Archive of Our Own ^beta

Miles was in the doghouse.

Or in more relatable terms to his current situation- Miles was in the drunk tank. 

Metaphorical and literal.

Sergeant Bradford claimed that this was a critical part of police training because there’s more to being an officer than going out on patrol. Miles knew that- he’s already done his fair share of paperwork and even worked the front desk a few times but according to Bradford he still needs to get familiar with all parts of the job especially the parts that are more unsavory. Hence, the drunk tank. 

It was just downright nasty and none of those clean professional words his training officer used like unsanitary, unpleasant, repulsive or “vomit friendly” did any real justice to how awful it could be. Miles had to stop himself a few times from throwing up in there, seeing as it would just be another thing he’d have to clean up. And he doesn’t even want to think about the foul smell in the far corner which could only be urine.

It takes him almost his entire morning shift and mostly all of the cleaning supplies he could find to have each of the holding cells smelling something close to normal and giving him enough vomit urine infused nightmare to take up his entire week. But it’s done and Miles is rather proud of himself but the glare that examines each holding cell and the scowl he’s given afterward tells Miles how unimpressed the sergeant really is. Though, it does seem Bradford has been wearing that look a lot lately- but he also seems to be unimpressed with anything Miles does these days too.

Yeah, he’s not getting out of the doghouse (drunk tank) anytime soon.

Miles thinks- at this point he is mostly sure that Tim is still upset with him about that comment he made a few days ago. But the thing is Miles isn’t sure why. He still thinks it was rather innocent- albeit he was a little annoyed that Tim was being a bit negative about him dating again- and Miles was just thinking out loud wondering how Lucy- a former rookie survived this sort of pessimistic attitude on a daily basis. Maybe he did cross a line, but which one- is there some unspoken rule not to mention former rookies- but if so why, it’s not that personal- or is it because of his personal friendship with Lucy.

Miles would never get an answer to this. Instead he gets a much stricter version of his training officer, one who doesn’t seem to have any tolerance for talking in the shop unless it's work related or a Tim Test- which have been more frequent and more audacious that he’s started to think of them more as “Patrol Punishments”. Miles had accidentally let the nickname slip once and well…it didn’t earn him any brownie points with an already unamused sergeant.

“I’m starting to think that this is gonna be a permanent part of my training- hell probably the rest of my LAPD career” Miles sighed. It’s been a week since he somehow pissed off Tim and nothing had gotten easier since then.

“Oh come on, it can’t be that bad- it's just Tim being Tim and his training methods are legendary for their more “pushing you to your limits” approach” Celina claimed. They had met up at the food trucks for a late night meal where Celina had been showing Miles pictures Rodge had sent her of his Europe tour.

“This feels more personal somehow- he basically ripped me a new one after that thing I said” Miles stated, downing the rest of his drink.

“It was stupid” Celina pointed out, her quick bluntness gets her a look of mock betrayal from Miles as he makes a display of placing his hand over his heart which Celina just shrugs at- and maybe his look of betrayal is not all that  pretend. “This isn't necessarily me trying to defend his grumpiness but Bradford has been dealing with some new…adjustments in his life and you couldn’t have picked a worse time to say what you did” she explained, carefully picking the words she said.

Celina had also done the same thing the first time Miles mentioned what he said that somehow pissed off Tim. She had winced and looked at him with sympathy as- just like now it seemed she carefully thought about  what she was going to say next, then shaking her head to herself as if deciding not to say a certain something because it would be too much. But Miles think that whatever this “too much” had been was an important piece that would have him actually understand what exactly was going on with his T.O.

“You must have noticed that he was acting kind of off that day” Celina mentioned.

And the thing is, Miles does think he did notice it. And it hadn’t just been that day but he caught similar looks all during this past week of his T.O when he thought no one was watching. He seemed tense, dare he even say… sad …and maybe even lonely .

“I guess” Miles scrunched his brows, looking at the empty bottle in his hands as he fell into silence. “Maybe he needs to go out on a date- you know dive into the dating scene-”

Celina spits out her drink.

And then she’s choking on her food.

Miles has already leaned forward to offer her whatever help he can but Celina only puts up her hand to stop him, gesturing to give her a second. He is still leaning forward, eyes wide as he watches Celina return to her drink- and downing the entire thing before taking a second to catch her breath before facing him.

“What!” Celina coughed, sounding as though it was the most scandalous thing she’s ever heard. Miles is not sure he likes the look she’s giving him either, one that makes him feel as though he is dumb or grew a second head.

“You don’t think it’s a good idea?” he raised his brow as Celina closed her mouth each time she seemed to be going to say something.

“No- no- I mean, maybe if it were anyone else then your help might actually be tolerated and not risk you getting kicked out of the program” Celina mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

“Does Bradford have a thing about people trying to set him up?” he asked.

“I don’t think so,” she shrugged. “I mean, Lucy set Tim up with Rachel but that was for a bet to get her into short sleeves and it worked.”

Miles leans back in his chair, crossing his arms as he lets this new information he’s just learned sink in. Although initially it had been the first random idea to occur to him, Miles was now giving this more serious consideration. And if Lucy had done something similar during her rookie year and was successful then maybe he could have the same luck and not get kicked out of the program.

He had been meaning to talk to Lucy, see if she had any advice on what’s the best possible way to get on Tim’s good side or at least how to survive twelve hour shifts and excessive Tim Tests when he’s very upset with you. Miles hadn’t gotten that chance yet, seeing as he found himself in this mess around the same time Lucy got promoted to sergeant and started working the night shifts. And the times he did see her before she clocked in for her shift, Lucy always seemed preoccupied in conversation with someone- well usually one someone. The sight sometimes threw Miles off especially after a long shift watching as Tim Bradford does in fact remember how to smile- at least for a few minutes each day.

“Then maybe getting back into the dating scene is just what he needs. Think about it C, he’ll not be so lonely, he’ll definitely be less grumpy and then he’ll tone it down at work and I won’t be stuck cleaning the drunk tank for the rest of my career” Celina only pursed her lips at his explanation but he wasn’t ready to let it deter him. “What about setting him up with Rachel again- rekindling something from the past might not be a bad idea. Maybe Bradford is still interested in-”

Miles had been interrupted by a sudden sound from Celina.

Who laughed.

And laughed.

Then laughed some more. Loudly . 

Ok, maybe Miles needed to start thinking of other ideas to survive the grumpiness of Tim Bradford who seemed dedicated to making Miles probationary as difficult as possible- more than he was doing initially.

…

When Celina had finished laughing at him for what felt like an entire five minutes, she had told Miles to just wait it out and let Tim loosen up on his own time. Miles didn’t understand how Celina could be so confident especially when she tells him to “just give it time” , claiming that she has a feeling that everything will work out sooner rather than later and Bradford will be his normal grumpy self and apparently maybe even a little lighter. Miles tries to question what she means by any of what she says but Celina usually just smiles at him and Miles thinks it's just part of her gift where she can read people and their “auras”.

And so Miles chooses to trust her and whatever energies she’s getting. He hopes she’s right, mostly for the sake of his sore muscles and digestive system that keeps having to fight off nausea. 

It takes another almost two weeks but Celina ends up being right.

Tim Bradford returns to normal. And he does seem lighter - even smiles a few times during shift.

Miles still treads carefully at what topics he brings up in the shop, not ever wanting to relive that day from weeks ago ever again. He chooses safe topics, mostly revolving around sports and whatever game was on last night, when he’s not being quizzed, Miles asks for advice about the job. Sometimes he feels brave enough to talk about personal stuff, normally to do with his housing situation or as Tim likes to remind him, living in his car does not really count as “housing”.

Things have been good.

And maybe it's that and his T.O’s more enlightened mood that has Miles feeling so bold to do what he does next.

It’s been a month and a half since that unfortunate comment and while Tim remains strict and doesn’t let any mistakes Miles makes on the job slide, he is no longer upset with him. Miles had even managed to get a short laugh out of him which felt like an accomplishment on its own.

It’s still morning when they respond to a call which looked to be a simple home invasion until talking with the home owner who mentions the series of threats he’s been receiving for the past week. Luckily they’re able to narrow down their suspects list to the owner’s ex fiancee and her family who have not been the nicest since the split.

They’re in the middle of collecting the information of the ex and family to contact them for further investigation when a woman comes running in to hug the home owner who he explains is his older sister. Once the woman, who they now know is this man’s sister breaks their embrace, Miles has a chance to properly look at her. And she’s very pretty.

She’s tall, long blonde wavy hair, looks to be in her mid thirties, very fit, has blue eyes- and those blue eyes are staring at another set of blue eyes.

Miles watches as this woman- Emily he thinks the owner called her- keeps her eyes trained on Tim who is focused on asking questions on what she may know about her brother’s ex in-laws. There’s a bit of flirtation colouring her tone as she answers each of his questions, smiling at him like there’s no tomorrow as she bats her eyelashes. But Tim doesn’t seem to notice the way this woman was basically undressing him with her eyes, he was- like he would probably say “actually focused on doing his job” as he took notes of what information he could get while not commenting on any of the rather suggestive compliments he’d been getting.

Emily didn’t seem fazed by the lack of attention she was receiving from the sergeant instead it only fueled her determination. Tim hadn’t looked at her once even long after she was done answering his questions but he continued on writing and Emily, she not so suddenly leaned in closer into his personal space and played it off as though trying to get a peek at what he had written. Then just before she could get any closer, Tim effortlessly turned his body away from her before walking back over to the owner to hand him his card to call him if there’s any more suspicious activities. And then he’s walking towards the front door, once again ignoring the sister who stares as he goes with her jaw dropped.

“Let’s go boot!” Tim calls after he reaches outside.

Miles turns to leave. And he should be leaving- Bradford has that tone where he doesn’t want to waste any more time, ready to move on to where they’re needed next.

Yet, Miles still takes his chance and looks back. The owner is now on his phone talking to someone who must be his lawyer and the sister, Emily, she’s back to staring at where an impatient sergeant walks back to his shop.

He should already be out the door and he’s probably going to hear all about it whenever he finally reaches the shop but right now something has him tempting fate. Maybe it’s the good mood his T.O has been in lately and Miles seems to be slightly on his good side that he even got a compliment the other day.

Maybe this is why he’s entertaining an idea he put aside over a month ago.

“I see that you’re interested in Sergeant Bradford” Miles smiles as he addresses the woman.

“I think interested is a rather…innocent word” she grins suggestively.

Miles lets out a short laugh though it feels a little bit forced, not really sure he likes how she’s giving him a knowing look.

Bradford might kill him for this at first but doesn’t everyone deserve a chance at love. And hopefully that will get him forgiven.

…

Shift was a few hours from being over and Tim still appeared to be in a good mood- but maybe that was because Miles still hadn’t said anything about the date he set up for tonight. It is not that Miles is trying to keep it a secret until the last possible minute but that is not entirely his fault- the job does get in the way, especially now that they missed their lunch hour having to chase down a lead for another case.

Now, almost two hours after all that is over, they stop at a food truck to have a late lunch and Miles finds it surprising that Tim picked Vietnamese food- Miles always took him to be more of a burger and fries or burrito kind of guy. Yet that’s not where the surprises stop, seeing as Tim orders enough food for two people or he has plans for a second round of eating because Miles still has to buy his own food. Once they’re ready to head back to the shop, Miles is frozen in shock as he blinks a couple of times to make sure what he is seeing is really happening and not a hallucination from starving.

Tim Bradford was taking a selfie .

Willingly. 

And had the biggest smile on his face as he held up his takeout.

And he was still smiling when all of it was done and dare Miles thinks he even let out a little chuckle as he typed something on his phone.

Miles wasn’t sure he recovered from what he just witnessed but he was quick to shake off whatever remained of the stunned look he was sure he’d still been wearing. Now that he was mostly back to functioning normally and his T.O still seemed in the greatest of moods- Miles thinks this was just the opportunity he’d been looking for.

“You know, dating in L.A is interesting” Miles started the conversation, thinking this may be a good way to ease into the big reveal. “Some people have it easy though- people take one look at someone and they’re already making dinner plans”

“If you’re thinking that I’ve changed my stance on the L.A dating scene- I haven’t so don’t waste your breath” Tim scoffed, pocketing his phone, continuing the walk back to the shop. “Dating out here is like a warzone with desperate people and creeps and now the reality shows are leeching onto the gullible hopeful singles to make some easy money while feeding these people’s embarrassing moments to a very judgemental public” he complained and Miles is almost tempted to ask about his very opinionated knowledge on reality dating shows.

“Well I assure you sir, I have no interest in the opportunistic type of love, I’m in this for the real thing- ready to even do things the old fashioned way and head down to a bar and find a pretty lady, something I’m sure you could respect” Miles said, still trying to look for an opening and watching as Tim rolls his eyes, Miles knows he’s not gonna make any of this easy for him.

“Call it old fashioned but it's a tried and true method that has better results than dating apps and shows that puppeteer your every interaction for a viral moment” he scoffed, reaching for the shop’s keys. “Meeting people at a bar is overrated anyways, these days it’s just filled with creeps and drunks looking for a one night only. If you want something real, you don’t look for it, instead you let it find you and sometimes you won’t realize it at first but if you let things happen naturally…” Tim stopped, now having this sort of far away look in his eyes and for a moment it looks as though his whole expression as he sighs. “You’ll be much happier than getting catfished by one of the biggest gangs in L.A” and back was the blunt reality checking advice.

“Dating must not be hard for you though- not with beautiful women throwing themselves at you without you having to do anything” Miles mentions, trying to sound nonchalant as possible but Tim stops his movements of opening the door to stare back at Miles like he’s gibberish in human form. But Miles continues on, he’s made it this far, he might as well risk it. “Just this morning I saw it with the way Emily was looking at you-”

“And who the hell is Emily?” Tim asked, sounding very much annoyed.

“The pretty lady from that call this morning- the sister from the guy’s house which got wrecked by his in-laws- allegedly” Miles stated, like it was obvious, and it had to have been right- isn’t Bradford the one always drilling him to pay attention to every detail when on call- even the witnesses and anyone else the presume innocent just in case. “You know the one with the long blonde hair and blue eyes who kept smiling when you were questioning her” Miles tried describing Emily to help jog his memory but Tim was still looking at him confused.

“Seems I was focusing on trying to get leads for that case that paying attention to some ogling woman- maybe next time you should focus on doing the same instead of trying to play matchmaker for the next season of Love Country” Miles could point out that its actually island not country but Tim was already glaring at him, his tone more in that strict authoritative one he takes on when he finds something unpleasant. Miles doesn’t speak and Tim notices that, glaring down harder at him as he scratches the back of his neck. “What is it?” he deadpanned.

“She um…” Miles swallowed and Tim was giving him a look that meant he needed to spit it out already. “She may be under the impression that you two will be going out for dinner downtown tonight” he managed to get out, probably because he was not looking his T.O in the eyes.

“Now why would she think that?” Tim asked, crossing his arms, though it sounded more like a rhetorical question, with the way Tim was staring him down, Miles knew that he already knew the answer. Still he answered.

“I uh….I may have said something” well Miles tried to answer, all of a sudden all reasons he came up with for this idea had gone missing from his mind.

“What happened was that a rookie thought they had the right to overstep boundaries and interfere in their superior’s personal life in some sort of holier than thou matchmaking game behind said superior’s back” Tim snapped, startling Miles that he almost dropped his takeout. “And you want to know why you did it-” Miles didn’t answer, getting a weird sense of deja vu from all of this but Tim didn’t actually want an answer as he went on. “-because you have gotten too comfortable and forgot where you stand. My life is not your personal project Rookie Officer Penn and I certainly did not ask for your help in my love life, so when you see Emily, Amara, Katy, Beth or whoever else you see and get the wrong idea again- I’m not interested and will never be” that low leveled with the layered harshness underneath as he talks at a slower pace maybe scarier than being yelled at.

“7- A- 100, crime in progress down at La Brea, bystander called reporting seeing two masked gunmen enter the pharmacy…”

“Show us responding” Tim spoke into his radio as he finally entered the shop, Miles shaking off his shock to focus back on the job.

“You’re lucky” Tim says, starting the shop as Miles enters. “But don’t think this means you’re off the hook.”

Miles could forget about having lunch, not sure he would be able to keep it down if he was reassigned drunk tank duty for the rest of shift.

…

There was no drunk tank assignment. 

There was no horrendous or even tedious task assigned. 

Just normal patrol.

Still, Miles found himself always looking in the direction of the drunk tank each time they were back at the station as though mentally preparing himself for when Bradford would walk up to him and tell him his fate. But it never came- if anything he’d acted like nothing happened. Though now thinking back to the rest of their shift Tim had been quiet- quieter than usual not even an unexpected quiz on something from the rook book. Hell, Tim didn’t even spare a glance in his direction unless necessary for when they were on a call.

There was nothing.

And to Miles that’s even scarier- and probably exactly what Tim wanted.

It worked. Miles got easily startled by the simple greeting of “hi” from Celina (he didn’t even see when she reached beside him still having been looking over at the holding cell where the most recent drunk they brought in looked seconds away from throwing up). He tries to school his features, not wanting to appear as jumpy- or on edge.

“What is going on with you?” Celina asked, observing him with a hint of skepticism and Miles knows his pretense of looking cool and collected is not working.

“Nothing” he lied, crossing his arms, still trying to be convincing even as his eyes turned back to the closed door.

“No, it’s definitely something ” Celina said matter of factly- yeah there was no lying his way out of this.

Miles sighed, letting his arms drop to his sides. “I may have done something and Bradford is pissed with me” he mumbled.

“Again” she gasped. It looked like Celina was going to ask him a question- most probably why- but then she paused and just stared at him. “What did you do Penn?” the guilt must have been written on his face as Celina questions him cautiously as though scared to know the answer.

Miles scratched the back of his neck, trying to figure out the best way to explain this that made sense and not have a second person chew him out for the day.

“No!” Celina gasped though Miles hadn’t said anything yet. “You didn’t!”

“You don’t even know what I’m gonna say” Miles tried to defend himself.

“You set him up on a date didn’t you” it was more of a statement than a question and Miles had to wonder if this weird telepathy was another one of her gifts.

“Maybe” he mumbled and Celina’s eyes went wide. “We responded to a call of a home invasion this morning and the home owner’s sister came by and was giving Bradford the eyes” he explained, only for Celina to scrunch up her face (it was kinda cute). “She was clearly interested and Bradford seemed to be in a good mood recently, so I thought he’d be open to the idea…”

“Oh you are so screwed” she chuckled.

“I can see that now- basically got chewed out when I brought it up” he sighed. “I don’t get how Lucy did it and was successful”

Celina who had found some amusement in the mess Miles had created for himself now had gone quiet- she hadn’t been shocked either anymore but something about her features softened as she looked at him with something close to sympathy.

“I think there’s something you should know” she said softly.

“Ok…” Miles didn’t know where this was going but he was intrigued.

“Tim would have never been interested in that home owner’s sister or whatever random woman you saw next because…” she paused, a small smile creeping onto her face. “-because Tim is still very much in love with his ex and nothing is ever going to change that. He loves her too much to move on”

Miles was silent, not sure he could even begin to think of how to respond.

“Tim would never accept being set up now because he would never entertain the idea of being with another woman after his relationship with his ex…I guess you could say that she changed a lot of things for him” she said matter of factly. “He’s stubborn and determined in the fact that he will never love another woman unless it's her…”

“Is that why you laughed at me the first time I mentioned him dating again?” that was the only thing Miles could come up with to say at the moment and Celina at least looked guilty about that.

“Boot!” a voice called out for him before Celina got the chance to respond. “Finished that paperwork yet?”

“Uh- yes sir” Miles stood a little straighter, taking a quick glance at the paperwork he had forgotten about momentarily.

“Good then we’re starting off on a clean slate for our just approved OT” Tim said nonchalantly, looking down at his phone and missing the stunned expression from the two officers.

“Overtime for what?” Miles asked.

“The learning experience” Tim replied with practiced ease, not even looking up from his phone and missing a second look of shock from Miles who watches as Celina mouths to him again that he’s screwed.

“What about the date with Emily?” Tim looks up from his phone this time and Celina is hiding a smile behind her hand as he rolls his eyes.

“I don’t know anything about having agreed to go on a date with anyone” Tim scoffed. “But what I do remember is a rookie close to losing any respect he’s earned because he overstepped his boundaries in a professional partnership”

“Sir I-”

“Save it- get yourself some energy for the road, you’re gonna need it for the long night ahead of us” it was quick and Miles almost missed it but he’s sure he’d seen something close to a smirk on his T.O’s face almost as if he had found amusement in this. “You have twenty minutes” he deadpanned before walking away.

Silence fell over the two officers who still looked in the direction of where Tim had disappeared just seconds before. Miles was still processing the news that he’d now be working overtime and part of him wondered if this was the punishment for that date he set up.

Miles had just turned back around to face Celina who had already been staring at him with her lips pursed.

“Don’t say it” he sighed, rubbing the space between his brows.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about” Celina shrugged, simply acting oblivious. But Miles knew- seeming to have adopted her weird telepathy thing and raising a brow at her. “I guess that’s a raincheck on drinks tonight” she bit back a smile.

“Celina” he called out as she started walking in the direction of the locker rooms.

She came back to where he was still frozen in his spot- to pat him on the shoulder.

Then she walked away again. Laughing. 

Celina may not have directly said it the third time but Miles knew she was right.

He was screwed.

…

“You’re going to be primary on all calls we get tonight.”

There was not much to expect from working nights, most of the times it is uneventful except for the occasional bar fight. Apparently high car speed chasing gangs that are after fellow officers are very rare- at least according to Lucy who had been in two since working night shift. Miles had found her already in uniform, her takeout in hand (same as his from that Vietnamese food truck, he noticed) while talking to Tim, who wore that same smile he only wears after shift like clockwork. Lucy was the one who gave him the rundown on what to expect from working overtime on nights, most of it mundane but shared some of the interesting calls she’s had so far in hopes to get his spirits up a little.

But nothing prepared Miles for Bradford randomly telling him that he’d be the one taking lead on all their calls. It had felt like some sort of Tim Test but Bradford only rolled his eyes at that. Still, Miles refused to let his guard down though he did ask if that meant he could finally drive- he didn’t get a response to that one, just a cold hard glare and he knew the answer.

For the next hour Miles kept stealing glances over at his training officer, trying to figure out his motive with the overtime or making him primary (Celina would probably be proud that he was trying to read someone based on their energy). Bradford had been the same way he was all afternoon- acting as though nothing had happened and not saying a word to Miles until it was necessary. With the lack of calls it gave Miles too much time to second guess how strange all this seemed to him. This was definitely some sort of test.

Who knew there were so many mind games involved in trying to set up your training officer?

“You mind if we turn right here?” Miles had been keeping his eyes on the road- it’s part of his job but for the last ten minutes he’d been using it as a distraction from overthinking. “Though I saw something” he offers as an explanation when Tim just stares at him.

“If we miss out on actual crime because of your little reroute adventure…” Tim left the rest of his warning unsaid but it was still enough to cause Miles to wince at the possible Tim Test he may face.

Tim had taken the next right like Miles had suggested and twice already had shake his head mumbling something about this being a waste of time. Then one time turning just so Miles could see the disapproving look he had and loudly voiced that this was a waste of their time.

“We could get something to eat- that restaurant down there even has outdoor seating” Miles suggested, trying to appear nonchalant but it only earned him another unamused state from Tim.

He still slowed down the shop as they got closer to the restaurant Miles pointed out. But with a quick scan of the outdoor seating area of the restaurant, Tim brought the shop to a sudden stop.

“This is not just some random restaurant is it” Tim was not asking, he seemed very confident- and unamused in his assumption. Miles had gone silent after that, barely able to get out even a stammer. “Boot!” Tim’s voice echoed through the shop.

“M-m-maybe” he mumbled.

“Boot!” 

“I just don’t agree with flaking on your date, least you should do is go in and say hi” he stated.

“First off- this is not my date, I never agreed to this- you were the one who had the audacity to play matchmaker” Tim pointed an accusatory finger at him. “Second- why did you not just call to cancel after I made you realize how dumb this idea of yours was”

“I didn’t- uh I sorta didn’t get her number so…” he rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding eye contact.

“You what- unbelievable- this just keeps getting more ridiculous” Tim shouted, rubbing the space between his brows as he processed. “I am a forty five year old man, this is the last thing I need to be dealing with” he let out an exasperated sigh.

“Aren’t you only forty two?”

“I exaggerated to prove the ridiculousness of my situation” Tim argued.

“Will saying sorry help?” Miles’ attempt at a peace offering only got him a stern glare that had him knowing it was better to stop talking.

There had been no response from Tim and Miles was already dreading the rest of however many hours they had left on overtime as he waited for the shop to start back up again. But it never did. Instead Miles watched equal parts curious and confused as Tim climbed out of the shop without a word. The pause once he stood outside the vehicle with crossed arms had Miles knowing it was his turn to follow.

“What are you doing?” Miles asked once out of the shop.

“ We are taking your suggestion and going to say hi to your date” Tim said as though it was obvious, pointing to where a blonde woman was at the outdoor seating of the restaurant taking a long sip of her wine.

“Technically it’s not my date-” Miles clarified but another glare from Tim reminded him it’s better not to finish that sentence. “Or- or technically its my date because you didn’t agree…” he clears his throat as Tim leads them over to the restaurant.

The humiliation started at the front desk with his training officer sharing a laugh with the hostess at Miles’ expense. Tim had somehow managed to conjure up this fabricated tale of the “rookie mistake” Miles had made accidentally setting up a date the same night he had to work a few extra hours. Apparently, Miles was a nervous wreck and stumbled on his words and hours later when he realized his mistake his very understanding training officer offered that they would go to the restaurant so that he could explain himself.

Despite the slight embarrassment he felt, the hostess had allowed them to go through while looking at Miles with sympathy. And Tim- given the smirk on his face, he found all of this amusing. 

“You’re primary, so you’re taking the lead on this” Tim informed him as they walked towards the outdoor area.

“Wait what-” Miles gaped, looking back at Tim who remained nonchalant as they walked outside.

“Hope you have your speech prepared boot” Tim smirked, staying a few steps behind as they approached the table.

“But this isn’t even actually my-” Miles sighed, knowing continuing that conversation would get him nowhere. Walking the last few steps, Miles put on his best charming smile as he came into view of the woman- Emily who sat alone at her table, twirling the drink in her hands.

“My, my, I didn’t realize that I would be getting two for the price of one but I’m not one to complain” Emily smirked, letting her eyes roam over the two officers.

“My apologies ma’am but there’s something I need to tell you-” Miles cleared his throat, not really comfortable with how this woman was staring him down making him feel exposed.

“Oh I’m not that old, I rather you call me Emily or…” she trailed off, leaning forward so that her very generous neckline exposed more of her cleavage.

Miles tried subtly to look away, turning back to where Tim stood behind him who also seemed to be avoiding anything to do with this woman. “You’re wasting precious time Officer Penn, demonstrate how to best handle this situation without escalating it” he ordered.

“Ma’am” Miles tried again.

“Emily…” she reminded him, grinning as she drank the last of her wine.

“Emily, I wanted to apologize for keeping you so long here when there’s probably better things you could be doing on a Thursday night” Miles started, catching out of the corner of his eye Tim pointing at his watch. “But unfortunately I made the mistake of making an assumption and then unwise decision that Sergeant Bradford would be pleased with unknowingly set up on a date with a stranger- so again I apologize for the inconvenience. I can only imagine the amount of effort you put in for tonight and I can only hope it wasn’t a complete waste of time” he sympathized. 

“So you don’t want to go on a date with me” Emily pointed her empty glass at Tim.

“No, not interested,” Tim answered bluntly. It wasn’t harsh per se but neither was it gentle.

“Think you’d ever change your mind?” Emily asked, perking up a little.

“I’m pretty sure I won’t, I have no intention of ever getting back into the dating scene” Tim replied, never sparing Emily a second glance after answering instead looking down at his watch.

“Aw that’s too bad, we could have had some real fun together” she pouted, her finger tracing the rim of her glass as her voice dipped into something more suggestive.

“Again ma’am, Officer Penn is truly sorry the any false hope he has given you that there would ever be any interest on my part, it was a rookie mistake on his part but we hope you are still able to enjoy the rest of your evening despite this misunderstanding” it was clear Tim was finished with this interaction, giving Emily a terse nod before heading back inside.

Emily whimpered as she watched his retreating figure. “Damn, the good ones are always already taken” she poured herself another drink before her eyes found Miles still in front of her. “Well, maybe not all the good ones.”

Miles laughed, not knowing how else to hide his discomfort.

…

His first test as primary was an interesting one and he isn’t sure how well he handled it, given how unsettled the entire interaction left him but Miles is confident with his second job at being primary when they’re called to a frat party that has gotten out of hand. He believed he handled it well, settling down the drunk partygoers and even caught sight of one of the hosts swinging around a firearm while drunk and managed to disarm him before anyone got hurt. That got him a nod of approval from Tim once the drunk was put in the shop.

Now that they were back at the station and all the booking was complete, all that was left for Miles to do was fill out the paperwork. He had just gotten halfway through the unlawful possession of a weapon charge when he heard a voice join where he sat at a desk in the bullpen.

“Guess who just had a very interesting call just now” it was Lucy, walking over to where he sat- more specifically where Tim sat on the opposite side. “A drunk and disorderly apparently started causing a scene after a few too many bottles and other customers were getting freaked out.”

“Don’t see how that’s exactly interesting- we just shut down an entire party of drunk and disorderly and even an illegal carry of a firearm” Tim leaned back in his chair, folding his arms as he tries to one up Lucy.

“Sure- whatever, it’s a Thursday frat party, the real trouble is during the weekend parties” she scoffed, sitting on the edge of his desk. “Anyway, the reason why my call was interesting, is because it was a woman who had apparently been stood up at that nice restaurant near downtown- and get this then the hot asshat cop and his fine asshat rookie came to the restaurant to basically tell her that this entire date was a mistake” Lucy grinned, poking Tim in the arm as she recounted her last call.

“Emily?” Miles asked, shaking off his stunned expression as Lucy looked over to him.

“And I’m guessing you’re the fine asshat rookie who is responsible for her entire humiliation” Lucy raised a brow, barely holding back her laughter.

“I hope you’re happy boot, because of your little matchmaking service we’re going to be the newest topic of Smitty’s gossip ring” Tim shook his head.

“Oh come on, you really think I would sell you out to Smitty” Lucy playfully shoved at his arm.

“Yes!” Tim replied without missing a beat, only to get swatted in the chest by Lucy. Any annoyance Tim may have about the entire situation is shortly replaced with a smile as he watches as Lucy chuckles even though it is at his expense.

There are a few times Miles wishes to join the conversation but doesn’t and it’s not necessarily that he doesn’t know what to say exactly but rather there’s never a chance to say it. Most of the conversation goes on without him, Tim and Lucy talking only to each other as though there’s no one else there with them.

“I get there and she’s gone manic- she’s standing up with a bottle of wine in one hand and an empty glass in the other and she’s just screaming and pointing at random guests literal nonsense” Tim is seated a little closer to the desk now with his hand under his chin, giving Lucy his full attention as she animatedly narrates the story. Miles is listening too but not in the same way as Tim, missing some parts as he still works on the report.

“I would say she definitely hates your guts now but also in the weird way that she’s still somehow turned on by all of it” Lucy scrunches her face and Miles isn’t sure why that specific comment is what Tim finds comment in as he huffs out a laugh.

“I guess I have that effect on people- women would just through themselves at me even if they think I’m an asshat- a hot one” he smirked and it would have almost sounded close to flirting if it were anyone else.

“Oh gag” Lucy rolled her eyes but she was still smiling down at him. “Someone needs to take you down a few pegs Bradford.”

“Yeah, someone should definitely do that,” Tim said lowly.

It had gotten quiet after that and Miles isn’t sure why. Maybe there was not much more to say about what happened about the Emily situation. Looking back up from his paperwork, Miles is not sure what he was expecting- for them not to be talking- yes, but for them to just be smiling as they stare at each other- no, he definitely was not expecting that. He watched them though it was like they didn’t seem to notice- both seeming to have a conversation with each other with their eyes. 

It was weird.

But also impressive.

“I hope that I don’t find any errors in that paperwork boot. It may be night but there will be other times to stare out into space” the quick change back to authoritative in Tim’s voice had startled Miles a bit.

“Remember what we talked about- be nice” Lucy said quietly, swatting Tim on the shoulder.

Tim sighed, rolling his eyes. “The things I do for…” Miles doesn’t hear the rest of what Tim says but Lucy does and she stares at him in that sweet way Miles only swears he sees her do with Tim.

“Don’t try to be sassy Bradford, you love it” she smiled just a little brighter as she leaned in for a second before pulling back. And Tim watches her the entire time and it doesn’t seem as though he was staring at her eyes the entire time- but maybe it was the angle.

“Remember what I said earlier- do it now” that is the next thing Miles hears from Lucy, the rest of the conversation from before, too quiet for him to make out exactly what they were saying.

Tim sighs, looking at Lucy once more who just nods. “Boot once you’re done with that paperwork, freshen up and then clock out- our overtime is done” Tim informed him.

“Yes sir” Miles nods, catching a short glimpse of Lucy placing her hand on Tim’s bicep and he isn’t exactly sure if she gives it a squeeze or the tiredness is getting to him.

“As much fun as I have fun making fun of your dating disaster, I have to get back out there” Lucy goes to stand up and Tim looks disappointed. “Oh and Bradford” she pauses, turning after only taking two steps from the desk.

“Chen.” 

“Blonde is definitely not a good colour on you” Lucy smirked, her voice almost taking a similar one to Emily back at the restaurant.

Tim doesn’t say anything back, he only smiles as he leans back into his seat, his eyes following Lucy until she disappears. Almost in the same way as Emily had back at the restaurant.

But with them both- it looked different.

…

 “You know, I don’t need an escort to get to my truck” Tim grinned. “But I can’t say that I’m upset with the company” he nudged Lucy’s shoulder with his.

It was now way past when his original shift had ended and finally now the end of a very interesting overtime. The parking lot outside was mostly empty except for the two of them walking close together that their shoulders touched and pinkies intertwined every few steps. The few cars that surround them are off, leaving them to depend on the light from the light posts and the building that they were now a good distance from.

“Don’t flatter yourself too much, I’m just trying to avoid more paperwork incase your date breaks out and decides to come after” she teased.

“She was not my date” Tim corrected, not liking having any association with that woman. “Just like I told her. I have no intention of ever joining the dating scene again” Tim stopped, turning so that he could stand in front of her.

“Oh.” 

“Yeah- oh ” he chuckled. Even in the dim lighting of the late night, he still saw the deep pink blush rushing up to colour Lucy’s cheek. The sight had only made his smile deeper, completely in awe with the woman in front of him. Lucy had watched as Tim’s hand came up to her face, his fingers gently grazing her face as he placed some loose strands behind her ear. His hand settles on the side of her face while his thumb caresses her cheek. “There is only one woman I ever want to go on dates with” his lips are already a breath away from hers and with one last look he presses his lips softly to hers.

Lucy hums into the kiss and more than anything he wants to swallow the sound and he barely restrains himself from doing so.

“Keep kissing her like that and she will let you take her on as many dates you want” Lucy bit her lip, already angling her head to go in for seconds. Tim gave into her want almost instantly, bringing his lips to hers for a bit longer, savouring the sensation that will have to get him through the next few hours.

“Maybe I should have stayed a little longer on shift tonight” Tim frowned after pulling away, smoothing down the sleeves of Lucy’s uniform.

“No, it's a few minutes until midnight and like we’ve discussed, we will work something out that won’t cause either of us to sacrifice our sleep” Lucy reminded him, her pointer finger already up. And then it was aimed at his chest as Lucy leaned further into his space, her voice dangerously low. “And besides, you’re gonna need all the sleep you can get because during my weekend off you’re gonna put all that energy to good use”

Tim hums. “Can it be Saturday morning already?” he whined.

“You’re so impatient” she laughed, pushing away from him but Tim didn’t have it in him to even pretend to be a tiny bit annoyed, not when the woman in front of him made it impossible not to smile by simply just being part of his life again.

“You have ruined me- I used to be more well rounded” he joked, laughing as she rolled her eyes at me.

“I’m not entertaining this anymore- just make sure to give Kojo hugs and kisses for me so that he knows how much I miss him” Lucy requested and even as he glares at her, he knows he’ll still do what she asks.

“You were with him all day before you started your shift” he argued with no heat to it.

“That was hours ago- you know he’s become more attached to me since I’ve been staying over more and gets really sad when I leave” she pouted. Tim sighed dramatically at her counter arguments but hell he would never change this for anything or anyone else.

The paperwork was finished and submitted, he was freshened up and finally on his way out. As interesting and humiliating as this day (and night) turned out to be, Miles is just grateful that he didn’t spend any of it cleaning up the drunk tanks especially during a night with wild drunks with a weak stomach.

Reflecting on how the day went, Miles thinks he learns a few lessons- a big one being do not interfere with the personal lives of others especially when not asked and especially not your superior. Miles has a lot of respect for Sergeant Bradford and he just started gaining some respect from him also and he’s not sure he wants to throw all that hard work for the sake of- as Bradford would say “matchmaking services”. What may have been done with good intentions might look differently to others and Bradford was right, it was crossing a boundary of their professional relationship.

Him and his training officer was not friends nor were they family. But Miles still hoped that Bradford would still find love despite his objections to the dating scene and stating he has no intention of engaging in it. Without any interference of course- Miles is sure his T.O could find someone right for him.

“You spoil him!”

“Oh please, you’re just jealous!”

Miles notices Tim standing with Lucy a few cars down the parking lot- he’s not sure what exactly they’re talking about but given the big smiles on their faces, they seem to be enjoying themselves. And it is still taking some getting used to seeing his T.O wearing such a happy expression. But maybe it’s like Celina had mentioned- Tim had gone back to his normal strict no nonsense self but there was something lighter about him now…and genuine happiness doesn’t seem a far off guess.

They’re still talking to each other and smiling as they go on and again there is that smile that can't be explained that only seems to come around when Lucy is there.

There’s this small part of Miles that thinks that maybe- just maybe- as crazy as it may sound- he thinks that Lucy and Tim could work well as a couple. And yes- Miles knows that Tim is a man of honour and respect for the job and probably would never entertain having such a relationship with a rookie even if it were a former rookie…but…Lucy has always seemed as though she was more than just a rookie to Tim. The two were good friends and had a good connection that made them work good together on the job.

There may not be a good way to explain it or make sense to him but there’s something in the way those two interact with each other than anyone else. Apart from those smiles they only give each other, Lucy seems to be one of the only ones who can make Tim change his mind when he’s being stubborn and Lucy always seeks out advice from Tim and he seems happy to help her in any way. Miles sometimes notice how Tim’s hands tighten around the wheel when Lucy’s voice comes across the radio when taking on a more serious call and then sighing in relief when she declares a code four. But from what Miles has heard from others around the station, Tim and Lucy have had each other’s backs on and off the job since the start of Lucy’s training and maybe that’s why its sometimes difficult for Tim not being her backup after a long time.

And now, as both of them stand quite close to each other, talking in a way that Miles couldn’t hear but brought something more open and soft to the other’s face. It couldn’t be that far off to wonder if there was ever a possibility of them interested in being something more. No doubt they’d make a good looking couple- and given how well they work together….maybe- maybe they’d be good for each other.

Nah.