his feet, breathing slow and steady. He reached down, letting his hand rest on the dog’s side. The warmth of it settled something in his chest.

“I just don’t want to hurt her more than I already have,” Tim said quietly.

“Maybe not asking is hurting her more,” Ty said.

Tim’s eyes lifted toward him, and Ty gave a small shrug. “Just saying.”

Tim sat back, tipping the bottle against his lips. The beer was cold and bitter, but the tightness in his chest didn’t ease.

“I’ll think about it,” he said.

Ty smiled faintly. “Yeah. You do that. And maybe not screw it up this time.” 

***

Later that night, after Ty had gone to bed, Tim sat on the porch with Kojo curled up at his feet. The night was quiet except for the distant chirp of crickets and the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze. His phone buzzed in his hand, and when he glanced down, Lucy’s name lit up the screen.

He hesitated for a second before answering. “Hey.”

“Hey,” Lucy’s voice was soft but steady. “Did I wake you?”

“Nah.” Tim stretched his legs out, resting his beer on the arm of the chair. “What’s up?”

There was a pause on the other end. He could hear the quiet hum of traffic in the background.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah.” A beat passed. “I just… I guess I wanted to hear your voice.”

Tim’s chest tightened. He closed his eyes for a second, steadying his breath.

“You sure you’re okay?” he pressed gently.

“I’m fine,” Lucy said automatically. Too quickly.

“Luce.” His voice softened. “Talk to me.”

She sighed. “I’m just tired.”

Tim rubbed his thumb across the edge of his beer bottle. “It’s about the case, isn’t it?”

Another pause. “Yeah.”

Tim waited, giving her room to say more.

“It’s not just what happened,” Lucy said after a moment. Her voice was tight, guarded. “It’s how… normal it felt. Like I should be used to it by now.”

“But you’re not,” Tim said.

“No.” Her breath hitched. “And it’s not even about the father. It’s the kid. He was just—he was trying to live his life, and it wasn’t enough. He still wasn’t enough.”

Tim’s grip tightened around the bottle. He knew exactly why this hit her so hard. He’d seen glimpses of it before—the way certain cases cut deeper with her, the weight of things left unsaid.

“You don’t have to say it,” Lucy said quietly.

“Say what?”

“That you get it. That you know why this one messed me up.”

“I’m not gonna say it,” Tim replied. “But I’m not gonna pretend I don’t see it either.”

Lucy was quiet for a long time. Then, in a voice so low he almost didn’t hear it, she said, “Sometimes I think I’m still trying to prove I’m enough. My parents did a number and not just on my brother.”

Tim’s chest tightened. He closed his eyes, pressing his thumb and forefinger into the bridge of his nose.

“Lucy,” he said carefully, “you don’t have to prove anything to anyone. Least of all to me.”

Her breath hitched again.

“Seriously,” he said. “If today messed you up, it’s okay to say that. You don’t have to carry it alone.”

“You saying you’ll carry it with me?” She said, teasing. 

“Always.”

Another pause. Then, her voice steadier, she said, “Thanks, Tim.”

He smiled faintly. “You should get some sleep.”

“Yeah. You too.”

He didn’t want to hang up just yet. And maybe she didn’t either, because neither of them moved to end the call.

Kojo stirred at his feet, stretching out with a quiet sigh.

“You know I’m not going anywhere, right?” Tim said quietly.

“I know.”

“Good.”

A soft breath of laughter. Then, “Goodnight, Tim.”

“Goodnight, Luce.”

She hung up first. Tim stared at his phone for a moment before setting it down on the arm of the chair. He leaned back, Kojo shifting to rest his head on Tim’s foot.

Tim took a slow breath. He could still hear her voice in his head.
And he meant what he’d said.
Always.

Chapter Text

Mid Wilshire Precinct, 2025

Lucy sat at her desk, the hum of the busy station barely registering as her mind kept drifting back to last night’s phone call. Something had shifted, but she couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was. Her fingers tapped restlessly against the edge of the paper in front of her, her gaze unfocused as she replayed the conversation in her head.

Maybe it was the fact that she had finally admitted to herself that she was ready to have the conversation she’d been avoiding since Valentine’s Day. The one she’d pushed aside because it was easier to live in denial than face what they both needed to talk about.

But then he had said it. The words that had cracked something open in her chest. I’m not going anywhere.

The way he said it, so steady, so certain. Like he meant it. Like he would stay, even if it was hard. Even if it meant digging into the messy parts of her past that she wasn’t sure she was ready to confront.

She glanced at her phone screen, the faint glow illuminating her face. There were no new messages.

But she missed him. So much.

Lucy pressed her fingers to her temple, trying to focus on the report in front of her, but it was impossible. The sound of her phone buzzing startled her, and she glanced at it, her heart quickening for just a second.

It wasn’t him.

She exhaled, her shoulders sagging slightly as she clicked open the message.

The weight in her chest lingered.

She wanted to be mad at herself for getting so wrapped up in it, for feeling vulnerable again after everything she had built up around her emotions. But she wasn’t mad. Not really.

Maybe it was the realization that things were changing between them — that something in him had shifted too. He hadn’t backed away when things got hard. He hadn’t pushed her away like she’d expected him to. He’d stayed. And maybe that was what had finally gotten through to her.

Maybe, deep down, she’d known that the walls she’d put up between them were fragile. And now, those walls were starting to come down.

She took a deep breath and picked up her pen, trying to push the thoughts to the back of her mind, at least for now. But it was harder than it had ever been before.

The clatter of her pen against the desk snapped Lucy out of her thoughts. She stared down at it for a moment before picking it up again, trying to focus on the stack of paperwork in front of her. The hum of the office, the conversations of colleagues, and the clicking of keyboards all seemed distant. She could feel the tension in her shoulders, the constant pull of distraction.

Her mind kept returning to his words: I’m not going anywhere. They echoed in her mind like a promise, but also a weight.

She hadn’t asked for him to stay. Not explicitly, at least. In fact, she'd spent so much time pushing him away, keeping things light, keeping things distant. But now it felt like he was making a decision for both of them — like he was reaching past the walls she had carefully built. She wasn’t sure if she should be grateful or terrified. Maybe both.

Her phone buzzed again, this time a message from Tim.

You good?

Lucy smiled slightly at the simplicity of it. It was exactly the kind of message she needed. Nothing loaded. No expectations. Just a check-in. But still, something in her stomach twisted at the thought of answering.

Yeah. Just can’t focus. 

She hesitated, then hit send before she could second-guess herself. She wasn’t sure why she felt so reluctant to say more. She had a million things she could tell him. A million things she wanted to say, but...

The phone buzzed again, and her breath caught.

We need to talk soon. About everything. When you want to. 

Her chest tightened. She read it again. And again. The words weren’t a surprise, not really, but still... they felt like a cold splash of water.

I know, she typed quickly, then deleted it. When?

She stared at the blinking cursor, the weight of the question hanging in the air. She wanted to say yes, to agree, but the thought of opening that door, of having the conversation that was long overdue... it made her feel like she was stepping into something too big for her to handle.

Her phone buzzed again before she could finish typing.

Tonight?

Lucy bit her lip, her gaze drifting toward the door to the bullpen. The noise, the chaos, the world moving around her... it all felt so far away in that moment. She closed her eyes for a second, steadying her breath, then typed back.

Okay. Tonight.

She pressed send before she could think better of it. And when the message was out there, she felt both relief and dread. Because she knew, deep down, that whatever happened between them — whatever they were going to figure out — it wouldn’t be easy. But it felt like it had to happen.

Lucy dropped her phone back onto the desk, her eyes staring blankly at the screen as the weight of the decision settled over her. The shift she’d felt last night was real. And now, she had to face what came after.

Just as Lucy set her phone down, the door to her office creaked open.

“Hey, you busy?” Angela’s voice was warm but laced with curiosity, as always.

Lucy looked up, forcing a smile. “No, just thinking. What’s up?”

Angela stepped inside, her eyes immediately flicking to the phone on the desk, then back to Lucy. There was an unreadable expression on her face, like she knew something was off, but she wasn’t sure what.

“I was going to ask if you wanted to grab a coffee, but you look like you’re in your head.” Angela sat down in the chair across from Lucy, folding her arms across her chest. “You good?”

Lucy hesitated for a second before nodding. “Yeah. Just... a lot going on.” She pushed the phone aside, as though the words Tim had just sent weren’t still echoing in her mind. “It’s nothing.”

Angela studied her, the faintest frown crossing her face. “You sure? Because if there’s something not nothing going on, you know I’ll listen, right?”

Lucy exhaled through her nose, her fingers tapping lightly on the desk as she looked down at her hands. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to talk to Angela; she just wasn’t sure how to explain everything without it sounding more complicated than it already felt.

“It’s... personal,” Lucy said after a long pause. She met Angela’s eyes briefly, then looked away. “You’re right, I’m in my head.”

Angela’s gaze softened. “Look, if it’s something with Tim—”

Lucy’s eyes snapped up to meet Angela’s, and she quickly shook her head. “It’s not just that. It’s...” She bit her lip, trying to find the words. It wasn’t like her to be so evasive, but something about the conversation last night with Tim had rattled her in a way she hadn’t expected. “It’s just everything, I guess. That case, him, me. I don’t know what I want right now.”

Angela leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees. “Okay, but that’s not nothing. Sounds like you need to figure it out.”

“I know,” Lucy muttered.

Angela raised an eyebrow. “I’m not going to pretend I get what’s going on between you two, but you’ve been dancing around this for months. Whatever’s been building, it’s coming to a head, right?”

Lucy closed her eyes, nodding slowly. “Yeah. Last night, he said something that kind of stopped me in my tracks.”

“What did he say?”

Lucy bit her lip, staring at the desk. She didn’t want to tell Angela too much — didn’t want to admit how much she had been thinking about it. But she knew her friend could see right through her.

“He said he wasn’t going anywhere.”

Angela’s eyes widened slightly, and she leaned back in her chair. “Hmm.” She didn’t press further, but her expression said it all. “And that made you want to run for the hills?”

Lucy half-laughed, half-sighed. “No. It made me realize how much I’ve been holding back. And how much I’ve been afraid of what happens if I stop.”

Angela gave a knowing smile. “Fear’s a tricky thing, huh?”

Lucy nodded, but it was a reluctant nod. “I’m scared of what it means to let go. To admit I want something, especially when I don’t know what’s coming next.”

Angela stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the city skyline. “You’ve been fighting it for a while, haven’t you? The connection between you and him.”

Lucy’s breath hitched, but she didn’t say anything. There was nothing to say.

“So, what’s your plan?” Angela asked, turning back to her. “You going to let this be something you look back on and regret?”

Lucy winced at the thought. “I don’t want to. I just...” She trailed off, not sure how to finish. “I’m not sure I’m ready for what it means. What it could mean.”

Angela smiled softly. “If you don’t talk to him, you’re never going to know.” She paused. “And if you don’t talk to him tonight, you might wake up tomorrow regretting it.”

Lucy felt the truth of that in her chest.

“I think I’m already regretting waiting this long,” she murmured.

Angela stepped toward her desk and gently patted her shoulder. “You don’t have to have all the answers right now. Just take the next step. And don’t let fear make it for you.”

Lucy sat back in her chair, letting her gaze wander to the window. She knew Angela was right. But even if she took that step, there was no guarantee what would come next. Still, it felt like it was time to stop avoiding the inevitable.

“I’ll figure it out,” Lucy said quietly, her voice steady.

“Good. I’ll be here when you do,” Angela said, then with a wink added, “And I’ll be happy to play the role of ‘wingwoman’ if necessary.”

Lucy chuckled softly, grateful for the lightness Angela always brought. “Thanks. I might need that.”

Angela gave her a thumbs-up and turned to leave the office. “Anytime.”

As the door clicked shut, Lucy looked at her phone again, her heart fluttering nervously. Tonight . She had agreed to it. She had agreed to face whatever was coming.

Now, it was just a matter of showing up.

***

Tim’s House 

Tim paced his living room, his footsteps restless against the hardwood floor. Ty was out with Brian, leaving him alone with his thoughts—too much time to think, too much time to second-guess.

Why was he so nervous?

This was everything he’d been waiting for since the gala. Maybe even since the breakup. He wanted her back. That much was clear.

But there was a chance she wasn’t ready for that. And if she wasn’t… he wasn’t sure what he would do.

He would obviously wait for her. But what if she never gets there? 

But she wouldn’t agree to talk if she wasn’t sure that she would get there. Right?

There was a knock at the door that snapped him out of his thoughts. 

She was here. 

She didn’t back out. 

Tim exhaled slowly, trying to steady himself before crossing the room. His hand hovered over the doorknob for a second—just long enough for doubt to creep back in.

What if this conversation didn’t go the way he hoped?

What if he lost her for good?

He shook the thought away and pulled the door open.

Lucy stood there, her hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket, her expression unreadable. For a moment, neither of them spoke.

Then she let out a breath. “Hey.”

Tim swallowed and stepped aside. “Come in.”

She hesitated for half a second before stepping past him, the scent of her perfume brushing against him as she did. He shut the door behind her and turned to face her, taking in the way she glanced around the room, like she was trying to ground herself in the space.

“So should I be afraid that your military buddy is somewhere listening?” Lucy joked, trying to lighten the mood. 

Tim laughed, “no he is out on what could be a date but also just a friendly hangout. I'm not sure and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know either.” 

And then it went back to no one talking. Why is this so awkward? 

“Why is this weird?” Tim finally asked. 

Lucy let out a breath that she didn’t know that she was holding in as they sat down at his kitchen island. 

“Honestly I am not so sure where to start,” Lucy finally said. 

“Ok then I will start,” Tim said with confidence neither one of them had. “I am sorry for everything. I haven’t said it in a minute. I didn’t mean to walk away the way that I did or walk away. Period.”

“Then why did you?” Lucy asked and Tim didn’t really have an answer. 

“I’m still trying to find that answer for myself. I didn’t walk out of the station intending on breaking up with you. But then I saw you and before I knew what was happening I walked away.” Tim explained as Lucy put her hand on his forearm to let him know that she was listening. “I didn’t really know what I did till I got home and it was way too quiet. I was drowning Luce.” 

“Yeah I wished I picked up on that but I didn’t till the day after but you seemed pretty set in stone in your decision,” Lucy said. 

“Therapy has really made me learn a lot myself,” Tim said. 

“So you stuck with it after the whole Blair situation?” Lucy asked. 

“Yeah, I found a really great one who then referred me to this veteran support group which has helped a lot,” Tim admitted. 

“Oh so that is where you pick up your orphans for your orphanage?” Lucy asked, teasing. 

“He is a very good friend who needed a little help so sue me. Also you are one to talk,” Tim retorted and Lucy lifted her hands up in defense. 

“Fair,” Lucy said. 

Tim let out a small chuckle, shaking his head as he reached for the water bottle on the counter. He took a sip, using the moment to collect his thoughts.

Lucy watched him, her expression softer now, like some of the weight between them had lifted—just a little. But there was still more to say, and they both knew it.

“I miss you,” he admitted, setting the bottle down. His voice was quiet but steady. Honest.

Lucy blinked, her breath catching for just a second before she nodded. “Yeah… I miss you too.”

Tim studied her, searching for something in her face, in her voice. “Then why does it feel like there’s still a wall between us?”

Lucy sighed, drumming her fingers against the countertop. “Because there is.” She met his gaze. “Tim, I never stopped wanting to be with you. But you walked away. You left . And even if I understand that now, even if I get why you did it… it still hurts.”

Tim’s chest tightened. He had spent so much time regretting what he’d done, but hearing her say it out loud made it hit differently.

“I know,” he said. “And I hate that I hurt you. That’s the last thing I ever wanted.”

Lucy nodded, looking down for a second before glancing back up. “So what now?”

“Honestly, I’m not quite sure,” Tim admitted. 

“I haven’t exactly fully forgiven you,” Lucy said. 

“That’s fair. I blindsided you but I am not gonna go anywhere,” Tim said and Lucy smiled. 

Lucy studied him for a moment, her fingers still lightly tapping against the counter. “Yeah?”

Tim nodded, his expression serious. “Yeah. I know I don’t deserve to just pick up where we left off. And I’m not asking for that. I just… I don’t want to lose you, Luce.”

She exhaled softly, eyes flickering downward as if trying to sort through the weight of everything between them. “You never really lost me,” she admitted. “But you made it hard to stay.”

Tim swallowed, his jaw tightening as guilt settled in his chest. “I know.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence wasn’t awkward, but it was heavy—years of history hanging between them, unfinished and unresolved.

Finally, Lucy straightened, squaring her shoulders like she was ready to take a leap. “So if we do this… we take it slow.”

Tim nodded immediately. “Whatever you need.”

She let out a small, breathy laugh. “That’s a first.”

Tim rolled his eyes, smirking. “I can be patient.”

Lucy arched a brow, challenging. “Can you?”

His smirk softened into something more sincere. “For you? Yeah.”

Something in her expression shifted, and Tim saw the moment she let some of her guard down. Not completely, not yet. But enough.

She nudged his hand with hers, fingers brushing just slightly. “Okay,” she said, a quiet decision hanging in the air. “Then let’s figure this out.”

Tim didn’t move right away, didn’t push. Instead, he just looked at her, letting himself breathe in this moment, the possibility of something they both still wanted.

Tim let the moment settle between them, the weight of everything they’d said still lingering in the air. Then, in true Tim fashion, he decided to break the tension the only way he knew how.

“You hungry? We could grab some food, maybe talk somewhere that doesn’t feel so… intense.”

Lucy smiled, but it was the kind that told him she had a better story to share. She pulled her phone out of her pocket, unlocking it with a quick tap before flipping the screen toward him.

“Tempting,” she said. “But my roommates just sent me this.”

Tim squinted at the screen. The text from her roommate was a mess of typos, half-formed words, and what he could only assume were supposed to be emojis.

Luuuucyyyyy weeeee mis yuo so muchhh. hhoww do we get mor pizzzaaaaaa????? also why r ur catss judginnnng meee??????

Tim blinked, then let out a laugh. “Wow. That’s impressive.”

Lucy shook her head, grinning. “Right? I should probably head home before they burn the apartment down trying to reheat leftovers.”

Tim chuckled. “Good call.” He hesitated, then added, “But… maybe we get food another time?”

Lucy met his gaze, considering. Then she nodded. “Yeah. I’d like that.”

Tim felt something settle in his chest. It wasn’t everything, not yet. But it was a start.

Lucy stood up, brushing her hands against her jeans as she moved toward the door. Tim followed her, his steps heavy but hopeful. He opened the car door for her, and Lucy slid in, settling into the seat. Tim leaned down slightly, his hand resting on the edge of the door.

“Text me when you get home and let me know if your apartment’s not on fire?” he said with a grin, the words light but still carrying that underlying concern.

“Yeah, of course,” Lucy replied, her own smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Tim closed the door, stepping back as Lucy shifted the car into gear. The engine hummed to life, and she gave him one last glance before pulling out of the driveway.

Just as she was about to turn the corner, Tim heard the familiar sound of a car rolling up. He turned to see Ty and Brian pulling in, the two of them laughing in the front seats.

Ty got out of the car and slapped a hand on Tim’s shoulder. “You get lucky?” he asked, a smirk playing across his face.

Tim rolled his eyes, not missing a beat. “Go to hell, Ty.”

“Hey, just checking,” Ty laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. “You know I’ll be here for the aftermath.”

Tim didn’t respond, just gave Ty a quick shove as he turned and walked back into the house, his thoughts still lingering on the conversation with Lucy. Things weren’t perfect, but maybe they could be. He closed the door behind him, taking a deep breath, finally feeling like he was moving.

Chapter Text

Mid Wilshire Precinct, 2025

Lucy walked into the precinct, and Angela and Nyla immediately followed her into her office. Once they were all inside, Nyla closed the door behind them.

“Everything okay? Or can I have a minute to settle in before you ask me about a case?” Lucy asked, putting her bag down and pulling out her laptop.

“Oh, we're not here about a case,” Nyla corrected her, taking a seat as Lucy sat down at her desk.

“But you do have a question?” Lucy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“How did it go last night?” Angela asked, her voice calm but probing as she settled onto the couch in her office.

Lucy froze, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as her mind scrambled to process the question. Her stomach tightened, and for a brief moment, she considered brushing it off with a quick, noncommittal answer. But she couldn't do that to Angela and Nyla. Not when they knew her too well.

She took a slow, steadying breath, forcing herself to relax before meeting their eyes.

"Why do I feel like I’m about to be interrogated?" Lucy said, managing a half-smile as she leaned back in her chair.

Nyla crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Because we know you too well. And you're avoiding the question."

Angela leaned forward, her tone softer now. "Lucy, we're not trying to make this harder. We just want to know—how did it feel? How did you feel?"

Lucy pressed her lips together, hesitating. The truth was, the night had been complicated. It wasn’t a fairytale ending, but it was a start. Tim had apologized, they’d talked, but the weight of everything still hung in the air.

“It went... fine,” Lucy said carefully, not wanting to give too much away. “We talked. There were some things that needed to be said. Some things I didn’t expect, but... yeah, we’re okay.”

Angela exchanged a glance with Nyla. "Okay, huh?" she asked, skeptical. "Is that all you're giving us?"

Lucy chuckled dryly. “What else do you want me to say? It wasn’t a fairy tale, but we're making progress."

Nyla leaned forward. "Is that all you're telling us, or is there more to it?"

Lucy shot them both a look. “What, you want a play-by-play?”

Angela smirked. "If you're willing to share, we’re all ears."

Lucy sighed, rubbing her temples. “It’s just... a lot. I don’t know if I’m ready to jump back into it, but I don’t want to let it go either. It feels... complicated.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Nyla said gently. “But maybe that’s the point. You don’t have to have it all figured out right now.”

“Exactly,” Angela added. “But it’s good that you’re talking. That’s a step.”

Both women got up from the couch and the chair, ready to leave, when Nyla turned around, eyeing Lucy closely. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” Lucy asked, confused by the sudden concern.

Nyla's gaze lingered on Lucy, her eyes narrowing just slightly. "Well, you’re not wearing your necklace. You almost always have it on when you come in in the morning."

Lucy paused, her hand instinctively moving to her collarbone. Her fingers brushed the smooth skin there, and she felt the absence. “What are you—” she stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening as she realized it. 

She put it on while leaving work last night but never took it off. She lost it. 

Lucy’s fingers frantically searched her collarbone, her pulse quickening as reality sank in. The necklace— her necklace—was gone.

Her stomach dropped. It wasn’t just any necklace. It was his necklace. The one she had worn nearly every day without thinking. The one that had become a constant, a quiet reminder of everything that had led her here.

“I—” Lucy started, but the words caught in her throat. She could still picture it in her mind: the way it felt against her skin, the slight weight of it, the way her fingers would absently reach for it when she needed grounding. And now it was just... gone.

Angela and Nyla exchanged a look, their expressions shifting from curiosity to concern.

“Lucy?” Angela prompted gently.

“I lost it.” Her voice was barely above a whisper, as if saying it out loud would make it worse.

Nyla stepped closer. “When’s the last time you remember having it?”

Lucy shook her head, trying to retrace her steps. “I—I don’t know. I had it last night. I always have it.” Her chest tightened as the realization hit her harder. “I don’t know where I lost it.”

Angela placed a reassuring hand on her arm. “Hey, it’s okay. We’ll find it.”

Lucy exhaled sharply, frustration flickering in her eyes. “What if I don’t? What if it’s just... gone?”

Nyla’s voice was steady. “Then we’ll deal with that. But first, let’s try to figure out where it might be.”

Lucy nodded numbly, but the thought gnawed at her. It wasn’t just about losing an object. It was about what it meant. And right now, she wasn’t sure she was ready to face that.

Lucy took a deep breath, forcing herself to think. “I had it last night. I remember touching it when I was leaving…” She trailed off, sifting through her memories, but everything felt like a blur.

“Leaving where?” Angela pressed gently.

Lucy swallowed. “Here.”

Angela and Nyla exchanged another glance, but neither of them commented. Instead, Nyla nodded. “Okay. So, you had it when you left. Did you take it off when you got home?”

“No.” Lucy was sure of that. She never took it off, not unless she had to.

Angela stood up. “Then it’s either at Tim’s, in your car, or somewhere between.”

Lucy groaned, dragging a hand down her face. “Great.”

“Hey.” Nyla’s voice was firm but not unkind. “We’ll help you look.”

Lucy hesitated, a part of her wanting to refuse. It was her problem. But another part of her—the part that had spent too long pushing people away—knew better.

“Okay,” she finally said.

Angela grabbed her jacket. “Let’s start with the precinct parking lot, check your car. If it’s not there, we’ll go from there.”

Lucy nodded, trying to ignore the knot forming in her chest. It was just a necklace. Just a piece of metal.

It was the last thing she had of her brother. 

But as she followed them out of her office, she couldn’t shake the feeling that losing it meant something more.

***

It wasn’t in the parking lot. It wasn’t in the parking garage. Rachel hadn’t seen it at home. 

It was gone. It was actually gone. 

She was finally back in her office. She hadn’t been able to do any work. She finally looked at her phone for the first time all day. 

6 texts from Tim. 

She didn’t mean to avoid him but it just happened. She remembers the day that she got it and the letter that came with it. 

***

Nathan and Lucy’s apartment in New York, 2015

She had just gotten home from her first day back to work from her honeymoon. She walked in and started to go through her mail. It was congratulations cards and bills but a certain card made her stop. 

It was from California. And it was from Ty. 

He was in California? Maybe he was on leave. He was on leave and he still didn’t come. 

She immediately opened it. There was a long letter. 

Lu,

I don’t really know how to start this letter. I’ve written and rewritten it more times than I can count, but no matter how I try to say it, it never feels like enough. Maybe there aren’t enough words to explain everything, or maybe I’ve just spent too much time avoiding saying them. Either way, I owe you the truth, so here it is.

I should have been at your wedding. I know that. I wanted to be there. More than anything, I wanted to see you happy, to be there for you the way a brother should be. But I wasn’t. I wasn’t there to watch you walk down the aisle, or to see you start this new chapter of your life, or to celebrate with you. And you deserve to know why.

It wasn’t because I didn’t want to be there. It wasn’t because I didn’t care.

It was because I was afraid.

I wasn’t sure if they were going to be there.

I don’t know if you even invited them. I don’t know if you’ve made peace with them, if things have changed, if they’ve changed. But the thought of walking into that room and seeing them again after all these years… I couldn’t do it, Lucy.

I couldn’t risk it.

You know what they did to me. You know how they made me feel—like I was never good enough, like I didn’t belong, like I wasn’t really part of this family. The way they looked at me, the way they spoke to me, the way they didn’t speak to me when I needed them most. I tried, Lucy. I tried so damn hard to be what they wanted, to be someone they could love, but it was never enough. I was never enough. And when I finally walked away, I told myself I’d never give them the power to hurt me again.

But when I got your wedding invitation, when I held it in my hands, I realized something—I was still letting them make my choices for me.

I should have called you. I should have asked. I should have just trusted you. But I didn’t. Because deep down, I knew that if they were going to be there, I wasn’t sure I could handle it. And if they weren’t… then I wouldn’t have had an excuse not to show up. And that scared me, too.

So, I did what I’ve done too many times before. I ran.

I told myself it would be easier. That I was doing you a favor by staying away. That maybe, if I just kept my distance, you wouldn’t have to deal with the weight of everything that’s happened. That maybe you’d be happier without me in your life.

But missing your wedding made me realize something—it doesn’t matter how far I go, how much time passes, or how much I try to convince myself that staying away is for the best. I still miss you. I still think about you. I still wonder how you are, if you’re happy, if you ever think about me, too. And I still feel like your brother, even if I haven’t been there to be your brother for a long time.

I don’t know if you even want to hear from me. Maybe you’ve moved on. Maybe I’ve been gone too long, and this letter is too little, too late. And if that’s the case, I understand. I won’t push my way back into your life if that’s not what you want.

But if there’s even a small part of you that still wants to know me, if you still think of me as your brother, I want to try.

I’m in California now. I don’t know how long I’ll be here. Might be shipped out soon but I want you to know that if you ever need me—really, ever—I will try to come. No questions asked.

I don’t want to keep pretending like I don’t care. Because I do, Lucy. I always have. And I’m sorry for every time I made you feel like I didn’t.

I really hope you like the necklace. My sergeant helped me pick it out. He also has a younger sister. 

I hope this letter finds you happy. I hope he makes you happy. And I hope, even after everything, there’s still a place for me in your life.

—Ty

By the time she was done, she was crying. She understood why he didn’t come. Yes they were there. Nathan made her invite them but she couldn’t not invite her brother. 

She pulled out the necklace. It wasn’t just any necklace. It was small and simple—sterling silver, shaped like a pinky promise. But what mattered most wasn’t how it looked; it was what it meant.

Engraved on the back, in tiny, careful script, were the words Pinky Promise.

Lucy ran her fingers over the engraving, tracing the familiar words as if doing so could somehow bring back all the years they had lost. Pinky Promise. Their vow to each other, made when they were just kids, back when things were simpler—when family still felt like family.

Her breath hitched as she turned the necklace over in her palm. It was beautiful in its simplicity, but the weight of it felt heavier than it should have. Because Ty had picked this out for her. He had thought of her, even when he couldn’t bring himself to be there.

Even when he ran, he still wanted her to have something. Something to hold on to.

She clutched the pendant tightly, shutting her eyes against the tears that threatened to spill over again.

He was in California. He could have come.

But she understood.

Because she had spent years trying to ignore the weight of their parents' expectations, too. Years trying to make peace with things that weren’t fair, trying to fit into a family that had always felt like it had cracks running through it. She had stayed, she had endured, and Ty… he had walked away. Maybe she had resented him for that, at least at first. Maybe part of her had envied him for it, too.

She wiped at her eyes and exhaled shakily.

Nathan would be home soon. He would ask about her day, about work, about why her eyes were red. And she didn’t know if she could explain any of this to him.

She set the letter down carefully on the coffee table, her hands lingering over the paper before she picked up her phone.

Ty had left her a way to reach him. He had given her a choice.

For years, she had convinced herself that maybe it was easier this way—letting the distance stay, telling herself that if he wanted to be in her life, he would be. But now? Now she wasn’t so sure.

***

Present day 

That was the last time she ever heard from him. No more notes. No more postcards. Nothing.

She had held onto that necklace all these years, especially after Jackson gave her another one—she wore that often. And when Tim gave her the Valentine’s Day necklace, she wore that one every single day. If it wasn’t around her neck, it was tucked neatly in her jewelry box.

How could she be so reckless with something that meant so much to her?

A knock on her office door pulled her from her thoughts. She called out for whoever it was to come in, not sure who she was expecting—but it wasn’t Tim, dressed in plain clothes.

“Hey,” Lucy said, forcing herself to stay composed. To anyone else, it was just a necklace. Easily replaceable. But she knew it wasn’t.

“What’s going on?” Tim asked, his eyes scanning her face. He saw right through her.

“Nothing,” she lied, but they both knew better.

“Really? So why aren’t you responding?”

She hesitated, scrambling for an excuse—maybe she was buried in paperwork? But her laptop sat untouched. Maybe she misplaced her phone? No, it was right there on her desk.

She sighed. If there was one person she couldn’t successfully lie to, it was him.

“It’s stupid,” she muttered, pushing away from her desk and sinking onto the couch. Tim followed without hesitation.

“Well, if it’s important to you, then it’s not stupid,” he said simply.

“Simp,” Lucy teased, and for the first time all day, she felt a little lighter. They weren’t fully back to where they had been, but they were getting there.

She took a deep breath. “I lost my necklace.” A pause. “The one my brother sent me after I married Nathan.”

Tim tensed at the name. He didn’t hate the guy, but he had seen firsthand how the divorce had torn Lucy apart in her first year at the job.

“Where was the last place you had it?” he asked, no judgment in his voice.

“I remember putting it on before I left here last night. I touched it when I got into my car in the parking lot… and after that, I’m not sure. It’s not in my car. Not in my apartment.”

“Well, the only place left is my house,” Tim said. “I’ll keep an eye out.”

Lucy looked at him, murmuring a quiet, “Thank you.”

Tim just smiled.

Without thinking, Lucy leaned her head against his shoulder, and instinctively, he rested his hand on her thigh.

For the first time in a long time—ten months, to be exact—they both felt at peace. Just being in each other’s space again.

Chapter Text

Veteran Support Group, 2025

Tim sat in his chair, watching Ty from across the room as he talked to Brian. He was happy for him.

Ty had told him what happened in his house growing up, and in return, Tim had shared his own story. It didn’t really make sense, not logically. But for some reason, Ty felt like he could open up to Tim, and Tim felt the same way about Ty.

Maybe that’s why they became so close so quickly.

In some strange way, Ty had saved him. And Tim couldn’t even explain how.

Somewhere in Iraq, 2012

The night had been long. Everyone took turns getting whatever sleep they could. Tim sat in a chair, exhausted but alert, when Ty stepped into the tent.

“Sergeant Bradford,” Ty said, just enough to announce his presence.

Tim glanced up. “Can’t sleep?”

Ty sank into the nearest chair. “Not really.”

“Too intense?”

“No,” Ty said after a moment. “Weirdly enough, my house was more intense than this—which is probably weird.”

Tim chuckled. “No, I get it. My house growing up was intense, too. Out here, for some reason, it almost feels… peaceful.”

Tim hesitated, then asked, “Can I ask why your house was intense?”

Ty exhaled, leaning forward slightly. “At first, it wasn’t. Then my mother stepped out on her marriage. She got pregnant—with my sister—and things got intense after that. My dad stayed, but I don’t think he ever really forgave her. They never resolved it. So it was an intense childhood for both me and my sister.”

He paused before adding, “And then I made it even more intense—by being gay.” He gave a dry laugh. “I’m not even sure why I just told you all of that.”

Tim just chuckled, shaking his head. “It’s okay.”

Ty rubbed the back of his neck, exhaling slowly. He hadn’t meant to spill that much, but something about the quiet and the exhaustion made it easier.

Tim didn’t push. He just sat there, nodding slightly, like he understood. Maybe he did.

“For what it’s worth,” Tim finally said, “I think it takes a lot to say that out loud. Especially out here.”

Ty huffed a laugh. “Yeah, well… I didn’t exactly have a choice back home. My dad found out before I was ready. And let’s just say he wasn’t thrilled.”

Tim frowned but stayed quiet, waiting.

“He hit someone close to me,” Ty added. “But words for everything else? Those did the job just fine.”

Tim let out a slow breath, his jaw tightening. “Yeah. I get that.”

Ty glanced at him. “Yeah?”

Tim leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “My dad wasn’t… the easiest guy to grow up with either. He did drink and he did hit me—but he made damn sure we knew exactly how much of a disappointment we were.” He hesitated, then added, “but I was just the disappointed son of  a drunk.” 

“Well I was the gay son to homophobic parents,” Ty said, trying to lighten the mood but failed. “Well… for what it’s worth, I think we turned out okay.”

Tim let out a breath of amusement. “Yeah. I guess we did.”

A silence stretched between them—not awkward, just understanding.

Then, Ty leaned back in his chair. “Still can’t sleep, though.”

Tim chuckled. “Yeah, well, welcome to deployment.”

Ty smirked. “Think we’ll ever get used to it?”

Tim shrugged. “Maybe. Or maybe we just get better at pretending we’re used to it.”

Ty considered that, then nodded. “Yeah. That sounds about right.”

And for the first time since arriving, he felt like maybe—just maybe—he wasn’t entirely alone.

***

Present day 

Ty laughed at something Brian said, shaking his head as he leaned back in his chair. Tim watched from a distance, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

It was good to see him like this.

Back when they first met, neither of them had much to laugh about. War had been easier than what they’d left behind. But now—years later, after everything—they had made it through. Not unscathed, not whole, but still standing.

Ty must have felt Tim’s gaze because he turned, meeting his eyes across the room. His smile softened, and for a second, it was like they were back in that tent, two exhausted soldiers finding an odd sense of peace in each other’s company.

Tim gave him a small nod. Ty nodded back.

Ty walked over and sat down next to Tim as the meeting began.

The moment it started, the leader immediately called on him.

"I feel like you have it out for me or something," Ty joked.

The leader smirked. "Well, you are the newest addition."

Ty sighed. "Fair enough."

“You still feel like you’re on leave?” the leader asked.

“Not really,” Ty replied, shaking his head. “It still feels weird, but getting a job as a 911 dispatcher is going to be good for me.”

“Why a dispatcher?” the leader asked, leaning forward slightly.

“Because I like helping people,” Ty said, his voice steady. “And my injury has kept me from being able to help in the field, so why not be the person people turn to for help?”

He thought back to the conversation he had with Tim the other night. It had made him realize that, despite everything, he still wanted to be useful—still wanted to make a difference. Becoming a dispatcher felt like the second-best thing to being out there, on the frontlines, doing what he once did.

The leader nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. "Good reason. It’s not easy work, but it’s important. You’ll make a difference."

Ty offered a half-smile, his mind briefly flickering back to the quiet nights spent in the field, the weight of his injuries, and the quiet understanding that settled between him and Tim. It was a strange feeling to be starting over, to be moving from one chapter of his life to another that felt so different yet oddly connected.

The meeting carried on, but Ty’s thoughts wandered. He glanced over at Tim, who was listening intently, a slight frown on his face as he followed the discussion. There was always something about Tim—the way he carried the weight of the past without showing it, the quiet strength that never seemed to falter. Ty had learned a lot from him in the years since they’d met, but it was moments like this—watching Tim be present, even in the mundane—that made Ty realize how much he had changed.

The meeting ended, and people began to filter out. Ty stayed seated, lingering a little longer, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the armrest. Tim stood up and walked over, a faint smile forming as he came to sit beside him.

"You good?" Tim asked, his voice low, checking in the way he always did.

"Yeah, just... processing, you know?" Ty replied, his gaze still lingering on the door as people filed out. "It’s not easy, but it feels like the right thing. Like I’m finally figuring it out."

Tim nodded, his expression softening. "You’re doing the right thing, Ty. You always have been, even when it didn’t feel that way."

Ty met Tim’s eyes then, searching his face for any hint of doubt or hesitation. There was none. Just that steady, unwavering belief that had become a constant since they’d first crossed paths all those years ago.

"Thanks, man," Ty said, the words simple but carrying more weight than they usually would.

Tim gave him a small, knowing smile. "You’re not in this alone, you know."

And for the first time in a long while, Ty felt that truth settle deep in his bones. Maybe the war had taken more than he could ever get back, but in moments like these, he realized he still had something worth fighting for.

***
Tim’s House 

Once they were home, sitting outside on the patio with beers in hand, the quiet stretched between them until Ty finally broke it.

“So… Lucy?”

Tim’s head snapped up, eyes locking onto Ty’s. “What about her?”

“You didn’t mention her tonight at group,” Ty said casually.

“Okay, and?” Tim asked, cautious now, trying to figure out where this was going.

“I mean, you usually can’t go a day without bringing her up—and honestly, it’s sickening,” Ty said with a smirk. “But the support group? That’s your one free pass during the week.”

“My one free pass?” Tim raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of his beer. “What about the other six days?”

Ty shrugged, leaning back in his chair. “I live here rent-free. Don’t really have much wiggle room to complain.”

Tim gave him a look but didn’t argue.

“So,” Ty continued, “I’ll ask you again—why didn’t you mention her tonight?”

Tim was quiet for a moment, staring out into the yard. The bottle in his hand felt heavier than it should’ve.

“I don’t know,” he said finally. “I thought about it. Thought about saying something. But I just… didn’t.”

Ty nodded slowly. “You always think about her.”

“Yeah,” Tim said softly. “I always do.”

“Ew,” Ty said, scrunching his nose. Tim gave him a look.

“You never told me what happened when she came over to ‘talk,’ ” Ty added, using air quotes around the word.

“We did talk. Get your head out of the gutter,” Tim said, his tone dry. “It was… nice. Honest.”

“Nice? Honest? Just get it out,” Ty pressed, leaning forward.

Tim hesitated, then sighed. “She still hasn’t forgiven me for walking away.”

“Can’t blame her,” Ty said without missing a beat.

“I don’t either,” Tim admitted. “But I told her I didn’t really know what I was doing when I broke up with her. And she said she wished she’d seen me drowning—so she could’ve pulled me out, instead of being blindsided.”

He shifted in his seat, getting more comfortable, like the weight of the conversation was anchoring him.

“I hurt her, Ty. I broke her trust. Before we got together, she was scared. I had just gotten out of a relationship, and she was debating breaking up with her boyfriend because he was a complete douche. We were stuck in this weird limbo.”

He paused, staring at the label on his beer bottle before continuing.

“She was afraid of losing a really important friendship by taking it further. And I told her we were worth the risk. I said that. Me. Then I walked away from her—with no explanation, no warning.”

Ty didn’t say anything at first. Just let the silence stretch while Tim sat with the guilt.

“Damn,” Ty said finally. “You really messed that up.”

Tim let out a dry laugh. “Yeah. I really did.”

Ty let out a low whistle, then leaned back in his chair, staring up at the night sky. “You know,” he said after a moment, “you can’t undo any of that. You can’t go back and un-break the trust. But you can show her who you are now.”

Tim raised an eyebrow. “And what if who I am now isn’t enough?”

“Then you keep showing up until it is,” Ty said simply. “You didn’t walk away because you didn’t care. You walked away because you didn’t know how to ask for help. She’s not just mad that you hurt her—she’s mad because you didn’t let her see you. You kept her in the dark.”

Tim let that sit for a second, his expression unreadable.

Ty glanced over. “You said it was a nice talk. Honest. That means there’s still something there. She came over, didn’t she? She listened.”

“Yeah,” Tim said quietly. “She did. And before she left… I asked her if she wanted to get food sometime.”

Ty’s eyes widened. “Wait— what? You asked her out?”

“I mean… yeah. Kind of. I said we should grab food. Casual.”

“And?”

“She said yes.”

Ty blinked. “So what’s the plan?”

“I don’t have one,” Tim admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t expect her to say yes.”

Ty groaned and sat up straighter. “Dude. Come on. You finally crack open the door to fixing things and you don’t even have a plan?”

Tim gave a sheepish shrug. “I panicked.”

“Well, lucky for you, you’ve got me,” Ty said, already pulling out his phone. “First things first—no crowded restaurants. You need somewhere quiet. Somewhere with space to actually talk. Not talk-around-things. Talk. You hear me?”

“Yeah,” Tim said, nodding slowly. “I hear you.”

“Second,” Ty continued, “don’t treat it like a date unless she says it is. Just be honest. Be vulnerable. Let her see the version of you that wanted to be worth the risk. Not the one that ran.”

Tim looked down at his beer, then back at Ty, something shifting in his expression—hope, maybe, or determination. “You think it’s really possible to fix this?”

Ty held his gaze. “I think if anyone can, it’s you. But you’ve got to mean it. No halfway stuff this time.”

Tim nodded, a flicker of something steady building in his chest. “Yeah. Okay. I’ll figure something out.”

“You better,” Ty said, grinning. “Because if she shows up and you take her to a greasy burger joint with sticky booths and paper napkins, I will move out in protest.”

Tim laughed, the first real one in a while. “Noted.”

Chapter Text

Mid Wilshire Precinct, 2025 

“So this is where you work?” Ty asked as they walked through the bullpen. “I was expecting it to be bigger.”

“Funny,” Tim replied with a teasing smirk.

“First day,” Ty said, clearly nervous.

“You’ll be fine,” Tim assured him just as a red-haired woman with glasses approached them.

“This our newest victim?” she asked, grinning.

“Victim?” Ty echoed, his nerves spiking.

“Chill out,” Tim said with a chuckle. “Nell, this is Ty Henry. Ty, this is Nell—she’ll be training you.”

Nell extended her hand, and Ty shook it.

“Nice to meet you,” he said.

“Same to you,” Nell replied. “Follow me.”

“Good luck, buddy,” Tim called after them. But before Ty disappeared around the corner, he glanced back.

“You remember what we talked about?” he asked.

“She’s not even here yet,” Tim said, his voice low but reassuring, with a smile on his face.

It was like clockwork—Nell had barely turned the corner when Angela and Lucy stepped into the bullpen, stopping right in front of him.

“What are you up to, Timothy?” Angela asked, a mischievous grin on her face.

“Nothing,” Tim replied, his voice rising slightly.

“Why are you lying?” Lucy asked, raising an eyebrow. Tim shot her a look.

“What? I rode with you for a year and then dated you for almost a year. I know when you lie,” Lucy said, giving him a knowing smile.

“I’m just your BFF, so I know you. And don’t say grown men don’t have BFFs because they do,” Angela added, crossing her arms.

“Goodbye, Angela,” Tim said, trying to brush her off, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Angela rolled her eyes but flashed Tim a knowing grin before turning and walking off toward her desk.

Tim watched her go, then turned back to Lucy, his expression shifting to something a little more serious. He cleared his throat, trying to shake off the lingering sense of awkwardness.

“So…” he started, glancing at the door to make sure Angela wasn’t lingering around. “What’s your schedule like this weekend?”

Lucy raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the sudden change in tone. “My schedule? Why?”

“I was wondering if you’d want to grab dinner,” Tim said, his voice steady, but there was an underlying nervousness that even he couldn’t entirely mask. “Maybe, you know, catch up properly?”

Lucy studied him for a beat, her lips quirking into a smile. “Tim Bradford, asking me out? I thought we were past that stage.”

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “We were. But, uh, I’ve been thinking—maybe it’s time for a second round. No pressure, of course.”

Lucy paused, and for a moment, Tim wondered if he had overstepped. But then she nodded, her smile widening.

“Okay, fine. But I’m picking the place,” she said, a playful spark in her eyes.

Tim grinned, relieved. “Deal. I’ll be there.”

 “Just don’t make it awkward, okay?” Lucy teased. 

Tim laughed, shaking his head. “No promises.”

“Sir, the shop’s all set up,” Miles said, approaching the two sergeants. “Ma’am.”

“Officer Penn,” Lucy greeted, her tone professional, but her eyes briefly lingering on Tim. “Sounds like you guys need to head out. Be safe.”

“You too,” Tim replied, offering her a nod before he and Miles walked off. Lucy watched them for a moment before turning and heading toward her office.

***

She was sitting in her office, filling out a report, when her phone buzzed with a text. Before she could check it, there was a knock at the door.

“Come in!” she called, expecting one of the detectives to walk in.

Instead, a man in a suit stepped inside, holding an envelope.

“Can I help you?” she asked, closing her laptop and sitting up straighter.

“Sergeant Chen?” the man asked.

“Yes,” she replied, eyeing him warily.

“You’ve been served,” he said, handing her the envelope. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the office.

She stared after him for a second, then ripped the envelope open.

Seth Ridley vs. LAPD, Lieutenant Grey, Sergeant Bradford, and Sergeant Chen.

She groaned, slumping back in her chair. “Oh, great.”

Lucy tossed the envelope onto her desk and rubbed a hand over her face, already dreading the conversation she was about to have. Within minutes, she was headed through the bullpen, knocking sharply on Lieutenant Grey’s office door.

“Come in,” he called.

She stepped inside, holding up the envelope like it was radioactive. “You got one of these too?”

Grey sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Yeah. Just finished reading mine.”

“And Tim?”

“Already on his way,” Grey said, nodding toward the bullpen.

Right on cue, Tim stepped in, envelope in hand, eyes dark. “I guess we’re all in this together.”

Lucy gave him a look. “Seth Ridley. Of all people.”

Grey motioned for them to sit. “He’s suing the department for wrongful termination. Claims it was medical discrimination.”

Lucy blinked. “Discrimination? He lied on several different occasions— one of them was about having cancer.”

“I mean… maybe he does have cancer,” Grey said, though his tone was uncertain.

“Well, if he did, he would’ve submitted to the blood draw,” Tim pointed out as he sat down on the chair.

“Yeah,” Grey nodded, leaning back in his chair. “You’re right.”

Lucy crossed her arms, frustration evident in her posture. “So now we’re all going to be dragged into this mess because he decided to play the victim?”

Tim leaned forward, his jaw tight. “He’s got nothing on us. If anything, he’s the one who lied to cover his own ass.”

Grey sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “Yeah, but that’s the problem. He’s already made it into a public case. The media’s going to have a field day with this.”

Lucy sat up straighter. “And now we’ve got to clean up the mess?”

“That’s the long and short of it,” Grey said. “We’ll be going through depositions. It’s not going to be pretty.”

“I gotta get back to patrol,” Tim said, walking out of the office.

Lucy took a deep breath, but before she could leave, Grey spoke up. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Lucy.”

“I know,” Lucy replied, her voice soft as she made her way toward the door, but then something stopped her. “Could Tim’s and my relationship be thrown in our faces?”

Grey paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. “Maybe. But probably not. I mean, the two of you broke up before he even stepped foot in this station.”

Lucy’s voice faltered slightly as she asked the question she was afraid to ask. “And if there’s talk about us getting back together?”

“That could make things more tricky,” Grey admitted.

“I was afraid you were going to say that,” Lucy sighed.

“But if you two are open and honest about it, then it technically wouldn’t be a problem,” Grey said thoughtfully. “It’ll be harder for anyone to paint you as having a secret plan to get him washed out.”

Lucy paused to absorb what he’d said. “Are you two back together?”

Lucy hesitated before answering, her voice barely above a whisper. “Umm, we’ve been talking.”

“Well, as a lieutenant, I have to say I don’t condone workplace relationships and the power dynamics that come with them,” Grey began, his tone serious. “But as a friend…” He gave a knowing smile. “It’s about damn time.”

Lucy laughed softly, a weight lifting off her shoulders. “I mean, it’s not perfect, but he’s doing the work.”

“That’s the first step,” Grey said with a grin. “Maybe now he’ll stop moping around the station. I’m happy for you two.”

“Thank you, sir,” Lucy replied, standing up. 

“But if he hurts you again, he is a dead man,” Grey said and Lucy just laughed as she walked out of his office. 

As Lucy stepped back into the bullpen, the low hum of chatter and ringing phones surrounded her again, grounding her in the reality of the day ahead. She tucked the envelope under her arm, her thoughts spinning faster than she liked. The lawsuit, the media attention, the complications with Tim—it was a lot. 

She made it to her office before she caught sight of him—Tim, leaning against her desk like he’d been waiting.

“You okay?” he asked quietly, his eyes searching hers.

Lucy nodded as she sat down at her desk, though it wasn’t entirely true. “I’ve been better.”

Tim straightened, his jaw still tight from whatever was running through his mind. “This isn’t going to stick. Ridley’s just throwing darts in the dark.”

“Yeah, but some of them might hit,” she murmured. “Grey says it could get messy.”

Tim gave a short nod. “It will. But we’ll get through it.”

There was a beat of silence between them—one of those loaded pauses that said more than words could.

Lucy broke it first. “Grey asked if we’re back together.”

Tim arched an eyebrow. “What’d you say?”

“I said we’ve been talking,” she replied carefully, watching for his reaction.

“And… how’d that go?”

“He gave me the standard speech. Power dynamics, workplace ethics…” She trailed off, then smirked. “And then said it was about damn time.”

Tim chuckled, the tension in his shoulders loosening for just a second. “Well, he’s not wrong.”

Lucy just smiled at him, “don't be so smug. The last time I checked...” 

“Yeah I know the last time you checked I was the one to walk away. I am painfully aware of that,” Tim finished her sentence. 

There was silence between them but it wasn’t awkward or weird. It was comfortable. 

“I should go. Get back on patrol,” he said. 

“Be safe?” Lucy said as it was supposed to be a statement but it came out as a question. 

“Always am,” Tim said as he walked out of her office. 

***

It was nearly 4:00 PM when Grey called them back into the roll call room. Lucy walked in with her jaw tight, trying not to let the tension show. Tim followed close behind, stone-faced and silent. They found their usual seats, neither saying much as they waited.

Lieutenant Grey stood by the front, hands in his pockets, watching police officers outside. When he finally turned around, there was a flicker of something unusual on his face.

Relief.

“You’re not gonna believe this,” he said, walking over and dropping a thin file on the table. “It’s done. The lawsuit’s been thrown out.”

Lucy blinked. “What?”

“Ridley’s case has officially been dismissed,” Grey said. “Judge said there’s no foundation. No evidence of discrimination, no wrongful termination. Apparently, when you lie about having cancer and refuse a blood draw, it tends to blow holes in your credibility.”

Tim let out a sharp breath, somewhere between a laugh and a sigh. “So that’s it?”

“That’s it,” Grey confirmed. “No depositions. No hearings. No more dragging your names through the mud.”

Lucy leaned forward, still processing. “He tried to take down the department with nothing.”

“He tried to take us down,” Tim muttered. “All because he didn’t get away with it.”

Grey gave a short nod. “And it blew up in his face. The judge even warned his attorney that continuing with the case could lead to sanctions for wasting the court’s time.”

Lucy blinked, a smile breaking through. “Wow.”

Grey shrugged. “It’s rare we get a clean win like this. Take it.”

Tim looked over at Lucy, eyes softening. “So we’re clear?”

“We’re clear,” she said, smiling back.

Grey looked between the two of them, the edge of a grin tugging at his mouth. “Now that that’s behind us, maybe we can all go back to doing our actual jobs.”

Tim pushed back from the table. “Yeah, like paperwork.”

Lucy stood, rolling her eyes. “Or not.”

Grey smirked. “Don’t get too comfortable. You know something else will blow up by next week.”

Tim paused at the door, glancing back. “At least it won’t be Ridley.”

Grey raised his coffee mug in a small salute. “Small victories.”

Chapter Text

Mid Wilshire Precinct, 2025 

Ty waited near the locker rooms, leaning against the wall as he waited for Tim to change out. His thoughts drifted—inevitably—back to Lucy. He hoped she was happy. Their childhood had been rough, and she deserved better. He hoped she was loved by Nathan, maybe even surrounded by the laughter of kids—whatever kind of family she’d made for herself. He hoped she had real friends, people who lifted her up. That she was thriving in her job, in the city, in the life she built.

Most of all, he hoped she wasn’t wasting a single thought on him.

“Hey, you ready?” Tim asked, stepping out of the locker room in plain clothes.

“Yeah,” Ty said as they started walking toward the elevator. “So… how’d it go? You made good on your promise?”

“It wasn’t a promise,” Tim replied, pressing the elevator button. “But yeah. I did.”

“So, you’ve got a date?” Ty asked, just as Angela and Nyla walked up.

“Tim has a date with who?” Angela asked, eyes lighting up with curiosity.

“Wait—please tell me it’s Lucy,” Nyla added, almost pleading.

“Yes, it is,” Ty confirmed with a small grin.

“Oh thank God ,” Angela said, throwing her hands up in relief. “Only took them, what? Ten months to finally figure their shit out?”

“Closer to eleven,” Nyla muttered with a smirk.

“You must be Ty, I’m Angela and this is Nyla.” Angela said, introducing them. 

Tim just shook his head as the elevator doors opened, but he couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

They stepped into the elevator, the air buzzing with shared amusement.

Angela leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Tim with a knowing grin. “So, what finally pushed you over the edge? Divine intervention? A romantic comedy marathon?”

Tim exhaled through his nose, clearly not in the mood for teasing but not entirely opposed either. “Let’s just say I got tired of pretending like I didn’t miss her every damn day.”

That quieted the group for a second—just long enough for the moment to land.

Nyla nodded slowly, her smirk softening. “Good. You both deserve something real.”

“And to finally getting our favorite emotionally constipated couple back together,” she added, raising an imaginary glass.

Angela laughed, bumping shoulders with Tim. “Seriously though, we’re happy for you. Just... don’t screw it up. Again.”

“I’ll try not to,” Tim said, his voice low but sincere.

The elevator dinged, and the doors opened onto the lobby.

They filed out,Ty glanced over at Tim, and for the first time in a long while, his friend looked like he had some peace behind his eyes.

“You nervous?” Ty asked casually.

Tim gave him a sideways look. “A little. But it’s a good kind of nervous.”

Angela called back over her shoulder, “Text us when it’s official!”

Nyla added, “And when the wedding is, I’m picking the playlist.”

Tim groaned. “You’re not even giving us one date before jumping to wedding planning?”

Angela shot him a wink. “Tim, please. You two were practically married in everyone else’s eyes already.”

Tim didn’t answer that—just shook his head, a reluctant smile spreading across his face as they stepped out into the parking lot.

Ty hung back a step, hands in his pockets. For once, things felt still. Not perfect, but steady.

And that was enough.

***

Tim’s House 

“I like them,” Ty said as soon as they stepped into the house.

“Yeah, Angela and Nyla are great. Scary as hell, and way too good at reading people—but solid,” Tim replied, already heading toward his room.

Ty was hanging up his backpack when something shiny on the kitchen island caught his eye. He walked over, curiosity pulling him in. When he picked it up, recognition hit him like a wave.

A necklace.

Not just any necklace—one that looked almost identical to the one he’d sent Lucy after she got married.

His fingers closed around it, heart twisting in quiet confusion.

It couldn’t be the same one… could it?

No. That didn’t make sense. Lucy lived in New York. With her husband.

Lucy wasn’t that Lucy—the one Tim couldn’t stop talking about. There was no way Tim was in love with his baby sister.

It was impossible.

Lucy and Nathan were high school sweethearts. Madly in love. Everyone knew that. She lived in New York.

...But what if she didn’t?

Relationships fall apart every day. He knew that better than most. But Lucy and Nathan? They were supposed to be the exception.

Still… there was only one way to know for sure.

He turned the necklace over.

Pinky Promise, engraved on the back.

It was hers.

***

Somewhere in Atlanta, 2015

“Dude, why are you so intense about this?” Tim asked as he and Ty strolled through downtown Atlanta. They were on leave, and the last-minute trip had been Ty’s idea—something to keep his mind busy before they had to report back.

Ty shrugged, eyes scanning the storefronts, but there was a heaviness in his silence.

His baby sister was getting married this weekend—and he wasn’t going.

Tim didn’t know all the details, but he could tell it weighed on him.

“I’m not just being intense,” Ty finally said. “It’s for my sister. She’s getting married.”

Tim glanced at him. “And you’re not there because…?”

Ty exhaled sharply. “Because she’s marrying her high school sweetheart. Nathan. I know him, and I know he invited our parents. And I  just… I can’t.”

Tim’s brow furrowed, but he nodded. He’d learned when to press and when to back off. This was one of those times to let it be.

“Got it,” he said simply.

They kept walking, the buzz of the city around them, but a quiet understanding settled between them—one soldier giving space to another carrying more than just the weight of their gear.

They walked in silence for a few more blocks, the distant hum of traffic and street performers filling the space between them. Tim shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, glancing sideways at Ty every so often.

"You know," Tim said after a while, "I didn’t really talk to my family much before I deployed either. Things were... messy."

Ty gave a small, humorless laugh. "Yeah? You ever leave in the middle of the night without saying goodbye and never look back?"

Tim raised an eyebrow. “Not exactly. But I get it. Sometimes the only way to survive is to walk away.”

Ty didn’t respond at first. Then, he nodded, eyes locked on the sidewalk in front of them. “I used to look out for her, you know? Lucy. Our parents were a trainwreck most days. But I tried to shield her from all of it. I promised her—swore to her—that I’d always be there. And then I wasn’t.”

Tim slowed down a little, letting Ty set the pace. “You’re still trying. That counts for something.”

“I don’t know if it does,” Ty said quietly. “I couldn’t even bring myself to go to the wedding. I mean... she probably thinks I don’t care.”

“You’re buying her a necklace,” Tim pointed out. “I think that’s something.”

Ty cracked the faintest smile. “Yeah, well… I just want her to know I didn’t forget her. That I meant it when I said I’d always be her big brother—even if I couldn’t always be there.”

Tim nodded, silent for a moment. Then, with a smirk, he added, “You sure she even wants something sentimental and not, like, a gift card to a spa or something?”

Ty gave him a look. “She’s not that kind of girl. She’s sentimental. And stubborn. And smart. Way too good for the mess we came from.”

Tim chuckled. “Sounds like someone I’d get along with.”

“God, I hope not,” Ty muttered, and Tim laughed harder.

They turned the corner, spotting a little jewelry shop tucked between a café and a bookstore.

“This it?” Tim asked.

Ty nodded slowly. “Yeah. Let’s do this.”

As they walked toward the shop, Tim clapped him on the shoulder. “You’re doing the right thing, man. She’ll know it.”

Ty didn’t answer, but the grip he had on the strap of his backpack loosened, just a little.

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t closure. But it was something.

The bell above the door jingled as they stepped inside the little jewelry store. It was quiet, warm, and smelled faintly of leather and lavender. Glass cases lined the walls, filled with delicate chains, tiny gemstones, and elegant pieces that looked like they’d each come with a story.

A middle-aged woman with kind eyes and silver-streaked hair looked up from behind the counter. “Afternoon, gentlemen. Looking for anything in particular?”

Ty hesitated for a second, then stepped forward. “Yeah, actually. I’m looking for a necklace. Something simple. But meaningful.”

Tim hung back, letting Ty take the lead, arms crossed as he casually glanced around.

The woman smiled, stepping around the counter. “Alright. Do you have someone in mind?”

Ty nodded. “It’s for my sister. She’s getting married.”

“Oh, how lovely,” she said. “Tell me a little about her. That always helps me figure out what might suit her best.”

Ty smiled, just barely. “She’s strong. Too strong for her own good, sometimes. She’s the kind of person who carries everyone else’s weight without ever complaining. She’s smart, kind, and when we were kids, she used to make me pinky promise that I’d never leave her behind and vice versa.”

The woman’s face softened. “Sounds like someone worth celebrating.”

“She is,” Ty said quietly.

She motioned to a smaller case near the front. “Come here. I think I might have something.”

Ty followed her over, and she unlocked the case, carefully pulling out a delicate silver chain with a small pendant. It was simple—a tiny charm shaped like two fingers curled in a pinky promise.

Tim straightened a little, stepping closer. “No way.”

Ty stared at it. “That’s… actually perfect.”

The woman held it out for him to examine. “It’s handcrafted. There’s room on the back for an engraving, if you want.”

Ty turned it over in his hand, eyes lingering on the blank back of the charm. “Yeah. Yeah, I want to engrave it.”

She nodded. “What would you like it to say?”

Ty didn’t even hesitate. “Pinky Promise.”

Tim gave a low whistle. “That’s going to hit her right in the heart.”

“Good,” Ty said, voice steady. “That’s where it’s supposed to hit.”

The woman smiled as she took it back to prepare the engraving. “We’ll have it ready for you in just a few minutes.”

Ty stepped back and leaned on the counter beside Tim, silent for a moment before he said, “Thanks for coming with me, man.”

Tim shrugged. “You didn’t say it was going to be emotional. I might’ve worn waterproof gear.”

Ty laughed quietly. “Sorry to disappoint.”

“Nah,” Tim said, nudging his shoulder. “This? This was a good kind of heavy.”

Ty nodded, eyes fixed on the necklace as the woman started the engraving.

Somewhere, deep in his gut, he hoped Lucy would wear it someday. Not because of what they’d been through—but because despite it all, they’d still found a way to love each other.

Even from a distance.

***

Present day… 

He traced the pendant with his fingers, heart thudding.

She was wearing it.

How often? Every day? Once a week? Did she tuck it under her shirt or let it show?

The weight of the realization settled heavily on his chest—Lucy was here. Actually here.

Her relationship with Nathan had fallen apart. That alone was hard to wrap his head around. They had seemed unshakable, the kind of love people bet on.

But even more surprising?

She had fallen in love with Tim.

That part nearly knocked the breath out of him.

His mind reeled as he stared at the necklace, thumb brushing over the tiny engraving like it might whisper answers back to him.

Tim. Of all people.

He wasn’t angry—not really. Just… stunned. Conflicted.

Tim was solid. Reliable. Quiet when he needed to be, loud when it counted. The kind of guy who didn’t flinch when things got hard. Ty had trusted him with his life overseas. But trusting someone with your sister? With your baby sister? That was different.

Back then, Lucy had been just a name to Tim. A story Ty told. And now she was… everything to Tim. 

Ty swallowed hard.

It made sense. In some twisted, impossible way—it made sense .

But it didn’t make it easier.

He set the necklace gently back down, like it might shatter.

Tim didn’t know. He had no idea. He had fallen for Lucy without ever knowing who she really was—without knowing what she meant to Ty .

And Lucy?

Did she know?

Had she figured it out the second she saw Tim on her first day with him? Or was she still carrying around the same weight he was—years of silence, questions left unanswered?

He ran a hand over his face, suddenly exhausted.

A part of him wanted to storm into Tim’s room and demand answers. Another part—stronger—knew he couldn’t. Not yet. Not like this.

This wasn’t just about who Lucy loved.

It was about who they all used to be… and who they’d become in the years between.

“Hey, you wanna get some food?” Tim called out as he stepped out of his room.

Ty’s hand shot out instinctively, grabbing the necklace and slipping it into his pocket before Tim could see.

“Yeah,” Ty said quickly, meeting his eyes and forcing a casual smile. “Sounds great.”

Tim walked over to the drawer that held the takeout menus, but something made him pause. He turned around to face Ty, his expression a little more serious.

“Also—Lucy lost her necklace when she was here a couple nights ago,” Tim said. “It’s important to her, so just keep an eye out, yeah?”

Ty swallowed hard, his fingers twitching at his side as the weight of the necklace in his pocket suddenly felt ten times heavier.

“Yeah, of course,” he said, keeping his voice steady.

But now it felt like that necklace was burning a hole straight through his pocket.

Chapter Text

Tim’s House, 2025 

Tim was feeding Kojo, getting ready to leave and pick up Lucy, when Ty stepped out of his room dressed nicer than usual. Tim paused, eyebrows raised.

"Why are you dressed nicer than usual?" he asked.

Ty glanced at him. "Why are you dressed nicely?"

Tim set Kojo’s bowl down and released him to eat, then walked closer to Ty, eyeing him carefully.

"Tyler Henry," he said, tone serious. "Do you have a date?"

Ty shrugged. "Do you have a date?"

Tim gave him a look. "Dude, you know I do. Why are you dodging the question?"

"Because I’m not sure if it’s a date or not," Ty finally admitted.

"With Brian?" Tim asked, and Ty gave a small nod.

"Who asked who?" Tim pressed.

"He asked me," Ty said.

"And how exactly did he ask?"

Ty smirked a little. "He said, ‘You wanna go out?’"

Tim raised an eyebrow. “That’s it? ‘You wanna go out?’ That’s the whole invitation?”

Ty nodded, a bit sheepish. “Yeah. I mean… we were already hanging out, just us, like a few times. So I didn’t know if this was just… more of that or something else.”

Tim crossed his arms, giving Ty a look. “Okay, but what did you say?”

Ty hesitated, then smiled a little. “I said, ‘Sure.’”

Tim squinted. “You said it like that?”

“Well, yeah. How else was I supposed to say it?”

Tim shook his head, a laugh escaping under his breath. “Man, you're both hopeless.”

Ty rolled his eyes. “Says the guy who’s been dragging his feet for weeks.”

“That’s different,” Tim shot back. “I knew it was a date. I just had to get there.”

“Right,” Ty muttered, glancing down at his shoes before looking back up. “So… I look okay?”

Tim took a step back and gave him a once-over. “Yeah. You look good. Just… maybe unbutton the top button. You’re not going to prom.”

Ty smirked and did as he was told. “Thanks.”

Tim grabbed his keys off the counter and gave Ty a small nod. “Let me know how it goes.”

Ty hesitated, then nodded back. “You too.”

Tim paused at the door, a half-smile on his face. “Hey, Ty?”

“Yeah?”

“If it is a date… don’t overthink it. Just be yourself.”

Ty gave him a lopsided smile. “That’s the part I’m nervous about.”

Tim chuckled. “Welcome to the club.”

***

Ty and Brian’s Date

It had started off a bit awkward, but now things were good. Ty was taking Tim’s advice—just being himself. They were laughing over something Brian had done when he was little.

“What about your childhood? Any good times?” Brian asked, his tone hopeful. He knew bits and pieces about Ty’s past, but not everything.

Ty’s smile faded slightly. “Honestly, not really. My mom cheated on my dad, and that’s how my baby sister came into the picture. Things never really settled after that. Then... when I was forced to come out, they were both homophobic.” He paused, then added softly, “But my sister? She was always there for me. No matter what.”

Brian tilted his head. “So why are you so against reaching out to her?”

“I tried,” Ty said quietly.

“Yeah—once,” Brian replied, raising an eyebrow.

Ty hesitated. “Can I tell you something?”

Brian took a sip of his drink. “Of course.”

“Her and her husband… they’re not together anymore.”

That caught Brian’s attention. “How do you know?”

Ty looked down at his hands. “When she got married, I didn’t go. Because of our parents. But I sent her a necklace—it looked like a pinky promise. Something we used to say when we were little. It meant something deeper, unspoken.”

Brian watched him carefully. “And?”

“I found that same necklace at Tim’s house,” Ty said.

Brian blinked. “Wait, how do you know it was hers?”

“I had it engraved. On the back, it says pinky promise. I designed it that way. That phrase… it was just ours.”

Brian sat back, piecing things together. “So not only is she here… and not with her husband… but she fell for Tim?”

Ty nodded, his expression tight.

Then it clicked for Brian. His eyes widened. “Wait—Lucy? The one Tim can’t shut up about in group? That’s your baby sister?”

Ty just nodded again, the weight of it all hanging in the silence between them.

“Woah, that's a lot,” Brian said. 

“Tell me about it. In the span of like a minute my sister was with her high school sweetheart to be with my best friend from the military,” Ty said. 

“Speak of emotional whiplash,” Brian said. 

They went back to being quiet before Brian asked something, “is this a date?” 

***

Chen’s Residence, 2009

“Is this a date?” Lucy asked as she walked into her brother’s room, eyebrow raised with that signature mischievous look.

Ty looked up from where he was sitting, a grin tugging at his lips as he spotted his baby sister. “No comment.”

“So that’s a yes,” Lucy said, hopping up onto his bed without waiting for an invite.

“Don’t tell Mom and Dad?” Ty asked, though he already knew her answer.

Lucy rolled her eyes like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Dude, you don’t even have to ask me that.”

Ty chuckled. “I know.”

Lucy flopped onto her stomach, kicking her legs in the air as she looked at him with a sly grin. “So who is he?”

Ty hesitated, then leaned back against his headboard with a sigh. “His name’s Eli.”

Lucy’s eyes lit up. “Eli? That’s the guy from your Senior year English class, right? The one with the nose ring and the flannel addiction?”

Ty snorted. “Yeah, that’s him.”

“I knew it!” she said triumphantly, sitting up like she’d won something. “You were so weird when you talked about him.”

“I was not weird,” Ty said, trying to sound defensive, but the blush creeping into his cheeks gave him away.

“You kept saying stuff like, ‘He’s just smart, that’s all,’ and, ‘He likes poetry, whatever,’ in that voice you do when you’re pretending not to care but actually totally care.”

Ty groaned, covering his face with his hands. “Why are you like this?”

Lucy just laughed. “Because I know you.”

There was a pause, the easy silence of siblings who didn’t need to fill every second with words. Then Lucy rolled onto her side, her tone softer.

“Do you like him?”

Ty nodded slowly. “Yeah. I really do. It’s… different with him. Easy. Like, I don’t have to pretend. And he doesn’t care about any of the stuff I’ve been through. He just sees me.”

Lucy smiled, proud and protective all at once. “That’s kind of the dream, isn’t it?”

Ty glanced at her, heart full. “You know you’re the only one I can talk to about this, right?”

“Obviously,” Lucy said, pretending to toss her hair. “I’m the cool sibling.”

Ty chuckled. “You really are.”

She reached over and grabbed a pillow, hugging it to her chest. “You gonna tell him?”

“That I like him?”

“No, that you’re hopelessly obsessed and are already mentally naming your future cats together.”

“Lucy—”

“I’m kidding,” she said through a laugh. “But seriously, are you gonna tell him?”

Ty looked down at his hands, then back up. “I think I will. Soon.”

Lucy nodded like she approved. “Good. And if he breaks your heart, I know where he lives.”

Ty smiled, a warm, quiet kind of smile. “Thanks, Lu.”

“Always.”

***

Present day… 

“Ty? You okay?” Brian asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.

Ty blinked, startled. “Crap—sorry. Yeah, I’m good.” He forced a smile.

Brian didn’t buy it. “You don’t have to lie to me, you know.”

Ty’s smile faltered, and he looked down at his hands resting in his lap. “It’s just… sometimes I forget how much I miss her. And then I remember all at once.”

Brian stayed quiet, letting him talk.

“She was the only one who knew me before everything went to hell. Before our parents, before I came out, before I started building walls just to get through the day.” Ty shook his head. “She didn’t care about any of that. She just... loved me. No questions, no conditions.”

Brian’s voice was soft. “That’s rare.”

“Yeah,” Ty said quietly. “It’s why I’ve been afraid to reach out. What if she’s not that person anymore? What if I’m not?”

Brian leaned in. “But what if she is? And what if you are, too—and you just don’t see it yet?”

Ty looked up, eyes glassy but steady. “I used to tell her everything. Like when I first started dating Eli. She was the first person I told.”

Brian tilted his head. “Eli?”

“Yeah… it was serious and it was important. It was the first time I felt seen. She didn’t laugh or freak out or ask me dumb questions. She just listened, laid on my bed, and told me she was proud of me.”

Brian offered a small, understanding smile. “That sounds like love to me.”

“It was,” Ty said, voice rough around the edges. “Not just between me and Eli—between me and her. She was my person. And I lost her.”

“But you might not have lost her forever,” Brian said. “People change, yeah, but not always in the bad way. You said she wore the necklace. That means something.”

Ty nodded slowly. “Yeah… it does.”

Brian leaned back, giving Ty a moment. “So… what now?”

Ty drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. “Now? I think I find a way to talk to her. Even if it’s awkward. Even if it hurts.”

Brian raised his glass. “To awkward conversations.”

Ty clinked his glass against Brian’s. “And to maybe getting my sister back.”

***

Lucy and Tim’s date

The restaurant was quiet, lit with soft golden lights and the low hum of jazz drifting through the air. Tim reached across the table, lacing his fingers with Lucy’s. She smiled, cheeks glowing from the wine or maybe just from the way he looked at her.

“This place is perfect,” she said, eyes flicking around the cozy atmosphere.

Tim grinned. “You deserve perfect.”

Lucy rolled her eyes playfully. “Okay, smooth talker.”

He shrugged. “Just telling the truth.”

There was a comfortable pause as they sipped their drinks, the kind that didn’t need filling. Then Lucy looked down, tracing her finger around the rim of her glass.

“Can I tell you something kind of random?” she asked.

Tim leaned in. “You can tell me anything.”

“I was just thinking about my brother.”

Tim tilted his head. “You’ve never really talked about him before.”

Lucy nodded, her expression softening, her eyes distant. “Well, it’s a bit hard. Especially when you haven’t seen him in fourteen years.”

Tim didn’t say anything, just watching her carefully, sensing the weight of the memory.

“He left when he was 21... after a bad night. A really scary one, too.” She paused, her voice tightening as she spoke. Tim reached over, his hand resting gently on her thigh. She looked at him, offering a small, grateful smile.

“Can I ask what happened?” Tim asked, his voice cautious but filled with concern.

Lucy sighed, staring down at the table for a moment before speaking again. “Umm... let’s just say someone walked away with permanent brain damage, and the police believed it was self-defense.”

Tim’s face darkened, the gravity of her words sinking in. “Jeez.”

Lucy nodded slowly, her gaze distant. “Yeah. It’s a lot to carry. For both of us.”

Tim didn’t know what to say. There was something about the way Lucy spoke—like she had carried this burden for so long, but it still weighed her down. He squeezed her thigh gently, offering what little comfort he could.

“Lucy, I… I’m really sorry you went through that. I can’t even imagine how tough it must’ve been for both of you.”

She gave a soft shrug, but there was no real weight behind it. “Yeah, well, we all deal with stuff, right? Some of it just doesn’t go away.”

Tim nodded, his heart heavy with empathy. “Do you ever talk to him? I mean, after all this time?”

Lucy’s eyes flickered with something—uncertainty, maybe—before she looked down at her hands. “I tried. A few years ago. But… he doesn’t exactly want to be found. I think he’s still angry. Still hurting.” Her lips twisted into a wry smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “And I get it. I wasn’t there when he needed me the most.”

Tim took a deep breath, searching for the right words. “You don’t have to blame yourself. Sometimes people just need space to heal. But that doesn’t mean you stop caring.”

Lucy met his gaze, the sadness still there but softened by a flicker of understanding. “Yeah. I guess so.”

There was a long pause as Tim watched her, wondering if there was more she wanted to say, but unsure if now was the right time to push. He simply stayed quiet, letting her have the space to share when she was ready.

Finally, Lucy broke the silence. “I’ve spent so many years wondering if I could’ve done more. Or if maybe things could’ve been different. But... I guess it’s just not something you can fix overnight.”

Tim didn’t have an answer to that. Sometimes, there were no answers. He simply nodded, his voice gentle. “I think you’ve done everything you could, Lucy. You care. That’s more than most people would ever do.”

She smiled a little, the corners of her mouth lifting faintly. “Thanks, Tim. You’re probably right.”

The moment hung between them, thick with unspoken things, and Tim couldn’t help but feel that, in some strange way, they had just crossed a line. It was the kind of conversation that made the air feel charged, like they had shared something real.

As the conversation slowed, the soft chime of Tim’s phone cut through the moment. He glanced at the screen, noticing the alert from the security system he’d set up at the house.

Motion detected at the front door.

Lucy raised an eyebrow at him, sensing a shift. “Everything okay?”

Tim nodded, offering a casual smile. “Yeah, just the friend who is living with me at the moment, probably just getting home.” 

***

Tim’s house 

Tim stepped into the house, the quiet familiar—too familiar. He expected Ty to be there. According to the security system, someone was home. He hadn’t checked the cameras, but the alarm hadn’t gone off, so it had to be Ty.

“Yo, Ty? You home?” he called out casually, locking the door behind him.

Footsteps echoed down the hallway, but the figure that emerged wasn’t Ty.

“Sargeant Bradford,” the man said coldly, and Tim’s stomach dropped.

“Seth?” Tim asked, his eyes locking on the gun in the man’s hand.

Seth stepped forward, weapon raised and trembling slightly. “Thanks to you and Sergeant Chen, I lost everything.”

“Put the gun down, Seth,” Tim said, hands raising instinctively, trying to stay calm.

“My job. My pension. Everything,” Seth continued, his voice sharp with rage. “Then that lawsuit? Thrown out. ‘Lack of evidence,’ they said.”

“Seth, I get that you’re angry. But this—this isn’t the way. You know that.” Tim kept his voice steady, measured, hoping to keep the situation from spiraling further.

Seth’s jaw clenched. “I haven’t decided if I want you to suffer... or just end it quick.”

The barrel shifted. For a moment, it pointed at Tim’s head. Then, slowly, it moved downward.

“Maybe three to the abdomen,” Seth muttered, almost to himself. “You’d still be alive. For a while. But you’re alone right now. No one’s coming.”

“Seth, don’t—” Tim began, heart racing.

But the words were cut off by the deafening bang of the first shot. Then a second. Then a third.

Fire tore through Tim’s midsection, and he dropped to the floor with a gasp, pain blooming like wildfire. His ears rang. His hands pressed instinctively to his stomach, already wet with blood.

Seth’s footsteps were retreating, fast. Another loud crack followed—the sound of a final gunshot—and then the house went still.

Tim’s vision blurred, dark at the edges.

He thought, vaguely, that Seth must have shot the security system. Or maybe the camera. Or maybe…

Then everything went black.

Chapter Text

Tim’s house, 2025 

Brian turned into the driveway, the headlights cutting through the quiet, suburban dark. The music playing softly through the speakers faded as he shifted the car into park.

Ty was mid-sentence, something about a movie they should watch, when Brian leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. “Wait… what the hell?”

Ty followed his gaze. The front porch light cast just enough of a glow to highlight the shattered remnants of the security camera near the doorframe. The glass was cracked, the casing twisted, like someone had taken a bat—or a bullet—to it.

Ty’s breath caught. “That’s not right.”

Brian was already unbuckling. “You said Tim was home, right?”

“I thought he was,” Ty muttered, his voice tight as adrenaline surged through him. “The alarm didn’t trip. The system said the house was secure.”

Brian’s hand shot to his phone. “Stay here. I’m calling 9-1-1.”

“No—wait,” Ty said, already out the passenger door and sprinting to the front steps. “If someone’s in there—if Tim’s in there—we don’t have time to wait.”

“Ty!” Brian shouted, but it was too late. Ty was already throwing the front door open.

What met him on the other side stole the breath from his lungs.

Tim.

On the ground.

Blood.

“Tim!” Ty dropped to his knees, hands hovering, unsure where to touch, where to apply pressure—there was too much blood, too much red. “No, no, no—Tim! Stay with me!”

Tim’s eyelids fluttered, a weak sound escaping his lips.

Brian was right behind him now, breathless and pale. He cursed under his breath and fell to his knees, already dialing emergency services. “We need an ambulance—officer down. Gunshot wounds. He’s still breathing—barely.”

Ty pressed both hands to Tim’s stomach, ignoring the warm blood seeping between his fingers. “You’re gonna be okay, man. You hear me? You’re not dying on me. You’re not.”

Tim didn’t answer.

But he was still alive.

And Ty wasn’t letting go.

The sound of sirens pierced the quiet night within minutes, growing louder—closer—until the red and blue lights splashed across the walls of the house and the front lawn. Ty didn’t move. He couldn’t. His hands were slick with Tim’s blood, pressing into the wound, doing whatever he could to keep the life from slipping out of him.

“Hang in there, man. Just hold on,” he whispered, his voice cracking. “Help’s here.”

Brian stood near the open door, waving the EMTs in as they rushed up the steps with gear in hand. “Back here! He’s losing a lot of blood—three shots, maybe more.”

Two paramedics dropped to the ground beside Tim, immediately relieving Ty and taking over with practiced precision. One started cutting away Tim’s shirt, the other unpacking gauze, pressure bandages, and a trauma kit.

“Pulse is weak,” one of them muttered. “We need to move fast.”

Ty stumbled back, his hands trembling, eyes fixed on Tim’s pale face. He didn’t even notice Brian’s hand on his shoulder until he spoke.

“Come on, man. Let them work.”

“I should’ve been here. I should’ve checked the damn camera,” Ty said, voice barely above a whisper.

Brian didn’t have an answer for that. He just stood there with him, while the medics worked against time.

A third EMT came in with a stretcher, and within seconds they had Tim strapped in, an oxygen mask over his face and IVs already running.

“We’re taking him to St. Stephen’s” one of the paramedics said quickly. “You family?”

Ty nodded without thinking. “Yeah. I’m family.”

“Follow us there,” she said, then they were gone—out the door, down the steps, and into the back of the ambulance.

The sirens wailed again, this time fading into the distance as they sped off.

Ty stood frozen in the doorway until Brian nudged him gently. “Come on. I’ll drive.”

Ty nodded and followed, still shaking, still covered in blood—but with one thought echoing through his head:

He has to make it.

***
Lucy and Celina’s Apartment

Lucy had just changed into leggings and a sweatshirt when her phone buzzed on the bathroom counter. She glanced at the screen lazily at first, assuming it was Tim checking in like he always did after dropping her off.

Unknown Caller.

She almost ignored it. Almost.

But something in her gut made her swipe to answer.

“Hello?”

“Is this Sergeant Lucy Chen?” The voice was urgent but professional.

“Yes. Who is this?”

“This is Nurse Benton from St. Stephen’s ER. We have a patient here registered as Timothy Bradford. He listed you as an emergency contact.”

Lucy’s stomach dropped. “What—wait, what happened? Is he okay?” Her voice caught, her hand gripping the edge of the sink.

“He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen. He’s currently in surgery. I can’t give more details over the phone, but we recommend you come in immediately.”

The world narrowed to the sound of her heartbeat. “I’m on my way.”

She hung up, walked into the living room, and went straight to the gun safe. Celina, sitting on the couch watching TV, looked up.

“What’s going on?” Celina asked.

“Tim was shot,” Lucy said, barely getting the words out as she grabbed her gun and badge.

Celina stood immediately, already reaching for her own gear. “I’ll drive.”

Lucy didn’t respond. She just nodded, and together they left, the door slamming shut behind them.

***

St. Stephen’s 

Lucy and Celina stepped out of the elevator and were immediately met by Angela and Lieutenant Grey.

“What the hell happened?” Lucy demanded, her voice sharp with worry.

“We’re not entirely sure yet,” Grey said. “Whoever did this shot out his security system—there’s no footage to review.”

“Convenient,” Celina muttered under her breath.

“Who called it in? A neighbor?” Lucy asked quickly.

“Surprisingly, no,” Angela said. “Even with four gunshots, not a single neighbor called it in. It was Ty.”

Lucy blinked, confused. “Ty?”

“Tim’s military friend,” Angela clarified, nodding behind them.

Celina turned first, spotting a guy in his mid-thirties, sitting in a chair, his shirt soaked with blood, nervously wringing his hands.

Lucy turned too—and her entire body locked up.

It wasn’t just some military buddy.

It was her brother.

Her older brother, covered in blood, sitting alone in the waiting room.

For a moment, it felt like the past crashing right into the present. The same helpless fear. The same paralyzing shock.

Déjà vu—but worse.

***

Chen’s Residence, 2011

“You really think this is a safe idea? Mom and Dad could walk in at any moment,” Lucy said, eyeing Ty as he set the table.

“They won’t,” Ty replied firmly. “And I’m done hiding Eli.”

Lucy sighed, slinging her bag over her shoulder. “Just be careful, okay? I’ll be across the street at Nate’s if you need anything.”

Ty gave a grateful nod as she stepped outside, crossing the road to Nathan’s house. The air felt thick, heavy with what was coming. This was the calm before the storm.

***

Hours passed.

Eli was still at the Chen house, sitting quietly at the kitchen table with Ty, while Lucy tried to distract herself at Nate’s. That’s when the car pulled into the driveway.

Vanessa and Patrick were home.

The sound of the car doors slamming made Ty’s stomach lurch. He glanced at Eli, who sat frozen, fingers tapping anxiously against his glass of water.

“Stay here,” Ty said quickly, moving toward the front door.

But it swung open before he reached it—so hard the house seemed to tremble.

Vanessa entered first, heels clicking sharply on the hardwood floor. Patrick followed, and the moment his eyes landed on Eli, his face darkened.

“What the hell is this?” Patrick snapped, voice already thick with venom.

Ty’s chest tightened, hands clenched at his sides. “This is my boyfriend. His name is Eli.”

Vanessa’s face twisted. “Under our roof?”

“You need to leave,” Patrick growled. “Now.”

Eli stood instinctively, glancing between Ty and the door, unsure whether to stay or run.

“No,” Ty said, stepping in front of him. “I’m not hiding anymore. If you have a problem with who I love, that’s yours to deal with—not mine.”

Patrick’s jaw flexed. His hand twitched at his side, barely restrained.

“You ungrateful little—”

“Patrick,” Vanessa warned, but it was already too late.

Patrick lunged, shoving Ty hard. Ty stumbled, crashing into the table behind him. Eli started toward him, but Ty threw up a hand.

“Get. Out,” Patrick seethed, pointing at Eli. “And you—” he turned to Ty, voice shaking with fury—“you’re no son of mine.”

Something inside Ty cracked wide open. The words landed harder than any blow.

He steadied himself. “Come on, Eli,” he said, voice barely above a whisper, grabbing Eli’s hand. Together they walked toward the door, past Patrick and Vanessa, into the cold night.

Lucy had heard the shouting and now stood frozen on Nathan’s porch. As Ty and Eli stepped onto the front walk, she bolted down the steps.

“What happened?” she cried.

Ty didn’t answer. His voice was flat. “I’m done.”

But then—

“HEY!”

Patrick’s roar made them freeze.

Ty barely turned when Patrick slammed into them. With one violent shove, he hurled Eli down the front steps.

Eli’s body hit the sidewalk with a sickening crack. His head bounced off the concrete.

“ELI!” Ty screamed, rushing after him.

But Patrick wasn’t done. He yanked Eli upright by the hair and drove his fist into his face. Once. Twice. Again. Blood sprayed across the sidewalk.

“YOU THINK YOU CAN BRING THIS SHAME INTO MY HOUSE?!”

Ty tried to throw himself between them, but Patrick backhanded him so hard he tasted blood.

Lucy was already sprinting. “DAD, STOP!”

Patrick didn’t hear—or didn’t care.

He hauled Eli up again and slammed a knee into his gut. Eli gasped and doubled over, coughing blood.

“STOP!” Ty begged. “PLEASE!”

But Patrick twisted Eli’s arm and drove him headfirst into the side of the brick porch. Eli collapsed, motionless.

Lucy didn’t think—she tackled Patrick from behind, fists pounding his back. “GET OFF HIM!”

Nathan and Mr. Bell came running. Mr. Bell yanked Patrick off Lucy and shoved him back, eyes blazing.

“You touch him again, and I’ll put you through that wall,” he growled.

Patrick stood seething, but stayed back. Vanessa was still in the doorway, frozen, saying nothing.

Ty dropped beside Eli. His face was a mess—swollen, bloodied, barely recognizable. He wasn’t moving.

“Eli, please,” Ty whispered. “Wake up. Please…”

Lucy knelt beside them, fumbling for her phone. “I’m calling 911.”

“No… no cops…” Eli rasped, barely conscious.

Ty looked at her, panicked. “We can’t leave him like this.”

Lucy nodded, wiping tears from her cheeks. “Then we drive.”

“Nathan—get the truck!” she called.

They lifted Eli together, as gently as they could. Every movement made him whimper, but they got him to the truck.

Across the street, Patrick stood stone still, arms folded, watching. Cold. Unmoved.

Ty didn’t look back.

This wasn’t just about running anymore.

This was survival.

***

The flashing red and blue lights came too late.

Officers approached as Lucy and Ty tried to load Eli into the truck. Patrick was already spinning his lie.

“Officers, I have an intruder here,” he said smoothly. “He broke into my home and attacked my family.”

Ty stepped forward, but Lucy grabbed his arm. “Don’t,” she warned.

Officer Daniels raised a hand. “We need statements from everyone. No one leaves until we figure this out.”

Lucy stood her ground. “Dad’s lying.”

Patrick’s expression didn’t change. “He trespassed. He’s a criminal. He attacked me.”

“That’s not what happened!” Lucy’s voice trembled. “You beat him. You nearly—”

“I didn’t touch him!” Patrick shouted, lunging toward her. “You listen to me, or you’ll regret it!”

Ty stepped in, shielding Lucy. “Back off.”

Patrick grabbed Ty’s collar. “Stay out of this! This is my house!”

Ty shoved him away. The officers finally moved, holding Patrick back.

“Sir, step back,” Officer Daniels said. “This young man needs medical attention.”

Patrick glared, but backed down.

“We’re leaving,” Lucy said, voice unwavering. “He’s coming with us.”

Eli nodded weakly as Ty and Nathan helped him into the truck. Lucy followed close, hyper-aware of Patrick’s glare on her back.

This was no longer just a family falling apart.

This was abuse. And tonight, they weren’t staying quiet about it.

But none of it changed what came next.

Despite everything, Eli ended up sentenced to six years in state prison—for a crime he didn’t commit. Permanent brain damage. No justice.

By the next morning, Ty was gone.

No note. No goodbye. Just silence.

Ten long weeks passed before Lucy got a letter, forwarded from Nathan’s house.

It was from Ty.

He didn’t say much—just asked if she’d come. To his graduation. To see him take one final step forward, even if everything else had already fallen apart.

So Lucy went.

She found him standing on a windswept tarmac under a bruised, gray sky, rain falling in thin, bitter needles.

They didn’t say much.

They didn’t need to.

It was goodbye without ever speaking the word.

The last time they saw each other.

Until now.

***

Present day.

"Lucy?" Angela’s voice broke through the air behind her, but Lucy barely heard it.

Ty looked up—and when their eyes met, everything inside her splintered.

Her breath caught. Her hands trembled. She ripped her gaze away, turning blindly toward Angela, but it didn’t matter.

She could still feel him.

The weight of him.

The years. The hurt. The pieces of herself she hadn’t realized she’d left behind until now.

He was really here.

And she wasn’t ready. Not even close.

Chapter Text

 Mid Wilshire Precinct, 2025

They were all sent home.

It would be nearly a full day before Tim was out of surgery.

Three gunshots. It was bad—worse than anyone had dared to imagine.

Lucy was listed as his next of kin, so they promised to call her the moment there was news.

She’d called Genny. The conversation had been hard—harder than she ever thought it would be.

Now, the next morning, Lucy sat in her office.

She couldn’t stay at her apartment, couldn’t bear the empty space. And there was no point in wasting away in the sterile waiting room either.

Her office was the compromise, the place where she could be close but still separate.

She hadn’t slept, not really. Her mind kept circling, crashing into itself.

Ty was here.

Her older brother. The one she hadn’t seen in fourteen years.

Ty, the military friend Tim always talked about—like a constant presence, even if she’d never met him. 

Lucy sat in the silence of her office, the weight of everything pressing down on her. She had barely slept. Tim was in surgery, and the worst had already been implied—three gunshots. It was bad. She kept replaying the conversation with Genny in her head, but it did nothing to ease the ache in her chest.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Angela and Nyla walked into her office. Both of them had been there for her since the moment the news had broken, offering what little comfort they could.

"Hey," Angela said softly, her voice concerned as she took a seat across from Lucy. "How are you holding up?"

Lucy didn’t answer immediately, her fingers tapping nervously on her desk. "I don’t know," she said finally. "I just… I feel like everything’s happening at once. It’s too much."

Nyla, ever the grounding presence, sat beside her. "You're not alone in this," she said quietly. "We're here for you."

"I know," Lucy said, a tremor in her voice. "But it’s just… it’s too much. Tim—" She stopped herself, unable to finish the sentence.

“We know,” Angela said. 

“You know his military friend? The one who was covered in Tim’s blood last night?” Lucy asked. 

“Yeah we met walking out work a couple nights ago,” Nyla said. 

“He was here?” Lucy asked. 

“Yeah he is the new dispatcher,” Angela said. 

“He works here?” Lucy said as she got up and started to pace back and forth in her office. 

“Lucy? What is going on?” Angela asked gently.

Lucy stopped pacing. Her fingers instinctively reached for the necklace around her neck—Tim’s necklace. She’d put it on last night before heading out with him. Things had finally been heading in the right direction, and wearing it felt like a small, silent promise.

Her thumb brushed over the worn metal. She never did find her brother’s necklace.

“Lucy?” Nyla said, trying to pull her back. “What’s going on?”

Lucy looked up at them. Angela looked worried. Nyla, calm but sharp-eyed. One of them knew. The other might have no idea.

“Nyla… there’s something I never told you,” Lucy said, moving to sit on the couch. Her voice was soft, but heavy. “And it’s not like I was keeping it from you. It just… never came up.”

Angela and Nyla exchanged a glance but stayed quiet.

“I have an older brother. I haven’t seen him in fourteen years.”

“Okay…” Nyla said slowly, careful not to push. “And this has to do with… what, exactly?”

Lucy stared at the floor, then repeated, “I haven’t seen him in fourteen years.” She looked up, her voice a little more unsteady now. “Until last night.”

“Wait—Tyler was at the hospital last night?” Angela asked, eyes wide.

“Ty was there,” Lucy said softly, meeting her gaze.

“As in Tim’s military buddy?” Nyla asked, her brow furrowing.

Lucy nodded. “Yeah. That Ty.”

“Wait, do you think Tim knows?” Angela asked, her voice hushed with realization.

“I don’t think he does,” Lucy said, shaking her head. “He never said anything. And I don’t think Ty even knew I was here—until last night.”

“He saw you?” Nyla asked carefully.

“Yeah… but I could barely handle Tim getting shot, Nyla. I couldn’t handle a surprise sibling reunion on top of that,” Lucy said with a weak, dry laugh—an attempt at lightness that didn’t quite land.

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door.

Angela stood and walked over to open it. She cracked it just enough to see who was on the other side, then turned back to Lucy, her expression softening.

“I think your time’s up, Luce,” she said gently, pulling the door open the rest of the way.

Her brother stood there.

“Yeah,” Lucy murmured, her heart climbing into her throat. “It seems like it.”

Nyla gave her a quiet look—part warning, part reassurance.

“I’ll be fine,” Lucy said, nodding, though the words felt brittle in her mouth.

Nyla rose, and with a quiet glance between Lucy and Ty, she and Angela stepped out.

Then it was just the two of them.

Her brother walked in. The door closed softly behind him.

Ty stood just inside the doorway, eyes locked on hers. He looked the same and yet completely different—older, weathered, but unmistakably him .

Lucy didn’t move. Her hands were still curled tightly in her lap, fingers wrapped around Tim’s necklace.

“I knew it was you,” Ty said quietly. “Last night. The second I saw you.”

Lucy blinked, startled by the confession. “You… did?”

He nodded, stepping further into the room, the door clicking shut behind him. “I wasn’t sure at first—it’s been so long—but then you looked at me, and I knew.”

She looked down, her voice almost a whisper. “You didn’t say anything.”

“You looked like you were holding your entire world together by a thread,” he said. “Tim was shot, and you were standing there like if you let go of your breath, everything would fall apart. I couldn’t—” He stopped, shook his head. “I couldn’t hit you with this too. Not then.”

Lucy exhaled slowly, the weight of that moment coming back in vivid detail—how still she had stood, how loud her heart had been, how soaked Ty had been in blood that wasn’t his.

Ty swallowed, guilt flashing across his face. “Is he—?”

“They’re still operating,” she said quickly, cutting him off. “It’s bad, but… they haven’t told me anything new.”

“Are you mad at me?” Ty asked quietly, still standing near the door.

Lucy looked up at him, her expression unreadable for a moment.

“For leaving?” she repeated. “No. You had your reasons. And you stayed as long as you could. But for staying away for so long?” She let out a small, dry laugh. “Yeah… I might resent you a little.”

Ty gave a slow nod. “That’s fair.” He finally moved, settling into the chair across from her, his posture tense but open. “I should’ve come to see you.”

“So why didn’t you?” she asked, her voice calm but firm.

Ty looked down at his hands, then back at her. “I don’t know,” he said honestly. “I told myself it was too late… that maybe you’d moved on, and I didn’t have a place in your life anymore. But really, I think I was just scared.”

Lucy didn’t say anything right away. She just sat there, watching him—processing.

“Yeah,” she said softly. “Me too.”

Ty looked up at her then, really looked—like he was trying to catch up on fourteen years in a single glance.

“I missed so much,” he said, his voice thick. “Your life… everything. I don’t even know who you are now.”

Lucy shrugged slightly, eyes distant. “Most days, I’m still figuring that out myself.” She paused, then added, “But I wanted you there. Even when I said I didn’t.”

Ty swallowed hard. “I should’ve fought harder to be part of your life.”

“Yeah,” she said quietly. “You should have.”

The truth hung between them—not angry, not forgiving… just real.

“I don’t want to miss anything else,” Ty said. “I know I can’t undo the past, and I’m not asking you to forget it. But I’m here now, Luce. If you’ll let me be.”

Lucy studied him for a long moment. Then she nodded. “You don’t get to vanish again. Not if we do this.”

“I won’t,” he said without hesitation. “Not this time.”

Just then, her phone buzzed sharply on the desk beside her. The hospital’s number lit up the screen.

She grabbed it without thinking. “Hello?”

Ty watched as her face went pale, her breath catching.

“Yes… okay. I’ll be right there.”

She ended the call slowly, her hand shaking as she set the phone down.

“They’re out of surgery,” she whispered. “Tim’s out of surgery.”

Ty stood up immediately. “Do you want me to come with you?”

Lucy hesitated for just a second—then nodded.

“Yeah,” she said. “I think I do.”

***

St. Stephen’s 

The elevator ride was quiet. Not heavy, not awkward—just quiet. The kind of stillness that follows exhaustion and fear, where the mind starts to brace for whatever’s next.

When they stepped onto the ICU floor, Lucy’s heart sped up. The sterile scent, the muted lighting, the low hum of machines—it all hit her at once.

A nurse greeted them at the desk. “Sergeant Chen?”

Lucy nodded, her voice caught in her throat.

“The doctor’s just finishing with Sergerant Bradford now,” the nurse said gently. “You can speak with him in a moment.”

She and Ty moved to the small waiting area, the chairs as uncomfortable as she remembered. They didn’t sit long. The doctor—a tall man with tired eyes and a calm presence—approached them within minutes.

“Sergeant Chen?” he asked, and when Lucy stood, he turned toward her and Ty. “I’m Dr. Salazar. I performed the surgery on Sergeant Bradford.”

“How is he?” she asked immediately.

“He made it through surgery,” Dr. Salazar began. “That’s the good news. The injuries were extensive. He took three bullets—two to the abdomen, one that grazed his lung. There was internal bleeding, damage to his liver, and we had to remove part of his small intestine.”

Lucy’s knees nearly gave out, and Ty moved closer beside her, steadying.

“He’s stable, but his body’s been through severe trauma,” the doctor continued. “Right now, he’s been placed in a medically induced coma to give him time to heal and reduce the risk of complications.”

Lucy nodded, eyes glassy. “How long… will he be in it?”

“A few days, at least. We’ll monitor him closely. The next 48 hours are critical.” He said as he walked away. 

   As if on cue, the elevator doors slid open and Lieutenant Grey stepped out, Angela right beside him.

“He’s out?” Grey asked, heading straight for Lucy.

“Yeah… but they had to put him into a medically induced coma,” Lucy replied, her voice flat from exhaustion. “They said it’s to reduce the risk of complications. The next 48 hours are critical.”

Grey gave her a faint, almost hesitant smile. That alone made Lucy’s stomach turn.

“What is it?” she asked, eyes narrowing. That’s when she noticed the plastic evidence bag in his hand. “What did you find?”

Without a word, Grey handed it over.

Inside was a single piece of yellow lined paper. The handwriting was rushed but deliberate.

EAGLE ROCK ROAD
DANGER – HARD CLOSURE

Lucy stared at it, her pulse quickening. Her throat felt dry.

“It’s from the wildfire,” she said softly, more to herself than to them. “The day we almost didn’t make it out…”

Angela leaned closer, reading the note again. “Do you recognize the handwriting?”

Lucy nodded, her grip tightening on the bag. “It’s Seth’s.”

“You’re sure?” Angela asked, exchanging a look with Grey.

“Yes,” Lucy said firmly, handing the bag back. “I had to comb through his reports for three months straight. I know his handwriting.”

Grey took the bag gently, his expression shifting—part concern, part calculation.

 “Wait, I’m confused,” Ty said, brows furrowed. “Why would Seth shoot him?”

“Why wouldn’t he?” Lucy snapped, her voice sharp with a mix of fear and anger. “He was there when he got fired. His lawsuit was thrown out. He’s been spiraling for months.”

She scoffed bitterly, folding her arms. “Do you think I’m next? Is that what this is?”

“We don’t know yet,” Angela said, her voice steady. “But I’ll track him down, Lucy. I swear I will.”

Grey stepped forward, his tone softer. “Lucy, if you need time—”

“I’m fine,” she cut in quickly, her voice a little too quick, a little too brittle.

Ty looked at her, concerned in his eyes. But no one pushed.

No one had to. The weight in the room said everything.

Chapter Text

Mid Wilshire Precinct, 2025

She was back in her office, buried in paperwork she didn’t care about but needed—needed to keep her hands moving, her mind from spiraling. There was nothing she could do at the hospital. Ty had said he had something to take care of, and she hadn’t pressed him.

A knock at the door broke the silence, and when it opened, Grey stepped inside.

“Hey,” Lucy said, her voice tired but polite, sinking into the chair behind her desk.

Grey took a seat across from her without a word.

“How can I help you, sir?” she asked, trying to keep her tone professional, though the weight behind her eyes told another story.

Grey didn’t answer immediately. He just looked at her—really looked. At the exhaustion, the grief, the mask she was struggling to keep in place.

“I just wanted to check in,” he said finally, his voice low. “See how you’re really doing.”

Lucy let out a humorless laugh. “I’m at my desk, doing paperwork to avoid screaming. So… living the dream.”

Grey nodded, understanding. “I figured.”

“I couldn’t just sit at the hospital and wait,” she said, softer now. “There’s nothing I can do there. But here... I can pretend for a little while.”

“You don’t have to pretend,” Grey said gently. “Not with me.”

She looked down at her hands, fiddling with the edge of a file. “I know. But if I stop moving, I’ll fall apart.”

“You won’t,” he said. “You’re stronger than you think.”

She didn’t respond right away, just blinked fast, holding back the tears.

“We’re doing everything we can to find Seth,” Grey added. “Angela’s out following a lead now.”

Lucy was quiet for a long beat. Then, barely above a whisper, she said, “It was half an hour.”

Grey tilted his head. “What was?”

“It was half an hour between him dropping me off… and me getting the call that he was in surgery for three gunshots.” Her voice cracked. “I should’ve invited him up, kept him with me a little longer. Maybe then he wouldn’t have gone home. Maybe…”

She trailed off, grief and guilt twisting in her chest.

Grey leaned forward, his voice steady but kind. “No, Lucy. Don’t go there. What happened is on Seth—no one else. Not you.”

“I was trying to have boundaries,” she said, her voice tight with emotion. “Tim hurt me. I knew we couldn’t just go back to how things were. I needed space. I thought that was the right thing…”

Her voice broke completely. “And now I’m just so sick of crying.”

Grey’s heart ached for her. He came around the desk and knelt beside her, leveling his gaze with hers.

“You did the right thing. You were protecting yourself. That takes strength—not weakness. Tim would understand that. He does understand that.”

She tried to steady her breathing, but the tears still fell. Grey didn’t try to stop them. He just stayed there, quiet, steady. Letting her feel it all.

Sometimes, what someone needed most wasn’t advice or comfort. It was simply not being alone while breaking.

“I’m sorry,” she said after a long pause, wiping at her eyes. “That was… completely unprofessional.”

“It’s okay,” Grey said with a soft smile. “It needed to come out.”

“Thank you, sir.”

He stood, giving her a respectful nod. “And Lucy?”

“Yeah?”

“When Tim wakes up—and he will —he’s going to need you. So take care of yourself until then.”

She managed a faint smile. “I’ll try.”

Grey reached for the door, but paused with his hand on the knob. He looked back at her, his expression unreadable.

“One more thing,” he said.

Lucy raised her eyebrows, curious.

“I know Ty’s your brother.”

Her breath caught. “What?”

“I saw his file,” Grey explained, calm but direct. “When we brought him in as a dispatcher, we ran the usual background checks. The last names didn’t match, but there were overlaps—birthplace, family ties. It wasn’t hard to put it together.”

She leaned back, stunned. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because it wasn’t my place,” he replied. “Figured if it mattered, one of you would bring it up.”

Lucy dropped her gaze, chewing on the inside of her cheek. “I didn’t even know he was here until last night.”

“I figured,” Grey said gently. “But seeing the way he reacted at the hospital… the way he looked at you… I connected the dots.”

She let out a soft, bitter laugh. “We haven’t seen each other in fourteen years.”

“Families are messy,” Grey said. “But he’s here now. And from what I saw, he’s not going anywhere.”

Lucy swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. “Yeah. I’m starting to believe that.”

As Grey opened the door again, she stopped him.

“I bet you know about that night.”

He turned back, his eyes heavy with meaning. “Yeah. I know.”

Lucy nodded, her throat tight.

“That night was hell for both of you,” Grey said. “But you got out. And that’s what matters.”

Then, with one last look, he left her office, the door closing quietly behind him.

***

Veteran Support Group, 45 minutes earlier  

Earlier that day, Ty sat in a folding chair in the dimly lit community center room, the air tinged with stale coffee and disinfectant. A loose semicircle of chairs framed the space—occupied by familiar faces, some nodding quietly, others waiting for someone to speak.

“Hey, Ty,” the group leader said, voice calm and familiar. “Where’s Tim tonight? You two are usually glued at the hip.”

Ty leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “He was shot. Three times. He’s in a medically induced coma.”

A wave of shocked gasps passed through the room.

“Holy hell,” someone across the circle muttered. “Is he gonna be alright?”

Ty exhaled slowly. “Doctors said the next 48 hours are critical. So we’re waiting.”

The group leader gave a solemn nod. “That had to hit you hard.”

Ty nodded, then shook his head. “It did. But honestly, that’s not even what threw me the most.”

The room stilled. “Then what did?” the leader asked.

Ty hesitated, thumb tracing the edge of a coffee cup he wasn’t drinking from. “You all know how Tim talks about Lucy like she walks on water, right?”

There were scattered chuckles and nods.

“Guy can’t shut up about her,” someone muttered.

Ty half-smiled. “Yeah, well… that Lucy? The one he talks about all the time? She’s my sister.”

For a second, silence.

“Wait—what?” said a woman sitting next to him. “Are you telling me that Lucy is your baby sister?”

Ty gave a tired chuckle. “Technically, yeah. But she’s not a baby anymore.”

“Man,” someone else added, “Tim’s got it bad for her. That’s gotta be… complicated.”

Ty shrugged. “We hadn’t seen each other in fourteen years. Then I turn a corner at the hospital, and there she is—grown, a sergeant, and trying not to fall apart over the guy who is fighting for his life.”

The leader leaned forward slightly, voice low. “That’s a lot to hold.”

Ty didn’t say anything for a moment. Then he just nodded. “Yeah. It is.”

***

Mid Wilshire Precinct, Present 

Lucy sat motionless for a moment after the door shut. The silence in the office settled around her like a second skin—tight, unrelenting. The file in front of her blurred behind unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall again.

She had cried enough for today.

Fourteen years without Ty, and now he was suddenly here—back in her life just as Tim was fighting to stay in his. And Grey knew. Somehow that felt both terrifying and… relieving. She didn’t have to explain. Didn’t have to hide.

Her phone buzzed on the desk, yanking her back into the present. It was a message from Ty.

“I’m on my way back. Want me to bring food?”

Lucy stared at the screen, thumb hovering over the keyboard.

“Sure. Thanks.”

Short. Safe. She didn’t know how to be a sister again—not yet. But he was trying. And maybe that was enough, for now.

She stood, gathering the files and stuffing them into a drawer. Whatever she thought she was going to accomplish in this office, she was done for the day. Her body felt like it had aged a decade since the call about Tim.

As she slipped on her jacket, her phone buzzed again. This time, it was a call. Angela.

“Yeah?”

“Tim’s vitals are holding steady. No change, but no decline either. The doctors said that’s good for now.”

Lucy exhaled slowly. “Okay. Thanks for letting me know.”

“Also… we got a ping off Seth’s phone. Near Glendale. CSU is already pulling traffic cams.”

Lucy’s stomach tightened. “He’s still local.”

“Looks like it. I’ll update you when we know more.”

“Thanks,” Lucy said again, softer this time.

After hanging up, she hesitated for a second, then grabbed her keys. She didn’t know where she was going exactly—maybe the hospital, maybe just somewhere to breathe—but sitting still no longer felt like strength. It felt like drowning.

Just as she reached the door, it opened.

Ty stood there, two takeout bags in hand and a hopeful look on his face.

“I figured you didn’t eat,” he said, stepping in.

Lucy blinked. “How did you—?”

“You’re me,” he said with a shrug. “I know the signs.”

She let out a tired laugh, then stepped aside to let him in.

“I was about to leave.”

“So let’s go together,” he said. “We’ll bring food to the hospital. Sit with him for a bit.”

Lucy hesitated.

Ty didn’t press. He just looked at her, steady and quiet.

“Okay,” she said finally. 

They left together, side by side. Maybe they weren’t whole. Not yet. But they were there.

And for now, that would be enough.

Chapter Text

St. Stephen’s, 2025

The hospital room was dim, lit only by the soft glow of machines and the pale wash of evening light filtering through the blinds. Tim lay motionless in the bed, the rhythmic beep of the monitor the only sign of life. Tubes, wires, silence.

Ty sat in the corner chair, hunched forward with his elbows on his knees, a takeout coffee cup forgotten in his hands. Lucy sat at Tim’s bedside, arms crossed tightly over her chest, eyes locked on his face like she could will him to open his eyes if she stared hard enough.

“He’d hate this,” Ty said quietly, breaking the silence. “The wires, the beeping, the feeling useless.”

Lucy gave a small nod. “Yeah… he would.”

She reached out, brushing her fingers lightly along the back of Tim’s hand. “He doesn’t even look like himself.”

Ty stood and dragged his chair closer, settling beside her. “You wanna hear something someone said at the vet support group today?”

Lucy turned, curious. “Sure. Hit me.”

“I was talking about you—and about Tim. We didn’t put the pieces together at first, but once I told them everything, one of the guys goes, ‘Man… that’s forbidden fruit. Your best friend’s in love with your baby sister?’”

Lucy blinked, then let out a small, genuine laugh for the first time in hours. “Wow. Okay.”

Ty grinned. “Yeah. I mean, technically they’re not wrong.”

“No,” Lucy said, still smiling faintly, “they’re really not.”

For a moment, the heaviness in the room eased, just a little. And in the space between beeps and breaths, the two of them sat there—siblings reunited, sharing quiet grief and unexpected laughter beside the man who unknowingly brought them back together.

“Why didn’t you guys make the connection?” Lucy asked, her brow furrowed. “I mean… names were mentioned. And he knew my older brother’s name is Ty, so...?”

Ty let out a breath, rubbing the back of his neck. “Honestly? I don’t know. I mean, I really leaned into the whole ‘she’s in New York, married, and a detective’ story. I think part of me believed it, or maybe just needed to believe it. He didn’t press, and I couldn’t picture you anywhere else. But I was wrong.”

Lucy studied him for a moment. “So… you and Tim. You’re close?”

Ty nodded. “Yeah. We are.”

Her next question came hesitantly. “Does that mean he knows? About that night?”

Ty hesitated, then said, “Yeah. He knows. I told him one night back in Iraq. Figured you would’ve told him by now too.”

Lucy looked away. “Actually… I never told him.”

Ty blinked, startled. “Wait. What?”

“I haven’t really told anyone,” Lucy said quietly. Her voice was steady, but her eyes were distant.

“Lucy…” Ty said, softer now.

“I know I should’ve told him. I do,” she admitted. “But there’s just something about that night that still doesn’t sit right with me. And no, I’m not just talking about Eli going to jail for something he didn’t do.”

Ty’s jaw tightened. “You mean the part where Dad—our dad—had that in him? The assault, the lies… sending an innocent kid to prison?”

Lucy nodded, her throat tight. “Yeah. I always knew he was a bad parent. Both of them were. But to realize he had that in him… that he could do something like that and then look us in the eye like nothing ever happened…” Her voice trailed off.

“It messes with your head,” Ty finished for her.

“Yeah,” she whispered.

They sat there for a beat, the weight of unspoken history thick in the hospital room. Outside, the machines hummed, steady and indifferent.

But between them, something fractured had started to shift—just slightly—toward healing.

A moment or two passed by before Ty decided to ask another question, “what happened with you and Nathan?” 

Lucy hesitated for a moment playing with her necklace. “Umm, he cheated,” she admitted. 

“Wait Nathan? The guy who was literally obsessed with you? Cheated on you?” Ty asked. 

“Yeah. Turns out obsessions don't exactly equal loyalty,” Lucy joked. 

“I am so sorry Lu,” Ty said. 

“We were already falling apart. It was just the final nail in the coffin,” she said as she looked at him. 

“Yeah but you still didn’t deserve that,” Ty said. 

 Lucy gave a small, tired smile. “No, I didn’t. But… I also think I stayed longer than I should have. Hoping he’d turn back into the version of him I first fell for.”

Ty let out a breath and leaned back in his chair. “Been there. Hoping for a rewind that’s never coming.”

She looked down again, voice softer now. “I think part of me didn’t want to be alone. Not after everything with Mom and Dad. Not after... that night.”

Ty nodded, the weight of shared memory hanging between them. “You deserved better than all of it. From them. From Nathan. From everything that came after.”

Lucy swallowed, fighting the lump in her throat. “I used to think there was something wrong with me. Like maybe I kept attracting the wrong people because I was broken.”

“You’re not broken, Lu,” Ty said firmly. “You’re just someone who’s been through hell and still keeps standing. That’s not broken. That’s brave.”

She didn’t say anything for a while, but her hand slowly reached out, resting lightly over his.

“So…how exactly did you and Tim happen?” Ty asked. 

Lucy laughed, “honesty I’m not sure. He started off by being a pain in my ass cause he treated me like a rookie and then he became one of my favorite people in the world.” 

Ty smirked. “Classic Tim. Gruff first, golden later.”

Lucy smiled, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of the hospital blanket. “Yeah. He was always pushing me, always holding me to this impossible standard—but not because he didn’t think I was good enough. Because he knew I was.”

Ty leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. “Sounds like he saw you clearer than most.”

“He did,” Lucy said quietly. “He saw me even when I didn’t want to be seen. Called me out. Held me up. Let me fall apart when I need to.”

Ty was quiet for a beat, watching her. “So it’s the real deal.”

Lucy looked over at him. “Yeah. It is.”

He nodded, thoughtful. “Then I’m glad it’s him.”

She blinked, surprised. “You are?”

Ty gave her a crooked smile. “Yeah, I liked Nathan. But Tim? Tim’s solid. He’s been through hell and came out better, not bitter. He loves hard. If he’s yours—then I know you’re safe.”

Lucy’s eyes welled again, but this time the tears didn’t sting. They settled warm behind her eyes. “Thanks, Ty.”

Ty stood and gently rested a hand on her shoulder. “He’ll wake up, Lu. You two still have a lot of story left to write.”

Lucy looked at Tim, then back at Ty, her voice barely a whisper. “I hope so.”

Ty gave her shoulder a squeeze. “I know so.”

The steady rhythm of the heart monitor suddenly shifted. It was subtle at first—a slight blip, a hiccup in the pattern.

Then everything changed.

The monitor flatlined for half a second before it erupted into a flurry of beeps and alarms. The machines around Tim came to life with flashing lights and rapid tones. A mechanical voice barked a warning, and the oxygen levels began to plummet.

Lucy shot to her feet, her chair scraping back against the tile. Her eyes locked on the monitors, then on Tim.

“Ty—” she started.

“I see it,” Ty said, already pressing the call button by the bed.

Within seconds, the door burst open and a team of nurses and a doctor rushed in. “Code blue, Room 412,” someone called over the radio.

Lucy and Ty were pushed back gently but firmly as the team surrounded the bed.

“V-fib! Get the crash cart!”

“Charging to 200!”

Lucy stood just outside the perimeter, arms folded tightly across her chest, jaw clenched. She didn’t cry. She didn’t move.

Ty stood next to her, calm but alert, his body stiff with readiness. “He’s strong,” he said, more to her than himself. “He’s not done yet.”

Lucy nodded once, silently, eyes locked on Tim.

The defibrillator paddles came down.
“Clear!”

Tim’s body jolted.

No change.

“Charging again—300!”

“Clear!”

Another jolt. A beat of silence. Then—
Beep.
Beep.
Beep.

The monitors began to stabilize.

The doctor exhaled. “We’ve got him back. Stabilizing vitals.”

Lucy’s breath finally came out in a slow rush. She didn’t collapse or sob—just closed her eyes and leaned into the steadiness of Ty beside her.

Ty let out a breath too. “Told you,” he said, voice steady. “Not done yet.”

As the medical team worked efficiently to stabilize Tim, the lead doctor—tall, mid-40s, with tired eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses—peeled off his gloves and stepped toward Lucy and Ty. His expression was calm, but serious.

“Sargerant Chen,” he said, voice low. “We got him back, but our best guess is internal bleeding that wasn’t showing up clearly before. It’s likely a result of swelling or vessel damage from the initial trauma.”

Lucy’s arms were still crossed, but her grip on her jacket sleeves tightened. “How bad?”

The doctor hesitated for a moment before answering. “It’s not uncommon with gunshot injuries like his, especially with the location of the abdominal wound. But we need to get him into surgery right away. He’s stable for now, but if we wait, that could change quickly.”

Ty nodded slowly. “And what are his odds?”

The doctor glanced between them. “We’re more prepared now than we were when he first came in. But any surgery involving internal bleeding carries risk—especially with a patient who's already coded once. That said, if we don’t operate, we know the outcome. So we move fast.”

Lucy looked toward the hospital bed, where the team was prepping Tim for transfer. His face was pale, still, the machines humming steadily beside him.

“Do what you have to do,” she said, voice steady but low.

The doctor gave a small nod. “We’ll keep you updated as soon as we know more.”

And with that, he turned and followed the team as they wheeled Tim out of the room.

Ty placed a hand gently on Lucy’s shoulder, grounding her.

“Still not done,” he said again, quietly. “He’s still fighting.”

“I gotta go and call Grey and his sister,” Lucy said as she walked out of the room with her phone in her hand. 

***

Twenty minutes later, while Lucy and Ty sat quietly in the waiting room, the elevator doors opened. Lieutenant Grey and Angela stepped out, their faces etched with concern.

“What happened?” Angela asked as they approached.

“He coded,” Lucy said, standing. “They got him back, but he’s bleeding internally. He’s in surgery now.”

“Is he going to be okay?” Grey asked, voice tight.

“The doctor said it’s a common complication with injuries like his,” Lucy explained. “They’re hopeful, but they won’t know for sure until they’re in there.”

“Jesus,” Angela muttered, rubbing her forehead. “Does Genny know?”

“Yeah. I called her. She said she’ll come after work,” Lucy said. “Anything on the Seth front?” Lucy asked Angela.

“No, not much,” Angela said, her voice tinged with frustration. “We found his phone and car abandoned, but we're not giving up. Nolan and Celina are heading to his parents' house next.”

Before Lucy could respond, the elevator doors opened again. Brian stepped out and immediately pulled Ty into a tight hug.

“I came as soon as I saw your text. Is he okay?” Brian asked, his voice strained with concern.

“He’s in surgery,” Ty said, pulling back slightly from the hug. “We just gotta hope.”

Brian’s arm stayed on Ty’s for a moment, offering comfort without words.

Angela exchanged a look with Lucy, who shrugged her shoulders in response. She didn’t know who Brian was.

“Well, we’ve got to get back to the station,” Grey said, glancing at his watch. He started towards the elevator, but as the doors began to close, Angela turned around.

“Who is he?” Angela mouthed to Lucy, her expression curious.

Lucy rolled her eyes slightly, then mouthed back, “How am I supposed to know?”

Angela gave a small, exasperated shake of her head before stepping into the elevator. The doors closed with a soft chime.

Eventually, Ty returned to his seat beside Lucy, his body tense but his eyes quiet. The weight of the silence was becoming unbearable, but no one knew what to say.

Brian was the first to break the quiet again. “If you need anything—anything at all—you know how to reach me,” he said, his voice low but firm.

Lucy met his gaze, then nodded once. “Thanks,” she said softly. But the truth was, she didn’t know what she needed, or if she could ask for it.

Brian gave a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. He stood, offering a brief glance at Ty, then walked to the elevator.

“Don’t,” Ty warned.

“What? I wasn’t going to say anything,” she said, half telling the truth and half lying.

“Yeah, sure you won’t,” he said.

“Just if he makes you happy, then that's all I can ask for,” Lucy said, before quickly falling silent.

Chapter Text

St. Stephen’s, 2025

It had been a week since Tim was shot.

A full week of sleepless nights, unanswered questions, and no sign of Seth.

Tim was still in a medically induced coma, motionless and pale beneath the hospital’s harsh fluorescent lights.

But today, there was a shift—small, cautious, but enough to make Lucy’s breath catch in her throat.

Dr. Salazar stood at the foot of the bed, her voice calm but firm as she spoke to Lucy and Angela. “We’re going to begin tapering the sedatives today. Slowly. Carefully. His body needs to take the lead now.”

Lucy nodded, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as if holding herself together. “What does that mean? Like… when will he wake up?”

“It depends,” Dr. Salazar said gently. “It could be hours. It could be days. He’s been through a lot. But this is a good step.”

Angela sat quietly in the corner, hands clasped in her lap, eyes fixed on Tim. “He’ll wake up,” she said softly. “He’s too stubborn not to.”

As the IV pump beeped and the nurses adjusted his lines, Lucy moved to Tim’s side. She reached out, brushing her fingers lightly over his hand.

“You hear that?” she whispered. “They’re giving you a shot. Don’t waste it, Bradford.”

His face remained still, expressionless. But she didn’t look away.

Because even if he wasn’t ready to come back yet, she would be there when he did.

No matter how long it took.

They were taking turns sitting by his bed. If Lucy wasn’t there, it was Ty or Brian or someone else close to him.

Lucy was sitting beside him when Brian walked in. They hadn’t officially talked—not really. Sure, they’d shared space, shared concern, shared two people in common. But not words.

“Hey,” Brian said, settling into the chair beside her. “Any changes?”

“No, none. The doctor said it’s normal. A lot of trauma to the body,” Lucy replied, her tone subdued.

The silence that followed was heavy. Why was this so awkward?

Brian seemed to wrestle with something for a second, then decided to ask the question anyway.

“Do you hate me?”

Lucy blinked, surprised. That wasn’t what she expected.

“Why would you think that?” she asked after a beat.

“I don’t know. I’m your brother’s… whatever. And you haven’t really given me a second look,” he said, a little self-conscious, a little defensive.

Lucy exhaled, understanding dawning.

“I’m sorry. It’s just… it’s been a wild week. A week ago, I was filling out search warrants, and now Tim’s fighting for his life and my brother is suddenly in my life again.”

“Yeah,” Brian said quietly. “I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”

Lucy gave a tired smile, the kind that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I just… haven’t had room in my head for anything else.”

Brian nodded, not taking it personally. “Makes sense. For what it’s worth, I’m rooting for him too.”

Before Lucy could answer, a sudden, sharp beeping shattered the fragile stillness of the room.

The monitor.

The rhythm had changed—rapid, erratic. Then flat.

Flat.

“No, no, no,” Lucy gasped, standing so fast her chair scraped backward. “Tim—”

The long, piercing tone from the heart monitor echoed through the room.

Tim’s body jolted slightly as the machine signaled code blue.

“CODE BLUE, ROOM 412!” a nurse shouted from the doorway, hitting the emergency button.

The room erupted into controlled chaos.

Doctors and nurses rushed in, moving around Lucy and Brian with swift, trained urgency. Someone pulled the crash cart in as another started chest compressions.

Lucy backed up against the wall, frozen, her hand over her mouth. Angela appeared in the doorway seconds later, pale and wide-eyed.

“Tim,” Lucy whispered, barely audible. “Please. Please don’t do this.”

“Charging to 200,” someone called out.

“Clear!”

Tim’s body arched off the bed as the defibrillator sent electricity surging through him.

Still flat.

“Charging again. Clear!”

Another jolt. Nothing.

Lucy couldn’t breathe. The world had narrowed to the scream of the monitor and the blur of motion around Tim’s bed.

“He was getting better,” she choked out. “He was supposed to wake up—”

A nurse gently guided her back, out of the way, but Lucy refused to leave.

Angela stepped in beside her, clutching her hand, both of them staring at the bed where Tim was fighting a battle they couldn’t help him with.

“Come on,” Brian muttered under his breath, eyes fixed on the monitor. “Come on, man. Don’t go out like this.”

Then—suddenly—a change.

The long flatline cracked. A hesitant blip. Then another.

A rhythm.

Weak, unsteady. But there.

“He’s got a pulse,” the nurse called.

A collective exhale swept through the room.

Lucy didn’t even realize she’d been crying until she felt the tears run down her cheeks.

He was back. Barely. But back.

She stepped closer, her voice trembling. “That’s it. You hold on, Tim. Just hold on.”

And for the first time in a week, the hope wasn’t just in her voice. It was real.

***

Tim’s House 

They’d been sent home again. Tim was stable, under round-the-clock care, but the exhaustion was catching up to everyone. No one wanted to leave—but they all needed sleep.

Ty was already at Tim’s house, so Lucy drove Brian there.

When they walked through the front door, Ty looked up from the kitchen, where he was about to pour food into Kojo’s bowl.

“Hey. How is he?” Ty asked, setting the container down.

Lucy hesitated. “He coded. Again.”

Brian closed the door quietly behind them, the weight of the words settling in the room.

Ty froze for a beat, then turned to face them fully. “Is he okay?”

“He came back,” Lucy said softly. “But it was close.”

“The doctors are still planning to wean him off the sedatives,” Brian added as he stepped beside her. “But they’re worried. So… we wait. Again.”

Ty nodded slowly, eyes fixed on Kojo, who was eating like nothing had happened. Silence settled in, heavy and familiar.

“I should’ve been there,” Ty muttered, almost to himself.

Lucy took a few tense steps into the living room, arms crossed tightly over her chest.

“You weren’t,” she said flatly.

Ty looked up, frowning. “I said I should’ve been—”

“Well, saying it doesn’t change anything, does it?” Lucy snapped, spinning to face him. “You keep disappearing when things get hard, Ty. That’s kind of your thing.”

The words hit like a slap.

Ty blinked, caught off guard. “Wow. Really?”

Brian shifted behind her, tension rolling off him like static.

“You know what I meant,” Lucy muttered, already regretting it.

“No, I don’t think I do,” Ty shot back, voice low and sharp. “But thanks for the reminder that no matter what I do, it’s never going to be enough.”

Lucy swallowed. “I didn’t—”

“Yeah, you did,” he cut in. “You think I’m not scared too? You think I don’t feel useless, standing around while he fights for his life? I’m doing the best I can, Lucy. Maybe it’s not your version of showing up, but it’s all I’ve got.”

“And some of us didn’t disappear for fourteen years,” she said before she could stop herself.

Silence.

Even Kojo’s paws seemed to stop mid-step.

Ty froze, the words slicing through whatever resolve he had left.

Brian took a step back, instinctively giving the two space.

Lucy’s face was drained of color. “Ty, I didn’t mean—”

“Yes, you did,” Ty said, his voice tight with restraint. “You absolutely meant that.”

“It just came out,” she said helplessly.

Ty let out a humorless laugh. “Right. Just came out. Like it’s been sitting there all this time, just waiting for me to screw up again.”

“I’m sorry,” she said quickly. “That was about today. Not the past.”

“You think I don’t relive those years every day? You think I don’t regret it? I know what I missed, Lucy. I don’t need you to throw it back in my face.”

She opened her mouth again—but there was nothing left to say.

Ty shook his head and turned, walking down the hallway without another word.

Lucy stood there, blinking back tears, her regret louder than anything else in the house.

Brian stepped forward carefully. “You didn’t mean it like that.”

“No,” Lucy said quietly, rubbing her face with both hands. “But I said it. And that’s what he’s going to remember.”

She stayed frozen, arms hanging at her sides.

Brian sat on the edge of the couch. “He’s not wrong, you know. You’ve been carrying too much for too long. Eventually, something breaks.”

“I shouldn’t have snapped at him,” she whispered. “It was cruel.”

“It was raw,” Brian said. “Maybe unfair. But you’re grieving in your own way.”

She let out a breath. “I’m scared. Not just about Tim making it… but about who he’ll be if he does. What if he’s different?”

“Then you meet him where he is,” Brian said, voice calm. “Like he always does for you.”

She looked over at him, surprised.

Brian gave a small, tired smile. “I haven’t known him like you have. But I’ve seen how he looks at you. He’d crawl back through hell for you.”

Lucy leaned against his shoulder, just for a moment. “Thanks.”

He didn’t speak. He just stayed there with her, both of them quiet, letting the weight of everything settle.

After a few minutes, Lucy slowly stood. “You should probably go check on him. And I should go home. Try to sleep.”

She headed toward the door but paused, hand resting on the knob.

“He’s really lucky to have you,” she said softly without turning around.

Then she stepped out into the night and closed the door behind her.

Chapter Text

Lucy and Celina’s apartment, 2025 

She couldn’t sleep. Not after her interaction with Ty. Her older brother. Tim coded again, and Seth was still out there.

A soft knock came at her bedroom door.

“Come in,” she said, her voice tired.

Celina stepped inside and crossed the room, sitting gently on the edge of the bed. Lucy sat up, pulling her knees to her chest.

“How are you doing?” Celina asked.

Lucy ran her fingers through her hair. “Can’t really sleep, but... okay, I guess. The doctors think he has a shot.”

“But it’s still scary,” Celina said gently.

Lucy nodded, her eyes fixed on the blanket bunched in her lap. “Yeah. It’s terrifying, actually. I keep hearing the monitors... the code... that moment when I thought we lost him. And now we’re just supposed to wait.”

Celina reached out and gently placed a hand on Lucy’s arm. “You don’t have to go through this alone, you know. We’re all here. Me, Angela, Tamara, even Ty.”

Lucy gave a weak smile. “Ty’s holding it together better than I thought he would.”

“He’s trying to be strong for you,” Celina said. “But we’re all scared, Lucy. You love him. Of course it’s going to feel like the world’s falling apart.”

“I do love him,” Lucy said, her voice barely above a whisper. “And I didn’t even realize how much until I thought I lost him.”

Celina squeezed her arm. “Then tell him. When he wakes up—because he will wake up—tell him everything.”

Lucy looked up at her, eyes glassy but resolute. “Yeah… I will.”

The room settled into a gentle silence. For the first time that night, Lucy felt the weight on her chest lift—just a little.

***

Venice Beach 

She couldn’t sleep. So she got up and drove to Venice Beach. It was a place she had come to a thousand times—after the divorce, after Jackson was killed, after the breakup. It had become her safe place. Sometimes she’d grab an ice cream or buy one of those silly romance novels she loved.

She’d sit and think about everything. Lately, it had mostly been about the breakup. But tonight was different. Tonight, it was about the possibility of living in a world without Tim—and the fact that her brother was suddenly back in it.

“Can’t sleep?” a voice said behind her, making her jump.

She turned around and saw her brother.

“Yeah, not really. Can’t shut off my brain. You?”

“Yeah… today was scary,” he said, sitting next to her on the bench. “The house just feels a little haunted. Brian said I should stay with him, but…”

“Kojo?” Lucy asked, referring to the dog she and Tim basically shared.

“Yeah. Stubborn as hell, but a good dog,” Ty said.

“Oh, I know. He was mine, once upon a time,” she said with a small smile.

“Wait, really?” Ty asked, surprised.

“Yeah. I got him after…” She trailed off, the words catching in her throat.

She had gotten Kojo after she was buried alive. After Rosalind. After Caleb.

Ty was still watching her, waiting.

“After what?” he asked gently.

“After I went on a date with a serial killer and got buried alive,” Lucy said, her voice steady, almost casual.

Ty blinked. “What?”

“It was my first year here. He was working with Rosalind Dyer. We met at a bar, went out the next night, and the next thing I remember, I woke up in some farmhouse. After trying to escape, he made me crawl into a barrel… and buried me.”

“Lu…” Ty said softly, stunned.

Lucy laughed, dry and a little sharp. “Yeah. Dating in L.A. sucks.”

Ty didn’t laugh. He just looked at her, eyes wide, processing.

“Jesus, Lucy…” he finally said. “I had no idea. No one told me anything.”

“You weren’t around,” she said, not unkindly. “And it’s not exactly something that comes up in casual conversation.”

He nodded, biting his bottom lip. “Still. That’s… that’s insane. I don’t even know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.” She shrugged, arms wrapped around herself as the ocean breeze picked up. “It was a long time ago. Therapy helped. Kojo helped. Tim definitely helped.”

“Ty I am really sorry for what I said. I didn’t mean it,” Lucy said before Ty cut her off.

“I know Lu and it’s ok,” Ty said. 

“No it’s not. I am just tired and afraid that he may not wake up. You know when we were under the fire blanket thingy during the wildfire he told me that he still loves me. I didn’t even have the guts to tell him that I loved him,” Lucy said. 

“You really love him, don't you?” Ty asked, his voice softer now.

She didn’t answer right away. Her eyes drifted out to the water, the moonlight dancing across the surface like it knew something she didn’t.

“Yeah,” she said finally. “I did. I do. And I think I always will.”

Silence settled between them for a moment, not heavy, just real.

“I thought I was protecting you,” Ty said suddenly. “Back then, when I left. I thought disappearing would keep you safe. But you’ve lived through all this without me. And I feel like I don’t know who you are anymore.”

Lucy turned to him. “Then get to know me now.”

He looked at her, surprised again. But then he nodded, slowly.

“I want to. I really do.”

She smiled faintly. “Good. Because I’m not that scared kid anymore. And you’re not the only one with ghosts.”

Ty leaned back against the bench, staring at the sky. “Yeah. But I think we’re both tired of running from them.”

“Okay, I just told you one of mine,” Lucy said, nudging him lightly. “Your turn. Tell me one of yours.”

Ty was quiet for a moment. Then: “His name is Ray Walktins. And he’s supposed to be dead.”

Lucy tilted her head. “But he’s not.”

Ty turned to her, surprised. “Wait—Tim told you about Ray?”

“Yeah,” she said, her voice a little flat. “Thanks to him, Ray kind of jump-started the whole breakup between Tim and me.”

Ty winced. “Yeah… I think Tim mentioned something about that.”

Lucy instinctively went to go with her necklace. That reminded Ty of what was in his jean pocket. 

“That reminds me I think I have something of yours,” Ty said as he pulled out her necklace. 

“You found it?” Lucy said as Ty handed it to her. 

“Yeah. Honestly it kind of scared me,” Ty admitted. 

“I panicked once I realized it was missing,” Lucy said. 

“So you wore it often?” Ty asked her. 

“Yeah I did. Don’t worry there were some other necklaces in the rotation but yeah I wore it often,” Lucy said “thank you.”

“Of course Lu,” Ty said. 

Silence overtook them for a moment or two. 

“I'm sorry that I left the way I did,” Ty said and Lucy started to shake her head. 

“Don’t do this right now,” she said. 

“No, it has to be done,” Ty said. “The way that I left, it was a cowardly move.” 

“No it was not,” Lucy said. “You stuck it out for your baby sister. That is bravery.” 

“I hated the idea of leaving you in that house but I couldn’t go back and live under his roof,” Ty said. 

“It was hard after you left. Really fucking hard,” Lucy admitted, her voice trembling. “They never stopped reminding me you weren’t their son. And it hurt, Ty. It really hurt. I’m not blaming you—after that night, I would’ve left too. But you didn’t just leave a bad situation… you left me.”

Tears welled in her eyes, threatening to spill.

“Once I got out on my own… once I joined the military…” Ty paused, staring past Lucy at nothing in particular. His voice was quieter now, like he was afraid of the words, afraid of what they meant. “I didn’t think I deserved to live. Not after what I left behind.”

Lucy’s breath caught, but she stayed silent, letting him speak.

“I kept telling myself I had no choice, that I did what I had to do. But every quiet moment, every night I laid in a bunk halfway across the world, I heard your voice. I saw Eli's face. The sound he made when he hit the sidewalk—” His voice cracked, and he looked away, blinking fast. “That sound never left me. I still wake up hearing it sometimes.”

He dragged a hand down his face, as if trying to scrub the memory away.

“I was trained to survive, to fight, to protect. But I couldn’t protect you. I couldn’t protect him. And no matter how many missions I made it back from, I still felt like a coward. Like I ran when I should’ve stayed and faced the fire.”

Lucy swallowed hard, the raw honesty in his voice cutting into her. “Ty…”

He shook his head, his jaw tight. “There were days I hoped something would take me out. That I wouldn’t come back. It felt like justice, somehow. Like maybe if I didn’t make it back, the universe would even the score.”

“But you did come back,” Lucy said gently, reaching out and placing a hand over his. “And I’m glad you did.”

Ty looked at her, eyes glassy but steady now. “I don’t know if I deserve forgiveness. I don’t even know if I can forgive myself. But I’m here now. I want to try.”

Lucy gave a small nod, her voice thick with emotion. “That’s all I ever wanted.”

Ty looked down at her hand over his, then slowly turned his palm up to hold it. “I can’t undo what I did,” he said quietly. “But I can promise I won’t run again. No more disappearing. No more silence.”

Lucy hesitated for a second, then pulled her hand back—not to retreat, but to hold out her pinky.

Ty blinked, surprised. “Seriously?”

“It mattered when we were kids,” Lucy said softly. “Back when we still believed a pinky promise meant something that couldn’t be broken.”

A small, bittersweet smile tugged at Ty’s lips. “I remember. You used to say breaking one was worse than lying.”

“It was,” she said, a faint laugh escaping through her tears. “Still is.”

Ty slowly lifted his hand and wrapped his pinky around hers, holding it tight. “Then I swear—on this—I'm not leaving again. No matter how hard it gets.”

Lucy nodded, their pinkies still locked. “And I swear I won’t shut you out. We face it together this time.”

For the first time in what felt like forever, there was something solid between them—something more than the past. A promise. However small, it was real.

And neither of them let go right away.

Their pinkies slowly unraveled, but neither of them moved far. The weight of the moment pressed gently around them—not heavy, just real. Lucy turned, sitting back down on the weathered bench, brushing a few raindrops off the seat beside her. Ty sat down next to her, close but cautious, like he wasn’t sure he had the right.

She didn’t hesitate this time. Lucy leaned in and wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close. “I missed you,” she whispered into his shoulder, the words trembling but clear.

Ty didn’t speak. He just held her tighter, burying his face in the side of her neck like he was afraid letting go might break the promise already. His arms wrapped around her like he was anchoring himself to the only steady thing left in the world.

They sat there like that for a while—no words, no rush. Just the soft patter of distant rain and the kind of silence that finally felt safe.

For the first time in years, they weren’t running or blaming or bracing for what came next.

They were just… there.

Together.

After a couple of moments of silence, Lucy’s phone began to ring, breaking through the quiet. She pulled it from her pocket and glanced at the screen.

Tamara.

“Give me a sec,” she said softly, rising from the bench.

Ty nodded as she stepped a few feet away, giving her space to take the call. 

“Hey Tamara, everything okay?” Lucy said as soon as she put the phone to her ear.

There was no immediate response—just a man’s voice in the background.

“Tamara?” she called softly, but still no reply.

Then the voice spoke again. “I had to shoot him. You know that, right?”

Was she on speaker? Who was this guy? What was going on?

“I know that, Seth,” Tamara’s voice finally came through.

She was with Seth? Seth was with Tamara?

“He’s dead. No one survives three gunshots to the stomach,” Seth said coldly.

“You killed him?” Tamara’s voice was shaky.

“Not sure, but let’s be real—he’s dead,” Seth said before the line went dead.

Lucy stared at the silent phone for a moment, heart pounding, then quickly dialed Angela.

Lucy’s fingers trembled as she pressed Angela’s number. The line rang twice before Angela picked up, her voice sharp but worried.

“Lucy? What’s going on?”

“Angela… it’s Seth. He’s with Tamara at her apartment.”

There was a pause, then Angela’s voice dropped low.

“Lucy, where are you? Are you safe?”

“I’m at Venice Beach. But Tamara was on the line, and Seth was there too. I don’t know exactly what’s happening, but Tamara’s in trouble.”

“Okay, send me the address. I’ll tell Grey. We’ll meet you there.” Angela hung up before Lucy could say more.

“What’s going on?” Ty asked, stepping closer.

“We have a location on Seth. I have to go,” Lucy said, already moving toward her car.

“Lu?” Ty called after her. She turned back.

“Be safe!”

“Always am,” she said, sliding into the driver’s seat and pulling away.

Ty’s stomach twisted. He’d always known Lucy ran toward trouble, but seeing it now made it feel all too real. Still, he trusted her—she knew what she was doing

Chapter Text

Tamara’s Apartment, 2025

Lucy’s heart pounded the entire drive. One hand clenched the wheel; the other hovered, trembling, near her phone in the cup holder. She didn’t know exactly what she was walking into—but if Seth was at Tamara’s apartment, and he had a gun, and he thought he’d killed someone...

She pressed harder on the gas.

Streetlights streaked past in a blur. Every second felt like a countdown to something she couldn’t name—but could feel deep in her bones.

Her phone buzzed—Angela.

“We’re five minutes out,” Angela said the moment Lucy picked up. “Wait for us before going in.”

Lucy’s jaw tightened, her knuckles white on the steering wheel.

“Lucy?”

“I’ll try,” she said. And it wasn’t a lie—but it wasn’t the truth either.

Because if Tamara was in there, and Seth was spiraling, and there was even the smallest chance she could stop this before it got worse—

She didn’t let the thought finish.

She turned the corner onto Tamara’s street. The familiar apartment building came into view. Her stomach twisted.

She parked half a block away. Killed the engine. Sat still for three seconds.

Then she was out.

The air was cold, salty, thick with tension. She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until she reached the entrance and forced herself to exhale.

Up the stairs—each creak underfoot too loud in the silence.

Apartment 2C.

The door was cracked.

A sick feeling settled in her gut.

Her fingers wrapped around the grip of her gun, now steady. She raised her free hand and nudged the door open—slow, quiet.

And there he was.

Seth.

Standing in the middle of the room, shirt stained with blood, a wild, fractured look in his eyes. Tamara was against the wall, arms wrapped around herself, eyes wide. She looked up—and locked eyes with Lucy the moment she stepped in.

“Lucy—” Tamara whispered.

Seth spun toward the sound.

And pointed the gun at her.

Lucy drew a breath and pulled her weapon, leveling it with practiced ease.

“Put it down,” Seth barked.

“We both know I can’t do that,” Lucy said, calm and steady.

They stood like that—two guns, one breath apart. Tamara frozen between them.

Seconds later, Angela, Grey, and two uniformed officers stormed into the apartment, weapons drawn.

“Seth, put it down and let her go,” Lucy said. “You don’t want to hurt her. And I don’t think you meant to hurt Sergeant Bradford.”

“No!” Seth snapped, the gun jerking in his hand. “Bradford got what he deserved. He destroyed my career. I was going to be a good cop!”

His voice cracked. The weapon wavered.

“Put it down, son,” Grey commanded.

Seth’s eyes darted between them, wild and uncertain. “He’s dead, isn’t he?”

Lucy shook her head. “No. He’s alive. He’s fighting.”

That hit him. His shoulders sagged slightly, rage cracking enough for guilt to slip through.

“Seth,” Lucy said gently. “You still have a choice.”

His hand trembled.

For a second, she thought he might drop the gun.

But then he moved.

“No!” she shouted—but too late. He lunged for Tamara, yanked her into his arms, and shoved the gun hard against her temple.

Tamara gasped, body going rigid, eyes wide with fear.

“Back off!” Seth screamed, dragging her toward the kitchen. “Nobody comes any closer!”

Angela flinched, hands still raised. Grey took a step to the side, signaling the uniforms to hold.

“Seth, don’t,” Lucy said, voice shaking just enough to be human—but not to lose control. “You don’t want to hurt her.”

“I don’t want to—but you’re not giving me a choice!” he shouted. “Bradford ruined everything!”

“He’s not dead,” Lucy repeated. “He’s in surgery. There’s still time to make this right.”

“I don’t care!” Seth yelled, voice cracking. “He turned everyone against me. My unit. My friends. I was going to be a good cop!”

“You still can be,” Angela said quietly. “But not like this.”

Tamara whimpered. “Seth… please.”

He flinched at her voice—guilt flashing across his face—but the gun didn’t move.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Tam. You were the only one who understood me. The only one who gave a damn.”

“Then don’t hurt me,” she whispered. “Please don’t make me the last thing you ruin.”

That hit him.

He blinked. Swallowed. His grip loosened—barely.

Lucy’s eyes never left his.

“You’re scared,” she said. “You didn’t plan this. You didn’t want it to go this far. But you’re still in control.”

He looked at her—lost.

“Let her go, Seth. You don’t need a hostage. You need help.”

He shook his head, jaw clenched and shaking. “I let her go, you shoot me. That’s how this ends.”

“No,” Lucy said. “Not if you put the gun down. Not if you stop it now.”

But the wildness in his eyes didn’t fade.

He pressed the gun harder to Tamara’s head.

“No one moves,” he said, backing toward the hallway. “I swear—if anyone follows me, I’ll pull this trigger!”

“SETH—” Angela shouted, but he dragged Tamara into the back bedroom, slamming and locking the door.

Silence.

Lucy didn’t lower her weapon.

“We need that door open,” she said, already moving.

Grey was on his radio, calling a negotiator. Angela checked exits. The uniforms split—one to the back, one beside Lucy.

Inside the room, Tamara’s voice broke the quiet: “Please, Seth. Please don’t do this.”

Lucy’s hands trembled again—but this time with fury.

She wouldn’t let this end in blood.

Not if she could help it.

***

Inside the Bedroom

Tamara’s back pressed hard against the wall. The air felt heavy—like it hadn’t moved in hours. Seth paced in tight, uneven circles. The gun never left his hand.

She watched every step, every twitch.

“Seth…” she whispered.

“Don’t,” he snapped, spinning. The gun didn’t rise, but the rage did. “Don’t say my name like that. Like I’m some kind of monster.”

“I don’t think that,” she said, voice raw. “I think you’re scared.”

He let out a bitter laugh. “You think I’m scared? I’ve already lost everything. My badge. My name. Probably my life. What’s left to be afraid of?”

“You,” she whispered.

He stopped.

“I’m afraid for you, Seth,” she said. “Because this isn’t who you are. The guy I worked with—he’s still in there.”

“You don’t know me,” he muttered, the gun sagging slightly.

“I do,” she said, even as her body trembled. “And I know you don’t want to hurt me. Not really.”

He stepped close—just inches away now. The gun was lowered, but still there. His breathing was shallow. Eyes locked on hers.

“Then why can’t I stop?” he asked, like a child. “Why can’t I let go?”

“Because you’re still falling,” she whispered. “But you haven’t hit the bottom yet. You don’t have to.”

He blinked—something shifted behind his eyes. Grief, guilt.

Then he turned away suddenly, dragging a hand through his hair. The gun still hung in his grip—but his edges were cracking.

Tamara stayed where she was. Still afraid. But holding onto hope.

Outside

***

Lucy stood just outside the door, gun raised but steady.

Every second stretched thin.

“Tamara?” she whispered, pressing her ear to the door. No response.

Angela crouched beside her. “We need a way to get her out. He’s spiraling.”

Grey’s voice carried through the door. “Seth, this isn’t the way. Put the gun down. We can work this out.”

From inside, Seth’s voice: “I’m not letting her go. Not until someone listens.”

Lucy swallowed hard. “We’re listening, Seth. Let Tamara go and we’ll talk.”

Silence. Then pacing. Floorboards creaking.

“Stay ready,” Grey said quietly to the officers. “Don’t make a move unless it’s clean.”

“Tamara,” Lucy called gently, “are you okay?”

A faint reply: “I’m scared, Lucy.”

Lucy’s throat tightened. “I’m right here. We’re going to get you out. Just hold on.”

Angela whispered, “We’re getting through this. Together.”

The doorknob rattled. Then quiet again.

Grey signaled. “On my mark. Breach.”

CRACK. The door burst open.

Angela and the officers surged in.

Seth spun, gun pressed hard to Tamara’s head. Her eyes wide. Frozen.

“Don’t!” Seth shouted, desperation in every word. “One move and she dies!”

Time slowed.

Lucy took it in: Tamara’s fear, Seth’s trembling hands, the gun shaking.

“This is your last chance, Seth,” Lucy said, voice calm but urgent.

He laughed bitterly. “No one listens.”

He jerked the gun—

The shot rang out.

Seth’s eyes went wide, pain and disbelief flashing across his face.

He collapsed, the gun clattering from his hand. Tamara fell back, sobbing.

Angela rushed to her, pulling her into a trembling embrace.

Lucy stood frozen for a moment, then slowly lowered her gun.

Silence fell—thick with grief, relief, and everything they couldn’t say.