Title: Crossing the line

author: Cindy Ryan

category: AU, character death

A long day in a string of long days. A bar, music and too many drinks. Lucy Chen blamed all of it for her current predicament. It was before dawn and her head was pounding. She had woken up in a strange bed but not with a stranger. The naked chest she was snuggled against was a career ending mistake; literally. Panic started to bubble through her and Lucy slipped from the bed.

Tim Bradford shifted but didn't wake. Lucy breathed a sigh of relief as she gathered her clothes. As she picked up her shoes Lucy found herself pausing and looking at the bed's sole occupant. Her T.O had nearly died two weeks before. He'd been exposed to a bio-weapon. He'd been quarantined in the victim's home and then when the antidote had finally arrived Tim had an allergic reaction. Lucy could still see her tough as nails bad ass partner collapsing unconscious on the front lawn. That experience had changed something between them. The dynamic had been different every day since. Part of Lucy had thought that if they got the sex out of their system they could go back to normal.

Lucy already knew she was wrong and she wasn't even out the door. He'd surprised her with tenderness. The sex had still been hot and heavy, but Tim had been caring as well. Lucy shook herself mentally and stepped into the hall to get dressed. She'd made it nearly to the front door before she heard footsteps padding down the hall.

"Lucy."Tim began softly as he reached her.

Lucy forced herself to meet his gaze not look at his bare chest or that he was only wearing black boxers. She saw worry in his expression but not regret. Lucy knew that would come later for both of them.

"We're adults."Lucy began her voice strained. "This happens; we just won't talk about it ever again."

"I don't think of it as a mistake."Tim replied huskily as he reached for her.

Lucy backed away.

"I worked too hard to wash out of training now."Lucy countered with a shake of her head.

"T.O's have a rep too, Lucy."Tim stated letting his hand drop to his side.

"Which is why you'll step down as my T.O and we won't talk about this."Lucy suggested as she left.

Tim ranked a hand through his dark hair and sighed. His head hurt and his stomach was queasy reminding him he'd had too little food the night before and too much beer. Returning to the bedroom Tim tried to sleep but his mind was spinning. He hadn't been that far gone that he didn't know who he was taking to bed. Ever since the quarantine there'd been a bond with Lucy. One he couldn't describe or define. The chemistry had always been there if he was honest with himself.

Eventually Tim gave up on sleep. He showered changed into sweats and went for a had a feeling it was going to be a very long day.

By mid-day Lucy had a new T.O. Her name was Nyla Harper and nearly the same personality as Tim. Former undercover operative she was transitioning back to normal police work. Lucy would endure Harper's recklessness and harsh edges. She reasoned it was payback for crossing the line with Tim.

Glancing across the booking area Lucy saw Tim and Jackson bringing in a robbery arrest. They'd barely spoken since she'd left his home that morning. Lucy told herself it was what she wanted; but she found herself already missing his friendship. With a sigh she got back in the shop and went back on patrol with Harper.