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Angela wouldn’t necessarily consider herself the world’s best TO, but she certainly wasn’t the worst. She’s had a great bunch of rookies thus far. She considered herself prepared and well-trained for everything her rookies could have thrown at them. However, nothing could have prepared her for the hotshot that was Lucy Chen.
Lucy was bold and extremely overconfident. When Angela first saw her, it was when she was slamming a man into the front desk and saying cockily she was reporting for duty. Angela knew at that moment she wanted the little hotshot. She’d be lying if she said it didn’t turn her on a little bit.
Luck seemed to be in her hands when Grey announced they’d be riding together. It was very clear from the beginning that Lucy was going to be a great cop, and Angela considered herself lucky to lead her to that.
The last few months have been impactful to say the very least. It was one of the stranger rookie years from the rookies being accused of stealing, fake missiles, and now being directed to escort a female serial killer, Rosalind Dyer, as she led them to her victims.
They were in the station preparing for roll call. It was going to be a long day. “I was in college when they found the first victims.” Lucy began speaking. She was only twenty-nine, Angela was- it doesn’t matter- years older than her. “It was all anyone talked about– that and how could a woman be so barbaric?”
“People underestimate her because she’s a woman. I worked on one of the scenes, the fourth victim – Lissa Cruz. Homicide detectives warned me not to look at the body. Should’ve listened.” Lucy looked horrified.
“Oh my god.” She muttered, Angela gave her a sympathetic look. She was no stranger to death on the job, but it didn’t make it easier. Before she could give Lucy some good advice about dealing with the day a man came walking up to them with a big smile.
“Lucy.” He said smiling.
“Uh ... .hey,” Angela could tell her rookie was uncomfortable. She wasn’t going to leave, she was gonna watch this man carefully though.
“Caleb, from the bar last night,”
“Yeah. Uh…” She muttered looking around, she caught Angela's eye, who discreetly raised an eyebrow.
“I hope this isn’t weird, but you left with your perp before I had a chance to ask your number,” He said, and Angela heard enough, dude was an idiot and wasting their time.
“We don’t call them ‘perps,’ she grumbled. “Look… Caleb. We have a long day and we don’t have time for…you.” Subtly was never her thing.
“Right, sorry.” He nodded and held out a piece of paper for Lucy. “Um, here's my info, if you ever feel like waiting-” Before he could finish speaking, Angela was snatching the paper.
“Caleb…” She looked at him pointedly.
“Wright, with a ‘W’.” He answered quickly.
“Hmm. Well like I said, we have a long day ahead, and I am sure you have a lot to do as…let me guess screenwriter?”
“Medical supply company downtown,” He said, Angela could tell he was a bit annoyed, but she didn’t care.
“Yeah well, it’s best you just go run along now. We have a big day.”
“Sorry about her,” Lucy interrupted. She was always a bit nicer than her blunt TO. “Things are a little crazy right now.”
“It’s no problem.” He held up his hand in defeat. “It was nice meeting you, officer.” He said to Angela.
“Yeah, I bet it was.” She smiles fakely, and then the man leaves. Lucy turns to her TO, who still has the paper. “Don’t tell me you’re gonna call that douche.”
“Maybe, maybe not.” She shrugged. She held out her hand. “But that’s for me to decide.”
“Yeah yeah,” She held out the paper. “Come on boot. We have a lot to do today.”
|~|
It was crazy the rest of the day, Angela couldn’t have her rookie distracted by the pretty face that had walked in this morning. So she made sure to remind her not to be looking at her phone. That day was the most dangerous day she’d ever spent on the job. She didn’t want to scare her, but she knew someone had to warn her.
They are walking in the back of the group. Keeping up with the rest but keeping a watchful eye out for anything suspicious.
“So you’ve met the monster,” Angela said to her boot. “Is she less scary in the light of day?”
“Not really.” She shrugged. “The idea of a boogeyman is funny to me, the scariest things in life walk right next to us.” Angela nodded, it was a good conclusion. The world wasn’t safe, it wasn’t worth pretending that the daytime wasn’t just as scary as night. “You think she’ll try to escape?”
“It would be suicide,” Angela shrugged, “She wouldn’t make it 10 feet. I don’t think she will, she’s smart, this is all just a part of her game.”
“You’re right, she’s smart. I mean, to have killed for that long, undetected. Maybe there’s a play we're not seeing.”
“I wouldn’t put it past her.” Angela said. “She wants to believe she’s in control. Maybe she is.”
“That’s a scary thought, that we are all pawns in her game.”
“Scared boot?”
“Of course, who wouldn’t be? Are you?”
“Yes. But you can’t let your fear control you, you have to be able to rise above the fear if you ever want to make it out alive.”
“You sound wise beyond your years.” Lucy teased, bringing the lightness back, or as much lightness as she could manage.
“Good,” Angela smirked. “Now, eyes up Chen, if she is playing a game, I want you to be prepared.”
“Yes, Ma’am.”
|~|
The shooter was unfortunate. Peter’s wife had been Rosalind’s third official victim. It was heartbreaking really. After all these years, this man still loved his wife so much that he was willing to throw his life away for the chance of revenge. Angela couldn’t imagine the pain that man was in.
“Do you wish you would have hit her?” Lucy asked, “Just to have this entire game end.”
“I feel for Peter,” Angela said. “But there are so many victims, so many families still looking for their loved ones. One victim's vengeful husband unfortunately doesn't matter then the unnamed victims. Plus, death is the easy way out.”
“In my culture, we believe that there are records of sins, and they are given the journey to wherever they are meant to be based on the life they choose to live.”
“In my culture, if there is even one person who loves her in this strange world, which I can guarantee you there is, there is always a risk of her spirit returning for a day. Someone like her, I wouldn’t doubt she’ll learn how to change the way things work down there.”
“You think someone out there loves her?”
“Not really, but they think they do,” Angela said. “You’d be surprised just how strange a human mind could be.”
Angela didn’t want Lucy to believe in a horrible world, she liked that there was someone in the LAPD who had such a positive outlook on life, but she needed her to understand that life isn’t always perfect. Because foolishness like that could be the thing that kills her, and Angela didn’t want that to happen. She’s rather grown fond of the younger woman.
|~|
Finding that other body was daunting. Knowing there was someone out there playing Roslinds game was a scary thought, even to Angela. Her and Lucy were instructed to get the newest victim named. Give their family some peace.
She was concerned about Lucy’s focus. She narrowed her eyes when they entered the elevator, her rookie was smiling. She was looking at a picture of that Caleb man from this morning, Angela had nearly forgotten about the unremarkable man.
“Boot, don’t make to take your phone away,”
“What?” She asked innocently, and Angela rolled her eyes, snatching the phone.
“I bet that’s not even his dog.” She grumbled. Why had this man left an impact on her rookie? He wasn’t even hot. But to be fair, Angela rarely found any man hot. She appreciated a slight few, particularly skinny white men, but the moment they opened their mouths, it usually ruined it.
“It’s been an awful day,” She whined, rather cutely. Lately, Angela noticed she found herself labeling a lot of what the other woman did as cute. “Can’t I just enjoy a cute puppy?” No, she couldn’t. She needed to focus on the job.
“Look Luce, this is your first decomp. Right?” Lucy nodded her head softly. “You need to focus. It’s not easy to look at the bodies.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Pray you had a light breakfast.” She shrugged. She reached softly for Lucy’s hand as she took a deep breath, acting as an anchor for her rookie. “You ready?”
“As I can be,”
They talked to the corner for a good while just collecting information. Angela kept an eye on Lucy. She was doing well, and Angela was proud of her. She’s very mature about it, and handled herself extremely well. Asking questions, but not letting her true crime excitement run wild. Angela was impressed, but then again she usually was when it came to Lucy.
“Are you saying she was tattooed right before she died?” Lucy asked, and Angela felt sick. What this poor girl had gone through was unimaginable.
“I’d have to do a proper examination, but it looks like it.”
“DOD6819” Angela spoke out loud. “Officer Chen,” Anglea prompted her to come up with the meaning.
“Could be a date, June 8th, 2019.” She frowned. “That would be six months ago today. But I don’t know what DOD is.” Angela sighed, closing her eyes just imagining the pain of this woman, knowing when she was going to die even before she did.
“Day of death,”
|~|
Angela was glad she wasn’t Harper. Rosalind seemed obsessed with Nolan, and she was glad that her boot hadn’t been taking a liking to it. Her nerves would be at an all-time high if that was the case.
Searching Rosalind’s cell seemed pointless. But Lucy seemed to be extremely helpful in helping Armstrong. From informing them to get the books that Rosalind had checked out back, and from finding the code that led them to Bryan Coleman. That leads them to a room full of pictures of Armstrong's wife, Angela was right, Rosalind was playing a big game and she seemed to be winning.
The day came to an end, after what felt like a million years later. At least they had managed to save someone. Angela could tell Lucy was revealing loads of energy.
“We go home, Officer Chen. And don’t think for a moment you failed. A woman’s alive because each of you gave your all during the last 24 hours.” Armstrong added to that, and despite their words, Angela didn’t feel like they had a good day.
“If I can be wheeled up in the next 10 minutes, I might beat traffic which means I can be in bed within the next hour.”
“That’s a mistake.” Angela sighed.
“What why?”
“You have a hardcore assignment, you need to blow off some steam. I know you Luce, you’re gonna get in your head. You won’t be getting much sleep.”
“So as my training officer, you’re saying that I should go get a drink?” She asked.
“A strong one.”
“Are you offering?”
“You couldn’t handle me,” Angela teased. Angela was a flirt, Lucy knew that.
“Or is it you who can’t handle me?” Things between the two women have been tense lately as their flirting increased every day.
“I handle you every day,” Angela said. “I’d say I am an expert in everything that is Lucy Chen.”
“Is that so?” Lucy asked. “Then how do you see my night going?”
“You are gonna take my advice because you kiss the ground I walk on,” Lucy rolled her eyes at that. “You are going to get a drink, maybe two, but you’re not going to get drunk because you know better?”
“Do I?” Lucy asked. “I remember a certain TO telling me I know nothing,”
“That was months ago, I trained you, you are more capable now.”
“A compliment to Officer Lopez?” Lucy said, placing a hand on her chest, smiling brightly. “I am honored.”
“You’re lucky you are cute,” She rolled her eyes, and Lucy let out a short laugh. In a perfect world, she would lean in and kiss that confident smirk off her face. Lucy was very much her type, but she was also her student. She would do that. “Go get out of here Officer Chen.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” She’s gonna wish she gave in.
|~|
Lucy was missing. She was taken by a lowlife man who wormed his way into her life. Angela was gonna lose it. She was going to scream. Why hadn’t she just given in and gone to get a drink with her? Why had she pushed her away, it didn’t have to be romantic, it could have been friendly. Lucy was taken and it was her fault.
She calls Bradford, who is not at the station, she needs her friend to calm her nerves.
“Lucy’s been taken, I need you,” She pleaded, and she heard the sound of the man grabbing his keys before she even finished her sentence. She couldn’t break, not now, not when Lucy needed him. He was in the station so quickly.
“This is useless. We should be out on the streets, kicking down doors, demanding answers, something more than this!”
“Whose doors?” He asked.
“I don’t know… but I can’t just sit here.” She stands up, she needs to get out of here. She needs to do something. Bradford follows her. “I’m fine,” She muttered, the last thing she wanted was to be taken off this case.
“I get it, but Ange, you have to get it together.”
“I don’t want a pep talk,” Anglea grumbled.
“I’m not giving you one. But clearly, you need to say something, so spit it out.”
“She wanted to go home, Tim.” Tears welled in her eyes. “She wanted to go to bed, and I told her to go get a drink. I practically pushed her right at him!”
“You couldn’t have known.”
“But I should have!” She yelled. “I’m cop, I was standing this close to the guy!” She shut her eyes to prevent the tears from falling. “He got her because of me,”
“She’s gonna be okay. You trained her to be a fighter.”
“I can’t lose her.”
“You won’t.”
“You don’t know that,” She said tearfully.
“I know you won’t give up.” He assured her. “I got your back.” He promised. “But Ange I need you to be honest to me for one second because I have never seen you act like this.”
“I’ve never had a rookie kidnapped before.” She hissed. This was not a time to question her motives. No, she needed to focus on Lucy and getting her out alive.
|~|
They were led to Roslind’s uncle’s property. It was hot out, and Angela knew that Lucy was running low on time. Splitting up was the only thing they could do, looking for any sign of the burial sight.
Finding her was either pure luck or the amazing mind of her rookie. Her ring, one that Angela had seen Lucy with multiple times,
Angela's desperation drove her to dig furiously into the warm, hot dirt with her bare hands, heedless of the discomfort or pain. Her fingers clawed into the earth, sending soil flying as she screamed for her team to come to her aid. Each frantic movement was fueled by the urgency of the situation; Lucy's safety depended on her speed.
Despite the burning sensation in her palms and the sweat trickling down her face, Angela's determination remained unyielding. She knew she was inches away from reaching Lucy, and every second counted. The soil clung to her skin, mingling with the sweat, but she pushed through, her focus solely on the task at hand.
As the team uncovered the barrel, a sense of urgency gripped them all. With swift movements, they pulled open the lid, revealing the contents within. Tim's heart sank as he saw Lucy's motionless form.
Without hesitation, Tim stepped forward, his muscles tense with determination. With a firm grip, he lifted Lucy's body out of the barrel, his hands trembling with both fear and resolve. But before he could even fully clear her from the container, Angela sprang into action.
With practiced efficiency, Angela took over, her instincts kicking in as she assessed the situation. Ignoring any sense of hesitation, she immediately began administering CPR, her hands moving rhythmically over Lucy's chest. Each compression was delivered with precision, fueled by a fierce determination to revive her friend.
The rest of the team watched anxiously, their hearts pounding in unison with each compression. Time seemed to stretch as they waited, their hopes pinned on Angela's efforts. The air was thick with tension, but Angela remained focused, her sole objective was to bring Lucy back.
Then, finally, a gasp shattered the silence, followed by the sound of coughing as Lucy's lungs filled with air once more. She was confused and let out a painful sob. Angela immediately hugged the woman carefully, bringing her to her chest. Lucy continued to cry, no one said anything Angela closed her eyes, a few rouge tears slipping by as she whispered to Lucy. “I got you. I got you, Luce,”
|~|
Angela hadn’t left the room. Not until they instructed that Lucy was good to go. She stayed by her side, day and night, holding her hand. Reassuring Lucy that no one was going to come get her, that she was safe.
They had a multitude of visitors throughout Lucy’s stay, one of which was when Lucy had fallen back asleep. The doctors had administered more medicine that day to help with her pain, Lucy was asleep less than ten minutes later. Nyla had knocked on the door afterward.
“You just missed her,”
“ ‘s fine,” Nyla shrugged, taking a seat across the room, across from Angela. “You wanna explain to me what’s going on?”
“What?” Angela asked. Nyla was a very observant person, and she’d been watching the To and Rookie duo for quite a bit. The way they worked together was different. The way they seemed to have conversations without speaking, the way Lucy lit up at the sight of her TO. Wasn’t a reaction that Jackson had seeing Tim.
“Don’t play dumb,” Nyla said. “You’re too smart for that.”
“Nyla…”
“No, answer the question. How long have you been seeing her?”
“What?”
“You’ve been here for the last twenty-four hours. It doesn’t take a fool to see there is something going on.”
“There isn’t,” Angela said. “Honestly.” Nyla studied Angela’s face. “Even if there was, I don't see how it’s any of your business.”
“Relax,” Nyla assured. “I wasn’t going to tell you like we are in the third grade. I just… I wanted to warn you.”
“Well there is nothing to go on,” she said honestly. For some reason, Nyla believed her. She didn’t know why.
“Wow.” Nyla found herself laughing a bit. “Well, that’s surprising.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Just the way you acted when we found her. I’ve never seen you act that way before.”
“It was emotional,” She tried to hide. “I was emotional. I just knew that every second I spent debating what to do was just going to put Lucy at risk. I was doing my job. I was trying to protect my Rookie.”
“Right,” Nyla said slowly. “Well just know, if things somehow change, well… you know I’d love to train the hotshot.” With that Nyla stood back up to leave. “Call me when she’s awake, I’d love to see her.” Angela nodded and watched the woman leave.
|~|
Nothing changed after that. Well, that’s not entirely true. Angela found that she was extremely overprotective. She only let Nyla take her out after her first back with the agreement of letting her join along. When Lucy reacted, throwing the man down to the ground, Angela felt terrible. She felt like she had allowed Lucy to be put into this situation and caused her unnecessary pain, even if she knew that it was for the best. She kept a closer eye on her rookie for the rest of the week that she worked with Nyla.
Over the next few months, whenever Angela entered a room, her eyes instinctively scanned the space, searching for Lucy's familiar face.
Every corner she turned, every person she passed, Angela's gaze darted around, seeking reassurance in the sight of Lucy safe and sound. It was a subconscious reflex, born out of a deep-seated need to protect her, to ensure that she was okay.
Even in moments when Angela's attention should have been elsewhere, her mind remained fixated on Lucy's well-being. The weight of responsibility hung heavy on her shoulders, a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment together.
As time passed, the intensity of Angela's vigilance may have waned, but the underlying sense of protectiveness never faded.
As the partnership between TO and Rookie seemed to hit its stride, Angela found herself unexpectedly tapped by the detectives. She had taken the exam, and she ended up placing so highly that Sargent Caradine was offering her a position on his team. It was a moment she had anticipated, one that brought a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Excitement because it was her dream, uncertainty because she’d have to be leaving Lucy. This was a chance to elevate her career, to make a difference in a different capacity. It’s all she’s ever wanted.
But stepping into this role meant leaving Lucy, and she wasn’t sure she was ready for that. Not yet.
Yet, as Angela weighed her options, she couldn't shake the feeling of excitement that bubbled beneath the surface. The prospect of new adventures, of pushing herself beyond her comfort zone, was undeniably enticing.
In the end, Angela decided to accept the offer, knowing that it marked the end of an era for the TO and Rookie duo. But before she could leave she had to speak with Lucy. So she invited her to dinner.
“I wanted to talk to you,” Angela said at the restaurant. Trying to ignore how beautiful Lucy looked. Lucy was no longer adorned in her police uniform but instead dressed in a blouse and flowing skirt. Her features were illuminated by a smile, a genuine expression of contentment that seemed to light up the entire room. There was a sense of tranquility about her, a calmness that belied the chaos of their profession.
“About what?” Lucy asked.
“There is going to be a big change at the station.” She said cryptically.
“Oh?” Lucy was confused, and her TO wasn’t giving her clear answers.
“I have been offered a position as a detective.”
“Oh my gosh Ange! That’s amazing!” Lucy smiled. “This is your dream job!”
“I know, I am pretty excited.”
“So when do you start?” She asked.
“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about,” Angela sighed. “If I were to accept this job, I would have to start as soon as this week.”
“Angela that’s great!” She smiled.
“Luce, that means I can’t be your TO anymore.”
“I know.” She reassured.
“Geez hotshot, I thought you’d be a little upset.” Angela half-joked.
“Ange,” She reached over the table taking her hand. Lucy’s hands were extremely soft on top of her own. She felt her heart beat a little faster. “I am so incredibly disappointed to be losing my favorite TO-”
“I am your only TO,” Angela mumbled, but Lucy ignored the comment.
“But this is your dream job, I can’t stand here chasing my dream without prompting you to chase yours. You are one of the best cops I know, no one deserves this as much as you,” Lucy's sincerity touched her deeply, resonating with a part of her soul that had long yearned for validation and understanding.
Even as Angela grappled with the conflicting emotions of leaving her behind, she knew deep down that this opportunity was more than just a personal dream. It was a chance to pave the way for future generations of women who dared to dream of wearing the badge and uniform.
“Thank you, Luce,” Angela smiled. “I appreciate it. For the record, I am going to miss you.”
“You won’t lose me,” Lucy reassured. “I am about to be your biggest supporter.”
“Yeah?” Angela smiled.
“Yeah.” Lucy nodded.
The rest of the dinner between Angela and Lucy flowed effortlessly, the atmosphere filled with ease and comfort. They talked about nothing in particular. Laughter punctuated the air all night long.
When they finally left the restaurant, the night air was cool against their skin, but warmth radiated between them. Lucy wasted no time in linking her arm with Angela's, drawing her close in a tight embrace. Angela’s breath hitched so slightly that she didn’t think Lucy would have noticed.
As they walked side by side, Angela couldn't suppress the smile that spread across her face. In that moment, surrounded by the glow of streetlights and the comforting hum of the city, she couldn’t help but be drawn to the woman beside her.
As Angela walked alongside Lucy, a sudden realization washed over her like a wave crashing onto the shore. She was never blind to the beauty that stood beside her all along, but now, in this moment, her eyes were opened wide, unveiling a breathtaking sight.
She turned her gaze towards Lucy, and for the first time, truly saw her. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a radiant glow that emanated from within. Her eyes, once merely a shade of brown, now sparkled with a brightness that rivaled the stars above. Each twinkle seemed to hold a universe of secrets, drawing Angela into their depths with an irresistible pull.
And her hair, once unnoticed in its simplicity, now flowed effortlessly in the wind, framing her face like a halo of golden light. Every strand seemed to dance and sway with a life of its own, adding to the ethereal beauty that surrounded her. At that moment, Angela felt her heart swell with a newfound appreciation for Lucy's beauty. It was a beauty that transcended mere physicality, radiating from the depths of her soul and illuminating everything around her.
As Angela's gaze lingered on Lucy, marveling at her newfound appreciation for her friend's beauty, she couldn't help but notice something stirring within Lucy's eyes. It was a look of such depth and intensity that it took her breath away. Angela realized that Lucy was looking at her with the same if not more, appreciation that Angela was looking at her. It was a revelation that sent a shiver down Angela's spine.
Angela felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach as she absorbed the full weight of Lucy's gaze. There was a tenderness in the way Lucy looked at her, a gentle admiration that made Angela's heart swell with emotion.
“Lucy?” Angela spoke softly, the women now standing in front of each other, just staring into each other’s eyes.
“Yeah?”
As Angela's gaze remained fixed on Lucy, captivated by the intensity of the moment, she noticed a subtle shift in her friend's posture. Lucy leaned forward ever so slightly, her movement so gentle and natural that Angela couldn't discern whether it was voluntary or involuntary.
Caught in the spell of Lucy's presence, Angela's eyes darted from her mesmerizing gaze to her lips, drawn by an irresistible pull. The soft curve of Lucy's lips seemed to beckon to her, inviting Angela to lean in closer, to bridge the space between them.
As Angela walked alongside Lucy, her senses heightened by the charged atmosphere between them, she couldn't resist the temptation to let her hands ghost over Lucy's hips, hovering just above the small space where her shirt had risen above the waistband of her skirt. The mere proximity was electrifying, sending shivers down Angela's spine as she fought to contain the turbulent emotions swirling within her. Though their skin didn't quite touch, the tantalizing closeness spoke volumes, a silent exchange of longing and desire that hung heavy in the air between them, leaving Angela breathless with anticipation.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still as Angela grappled with the overwhelming desire that coursed through her veins. Her heart raced with anticipation, her breaths shallow and uneven as she struggled to maintain her composure.
Lucy leaned closer to Angela, their faces mere inches apart. Angela could feel the warmth of Lucy's breath mingling with her own, sending a tingling sensation down her spine. Time seemed to slow to a standstill as they hovered on the precipice of something unspoken, their gazes locked in a silent exchange of longing and possibility.
“We shouldn’t do this,” Angela muttered.
“Why?” She asked softly.
“I’m your TO Luce,” She said exasperated.
“Not for long.” She whispered. “You said it yourself.”
“But I still am your TO right now.” Angela closed her eyes, she couldn’t keep looking at Lucy anymore, or she would kiss her senselessly. “Luce we can’t.”
As Angela opened her eyes, expecting to find herself lost in the depths of Lucy's gaze, she was instead met with a sight that shattered her heart into a million pieces. Lucy had pulled away, her expression etched with unmistakable hurt and confusion. It was a painful realization that struck Angela to the core, a stark contrast to the warmth and intimacy they had shared just moments before.
In that instant, Angela felt a pang of regret wash over her, wishing desperately that she could turn back time and return to the carefree moments they had shared in the restaurant. She longed to see Lucy's face lit up with laughter and teasing once more, to erase the hurt that now marred her features.
“I should go,” Lucy muttered, already miles away. Angela opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out.
The sight of Lucy's pain weighed heavily on Angela's conscience, a sharp reminder of the consequences of her actions. She couldn't bear the thought of causing Lucy any more anguish, knowing that her own desires had inadvertently hurt her.
She couldn’t even apologize because Lucy had disappeared into the night.
|~|
Over the next few weeks, Angela began to settle into her new role as a detective, embracing the challenges and responsibilities that came with it. However, her newfound sense of accomplishment was tempered by the absence of Lucy by her side. Despite their separation, Angela remained keenly aware of Lucy's well-being, her thoughts often drifting back to her. The younger woman was seemingly ignoring her. Keeping her distance since that night. It’s okay, Angela had to focus on her new job.
Meanwhile, Lucy found herself assigned to rotations with various training officers, each one bringing its own set of challenges. Unfortunately, her latest TO, Officer Doug Stanton, proved to be particularly difficult for her. Angela couldn't shake the unease she felt about Lucy being under Doug's guidance. He exuded an air of rudeness and arrogance, embodying the epitome of an alpha male presence that made Angela uncomfortable. She couldn't help but worry about Lucy's safety and well-being under his supervision.
As days turned into weeks, Angela's concerns only grew, fueling her determination to keep a close eye on Lucy's situation. Despite the distance between them, Angela remained steadfast in her commitment to protecting Lucy, knowing that their bond transcended the challenges they faced. So she approached Tim and asked him to look out for Lucy.
One afternoon, as Angela went about her duties as a detective, her heart dropped at the sound of Tim's name popping up on her phone. Even before she picked up the call, a sense of fear gripped her, sending a chill down her spine. With trembling hands, she reached for the phone, her mind racing with fear and uncertainty.
As she answered the call, Angela's worst fears were confirmed. The somber tone in Tim's voice told her everything she needed to know. Her heart plummeted like a stone, a heavy weight settling in the pit of her stomach. Time seemed to stand still as she listened to Tim's words, each one a crushing blow to her already fragile emotions.
Lucy was in the hospital, she was attacked, and Doug was being detained.
In that moment, Angela felt a sense of helplessness wash over her, unable to shake the feeling of dread that consumed her. The news Tim delivered rocked her to the core, leaving her reeling with disbelief and sorrow.
With a heavy heart and a sense of guilt weighing heavily on her shoulders, Angela felt like she had failed Lucy once again. Angela rushed to the hospital without a moment's hesitation.
As she navigated the corridors of the hospital, Angela's heart pounded in her chest, her anxiety mounting with each passing moment. But amidst the chaos and uncertainty, one thing remained clear: she would do whatever it took to stand by Lucy's side.
She listened as the nurse led her to Lucy’s room. She listened as she explained Lucy’s injuries. She was briefly aware of Grey leaving the room as she ended. Her breath hitched at the sight of Lucy. She was banged up and bruised. She had cuts on her face. Angela couldn’t help the tears in her eyes as she looked at her, another pang of guilt forming.
And as she finally reached Lucy's bedside, she vowed to never let her down again. She couldn’t.
After what felt like hours, Lucy was awake.
“You’re here?” She asked, her voice was slow and low.
“Always,” Angela promised, and she knew that hadn’t been true as of late, but it would be from now on.
Without hesitation, she pulled her chair closer to Lucy's bed, the scraping sound of its legs against the floor echoing in the quiet room. Sitting down beside her friend, Angela's hand moved instinctively to Lucy's cheek, her touch gentle and comforting.
Feeling Angela's hand on her cheek, Lucy leaned into the touch, seeking solace in the warmth of her presence. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes, conveying a depth of understanding and empathy that words could not express.
The distance between them seemed to melt away, replaced by a tangible sense of closeness and connection. Angela's heart swelled with a bittersweet mix of emotions as she looked at Lucy, silently vowing to be there for her in any way she could.
“I can’t lose you Luce,” She whispered.
“You won’t,” Lucy said back to her. Angela wanted to laugh because Lucy just had no clue how often Angela felt like she’d lost Lucy. She was done running from them, from this.
“Can I kiss you?” Angela whispered.
“Please.” Lucy all but whined.
As Angela moved closer to Lucy, a smile graced her lips, a mixture of longing and relief shining in her eyes. She couldn't deny the pull of her heart any longer, couldn't resist the magnetic force drawing her towards Lucy. With a surge of courage, Angela closed the distance between them, her lips meeting Lucy's in a kiss that felt both passionate and long-awaited.
Time seemed to stand still as their lips melded together, igniting a fire that had smoldered between them for far too long. In the quiet of the hospital room, surrounded by the beeping of machines and the soft rustle of sheets, Angela and Lucy shared a moment of pure connection, a moment that transcended the confines of their surroundings.
As they pulled away, breathless and flushed with emotion, Angela's heart soared with a newfound sense of hope. Everything felt right again as if the weight of the world had been lifted from her shoulders. Despite the uncertainty that lay ahead, Angela knew that as long as they were together, they could weather any storm.
As she looked into Lucy's eyes, seeing the reflection of her feelings mirrored back at her, Angela felt a sense of peace settles over her. In that hospital room, surrounded by the person she loved most in the world, everything felt like it was going to be okay again.