Lucy Preston rushed into the waiting room of Mason Industries feeling like the world had just slapped her six ways to Sunday. The Homeland agent had dragged her away and she was already feeling the effects of both the liquor she'd drank with Amy and the utter crappiness of the day.
"Do you know why we're here?" She asked the sleeping man with his legs propped up on the table. He looked familiar to her. She couldn't quite place it.
"No idea, ma'am." His voice sounded bored as he didn't even bother to open his eyes. Lucy sat down nervously.
"Are you asleep?" She asked dismissively. His whole attitude and posture were so casual it seemed out of place.
"No, ma'am." He replied. The voice was terribly familiar. Dread coursed through her as she began to realize exactly who was sitting in the chair across from her. She'd wondered if the day could get any worse. Well, it just had.
"We're roughly the same age, you can stop calling me ma'am." She replied tartly. The words rolled off her tongue before she could stop them.
His eyes opened and a half smirk played at the corner of his mouth. Yes, her suspicions were correct. The man sitting across from her was, in fact, the guy she'd just had a one night stand with a week ago. Those blue eyes that had mesmerized her were now looking shocked and a little horrified.
Lucy opened her mouth to say something, anything when she was spared the indignity by the arrival of Agent Christopher. To top off the crazy day she was being told that time travel is real and she was expected to jump into a tiny and rickety time machine to stop a terrorist from taking over the world. Wonderful.
The mission went spectacularly wrong. Wyatt Logan was so focused on Kate that he ignored her and Rufus. Lucy's annoyance reached a peak level. She wished she had Wyatt's modern gun so she could shoot him herself. No need to wait for Garcia Flynn.
"So do you just follow every woman in a skirt and neglect your job. Because I don't give a damn about what you do in your private life. But when you're here you have to stay focused. Or don't they teach you that?" Lucy's tone was acidic as she sat there crossing her arms. Wyatt had mentioned something about a dead wife but Lucy didn't see how having meaningless flings made his wife's memory anymore poignant.
"Jessica, she died. And it was my fault. And Kate looks like her. I just couldn't see her dying." Wyatt said. "I have to save her for Jessica's sake."
Lucy winched. It made sense. She wondered if he'd seen his dead wife in her. Not of course in Lucy's appearance since she looked nothing like Kate but maybe in her personality or something.
"Wyatt, I understand. I just…I guess I was mad because we're stuck in jail and things could go really wrong. But I'm sorry. Sorry about Jessica." Lucy wanted to say more but he sidestepped the question.
A few minutes later she caught him staring pointedly at her chest. Lucy cast him an annoyed glance. Really? Here? He'd seen her naked before and she was sure she hadn't been the most gorgeous woman in the world. Then he came over and whispered in her ear, "Give me your bra, you're modern underwire bra."
Lucy drew in a breath. Of course. The cleverness of the plan overcame any embarrassment she felt about disrobing. She knew he'd seen her before. She managed to get the bra off and tossed it to him. He tried pulling the wire out with his fingers but within seconds gave up to use his teeth on the fabric to rip it from the garment. Lucy felt her stomach drop. That was way sexier than it should be. Memories coursed through her, thick and fast. Yeah, he wasn't the only one looking even if he was fully dressed. She felt his gaze on her and found herself not minding. If anything the heat warmed her.
Garcia Flynn had her and she could hear the confidence in his voice as he said, "I know for a fact you won't shoot."
But Wyatt did shoot. And Lucy realized how little her life mattered to Wyatt. The annoyance returned and she confronted him outside Mason Industries.
"Am I expendable or are you just that good?" Lucy asked.
"I'm just that good, ma'am." The shit eating grin on his face made her want to slap him. Or make out with him. She wasn't sure which. Wyatt Logan riled her up and she hated it. Hated that she had to work with him. He was supposed to be her one wild and reckless decision, the naughty, sexy secret she kept locked away. Now here he was, her coworker, and since Flynn had gotten away Wyatt was here to stay for at least a little longer.
The moment she brought up Jessica his face changed. Lucy saw the sadness replace the arrogance and she felt drawn to him in spite of herself. He had more layers than she'd originally suspected. Damn, she had a lot to tell Amy.
As she drove home she contemplated the events of the week before. It had been completely unprecedented and at the time had felt amazing. Now she wasn't so sure.

One Week Earlier:

Lucy's tenure meeting had just been set up for Thursday. Lucy's stomach fluttered with happy butterflies as she realized how close tenure really was. She decided to blow off some steam that night and go to Flanigans, one of the bars she went to occasionally with Amy. Amy had originally planned to come but ended up canceling at the last minute because Mom was worse. Lucy almost went home herself. Amy threatened to lock her out if she did.
Lucy had settled into a bar stool and ordered her customary white wine when she noticed the guy sitting next to her in the nearly empty bar. Flanigans definitely wasn't a hot spot for students. It was the kind of dingy bar that looked like something out of a film noir. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He was handsome, scratch that, super hot. His blue eyes captivated her. Lucy had always been partial to blue eyes. And his whole face was just so gorgeous she wanted to keep looking. Lucy didn't normally experience such instant attraction to someone but she was happy and almost giddy with excitement. Why shouldn't she live a little and try flirting with him?
"This place sure is quiet." She commented. He looked up and she noticed his gaze rake over her before he smirked.
"Yeah, that's why I come here, ma'am," he replied. So the attraction wasn't all one-sided,
"Me too. All the bars are too near to Stanford. Don't want to be hanging out with all my students." She commented. His eyes widened at the mention of Stanford.
"So you're a professor?" He asked.
"Yes, I teach history." Lucy wondered if he would think she was a boring academic.
"And you?" Lucy asked.
"I'm in the Army, ma'am," he replied.
Lucy had suspected he was military from the way he carried himself and the way he kept calling her ma'am. They talked for a while. She mentioned the tenure meeting and lots about Amy. She even mentioned her mother being sick. He talked a little about the military and let slip that he was a widower. It was surprisingly easy to talk to him.
It was getting late and Lucy only felt the faintest hint of a buzz. She sat there for a second trying to work up the courage to say something. She couldn't invite him to her house. Her mother was sick and there was Amy. Not that Amy would have a problem with it. But Lucy felt too awkward. Her gaze fluttered upward and caught his. The intensity of his blue-eyed stare made her chest tighten. She felt like he was silently undressing her with his eyes and she was doing the same. She wanted him. And what's more, he wanted her.
"Would you want to uh… come to my place?" He said it hesitantly and for the first time all evening the facade of easy, careless arrogance slipped. He looked insecure. Lucy took a deep breath. She didn't normally do one night stands. She didn't have a moral objection to them. They just weren't her kind of thing. And going to someone's apartment was seriously dangerous. He could be a serial killer or something. But something in her snapped. Damn it. She wanted to go. She wanted to forget reason, logic and all that. She wanted to have a little fun with someone she'd never see again. She wanted to feel something. From the heat flooding through her she suspected that her attraction would ensure this night was worth her while.
"Sure," she replied as casually as she could. She paid her bill with the bartender and they walked out together. His apartment was only a short distance away from the bar and as they walked Lucy's nerves grew. She was about to back out of this whole thing. It was way too scary. Then his hand fell along her shoulder, exposed in her sleeveless blouse and shivers slid up and down her spine. She turned to face him. His face was unreadable in the darkness but she forced herself to lean forward slightly and shifted her attention to his lips. A kiss would be a good experiment. If it sucked she could beg out of the whole thing and go home.
It didn't suck. Damn, he was a good kisser. She found herself pressed against the trunk of a tree, the bark digging into her bare back and he pressed her closer, his tongue exploring her mouth as if it was some sort of treasure map. She gave as good as she got, her teeth nipping slightly at his bottom lip. The sounds of their gasps sounded obscenely loud in the silent night air. Finally, she pulled away, panting.
"We better…uhh..take this somewhere more private." Her breathy voice made her cringe. She sounded so ridiculous.
"Come on. My place is half a block down." His voice sounded rougher than she'd noticed. Maybe she wasn't the only one affected? Her heart was still pounding with adrenalin as she walked rapidly, keeping pace with him.
"I suppose I ought to tell you my name." His voice broke into her tangled thoughts. "I'm Wyatt. And you are…"
"Lucy." She found the name slipping off her tongue and he gave her a slight smirk.
But the momentary reprieve was lifted the second they found themselves at his door. They were kissing again and this time Lucy didn't know if she had the willpower to stop. The heat was rushing through her until she felt dizzy with passion and hunger. She ran her hand down his jaw enjoying the rough texture of stubble underneath her fingers. His hands found her hair and tugged gently on the loose strands. The sensation went straight down her spine settling in an aching spot between her legs.
Somehow he managed to get the door open and then he pushed her back against the door lips dragging along her neck. She tilted her head to give him better access her breath coming out ragged. Damn, she was so turned on and not a stitch of clothing had come off.
"How drunk are you?" He asked. Lucy blinked open her eyes.
"I'm fine. Barely buzzed." Lucy was feeling drunk but it wasn't the wine.
"Good." The harsh sound of his voice sent shivers down her spine. She pressed her mouth up to his feeling his hands fall to her hips and then slide around to slip into her jeans.
Lucy took a deep breath. She was doing this. Having sex with a stranger in a one night stand. Something she hadn't done in years. Not since college or the occasional fling after a particularly bad time.
Her hands shook a little as she reached out and began unbuttoning the flannel shirt he wore. His eyes were fixed on her, dark and vivid in the dim light of his apartment. He looked like he wanted to devour her whole.
The shirt started tangling up around his arms as she tried pulling it off. Her cheeks burned as she realized how her clumsiness made her look. He only tugged the shirt off and then reached out. His hand found the hem of her lacy blouse, lifting it up and over her head before she moved. Her scrap of a pale pink bra did nothing to disguise her body and she felt self-conscious. Her body was definitely far from perfect.
"Wow," she was sure he whispered. His hands trailed across her stomach and upwards to cup her breasts. Warm heat settled in her bones. She bit down on her lip to keep the moan from flying out of her mouth.
"Come on." His hands dropped from her body to grasp her hand. " I do have a bed."
She nodded feeling her legs move without her violation. It was too much. The warm pulsing heat between her legs intensified as the dampness of her underwear.
His room looked neat and clean like an IKEA showroom except for a desk littered with papers. She only took a tiny peek at the room. It felt more intimate to stare at this room than to undress him.
Her back came to rest against the pillows on his bed. She drew in a loud breath as the reality of the situation struck her. Damn, this was happening.
"You ok?" His voice broke into her chaotic thoughts.
"Yes," she murmured pressing her mouth against his jaw. His eyes looked shadowed as they met hers. Sadness visible underneath it all.
The second of vulnerability disappeared as they started kissing again. The heat roared back to life as his hand found the clasp on her bra and he unfastened it with a twist of his wrists. The bra was discarded as she fumbled with the buttons on his jeans. Her coordination was seriously off with the sensation of his hands kneading her breasts. She sucked in another breath and obviously, he got the message, separating long enough to remove his shoes and jeans.
Then he was on her. She kicked off the ballet flats in seconds, the sound of them clattering against the floor a contrast to the silent room. His fingers found the button on her jeans and were stripping them off her body with a relentless determination that sent her concentration reeling. She was glad she was wearing her nice panties, not the plain cotton ones she normally wore. Had she instinctively known something like this would happen? Maybe. She certainly needed a distraction.
Lucy gasped again as his mouth closed around her breast and another hand trailed up and down her inner thighs, caressing the sensitive skin in a teasing manner. She closed her eyes and began exploring his body. Damn, he was well built. She wasn't used to that. It had been a while since she'd been with anyone since Justin. And he certainly wasn't like this. Her back arched as his tongue passed over her nipple and a strangled cry hurtled out of her mouth.
She was so distracted by the sensations coursing through her she almost didn't notice his hands dragging her panties off and tossing them aside. He wasted no time in finding her clit and sliding a finger inside of her. Her eyes flew open just in time to see the smirk at the corner of his mouth at her obvious wetness. He was such an arrogant bastard, wasn't he?
She propped herself up on one arm while using her other one to tug ineffectually at his boxers. Finally, she gave up her attempt and dove her fingers underneath the waistband to stroke him. A strangled gasp warmed the air. Payback.
The smirk transformed into a full-blooded smile. Lucy smirked back, confidence making her bolder than usual. "Someone's a little eager, ma'am." The words were almost too arrogant but Lucy heard the unaccustomed roughness in his tone.
"I'm not the only one." She finally managed to get the offending piece of clothing off. Any attempt at conversation was over. That wasn't what she'd come for, was it? She had to remember that. Her brain was already starting to over think things. This wasn't the kind of situation she'd been in for a long time.
He seemed to sense her nerves because he stopped teasing her. He kissed her, long, slow and deep, a surprisingly gentle kiss for a one night stand. "You're gorgeous, you know." Her muttered kissing the side of her neck. It was a banal compliment. But her stomach fluttered with nerves. A good kind of excitement. Heat still flooded her body making her moan impatiently.
He reached over her to the bedside table and opened it removing a sheet of foil-wrapped packets. She forced her eyes open just in time to see his interceptable question in his eyes. She nodded. She was ready. Had been ready since she'd first made the decision to accept his offer to come to his apartment.
Lucy gasped as he entered her in one stroke. Her body tightened, warm waves of pleasure sliding through her. She started shifting impatiently. She wanted more. Needed more. Every nerve in her body was searching for release.
He gave strangled half moan and muttered, "Damn, you're so tight."
Lucy found the corners of her mouth lifting as she murmured, "I'm not breakable you know."
It had been a long time since anyone had really appreciated her sexual prowesses. It felt amazingly good knowing someone thought she was sexy and hot even if it was a stranger. He got the hint. The pace picked up, her body teetering on the edge of release. Part of her wanted to hold on to this perfect edge, the sensations strong and overwhelming. She was greedy though. His teeth nipped at her earlobe, the suddenly pulsing pain sending white-hot sparks down her spine. Her body shuddered and trembled through wave after wave of release. Wow.
"Shit, Lucy." She saw those gorgeous eyes fixed on her, fairly burning a hole in her body. She felt him let go, the sound of her name flooding the room again. It ought to be illegal the way he said it. All the emphasis on the first part so it came out like "Luce".
He collapsed against her, just as spent as she. She suddenly felt embarrassed. She was supposed to leave now, wasn't she? She was entirely too comfortable. It was a warm night and her body was so relaxed she couldn't suppress the desire to close her eyes. She was exhausted, all her limbs like water and she was in no position to drive. She hadn't drunk enough alcohol to be drunk but if having the best sex she'd had in years counted then she was completely drunk.
She obviously fell asleep because she woke up a few hours later, cold and confused. She started to get up. It was time to go. This wasn't about emotions or feelings. Sure, it had been great but it was time to leave before she started thinking too much. She started to untangle herself from Wyatt when he woke up. His eyes met her, suddenly panicked and for a second, something seemed to click. Then he smiled, a sleepy, endearing smile, "Where are you going, Babydoll?"
Lucy started. She never let people call her names like that. It was demeaning. But his unfocused look made her wonder if for a moment he was thinking of his dead wife. It didn't sound demeaning. "I don't know." She murmured. It hadn't been what she'd expected.
"Then don't." His hand snaked up her back, drawing teasing circles up and down. She found herself melting. What was he doing to her? Drugging her? Hypnotizing her? It felt like that. Lucy didn't normally act that way. She was a rational person.
"I guess I could stay a little longer."
The touch of his mouth electrified her. This time it was like someone lit a match under them. One moment they were languidly kissing, the next she was pressed against the bed, hands digging into the loose covers to keep from making enough noise to wake the neighbors. His body covered hers, the warm weight enough to swallow her up, but the look in his eyes was so potent she felt already consumed. She had to close her eyes. Looking into his was way too intimate. It reminded her that this was just a temporary thing. But oh…if it was just once it was worth it.
He took his time. Lucy was too insecure to possibly direct anything. She was completely out of her element. She couldn't pinpoint why this was so different but it felt like that. It scared the hell out of her. His lips skimmed across her stomach and then lower. She was definitely embarrassed at the loud squeaking sound that came out of her mouth as he found his destination. She bit down on her lip to stop it.
"Don't stop on my account," His eyes were fixed on hers and she nearly lost it because normally smugness did nothing for her. But there was something overpoweringly hot about this moment that she didn't know what to do.
"Who said anything about you?" She shot back, eyes rolling back.
"Then you. Wanna bet you won't be able to stop?" His challenge sent her reeling. She wasn't up to this competition.
"Fine." Lucy wasn't actually angry. She wished she was. He was right. With every swipe of his tongue, she was coming unglued, sounds escaping from her mouth as she slid off another peak.
"It's your neighbors, not mine." She looked up as he sat up.
"I don't care." The fierceness in his tone made her grin.
"Well, then, neither do I." Lucy pushed him down moving to straddle him. Insecurity had vanished. She was going to put this cocky bastard in his place. Yeah, the pun was a little awkward but she wasn't exactly composing an essay right now. His eyes flickered closed, smirk falling right off as she abruptly sank down.
"Who's worried about waking the neighbors?" Lucy found a grin come to her own face. He wasn't expecting this.
" I don't care." The words came out in a rush, warmth flooding her that had nothing to do with the fact that she was succeeding in pushing him to just the same height of insanity he'd pushed her to.
Lucy collapsed on top of him, eyes closing as she panted out the only words she could think of, "Holy shit."
He laughed, a little startled himself, "Damn straight."
She pulled away and laid down, sleep pulling at her. She couldn't fall asleep. She had to wait until he did and then she'd slip away. It was nearly morning anyway. She ended up dozing for an hour and then startled awake. Time to go. She gathered her clothing up from the floor, slipping into the bathroom long enough to rinse her mouth out and splash some water on her face. She put on her jeans and shoes but realized belatedly she needed her blouse. Carefully studying the lay of the land she tiptoed out and into the living room. Her blouse lay in a tangled heap on the floor, a testament to the passionate night she'd just had. Lucy grinned and found a pad of paper by the kitchen. "Wyatt, I had an amazing time. Thank you for inviting me. It was nice talking to you. Lucy."
It was probably the most awkward note she'd ever written. But since she wasn't seeing him again she wasn't too worried. He didn't think about her any more than she would him. Placing the note on his bedside table she grabbed her purse and slipped out the door.
It was a little frightening to think of leaving when everything in her wanted to stay. Forcing herself to walk calmly the few blocks to her car she pushed any sentimental feelings aside. That had been fun. And it was over.
"So you had a good night?" Amy's squeal of excitement made her blush.
"Yeah, I did." Lucy sank down at the kitchen table, barely able to get her hands washed before she was inhaling Amy's eggs and bacon.
"Someone didn't come home last night. Please tell me it wasn't Justin." Amy pushed orange juice over and Lucy gulped it down. She was starved.
"No, it wasn't," Lucy replied.
"Someone, I know?" Amy frowned.
"Someone neither of us knows," Lucy answered. Her sister's mouth dropped open.
"Lucy Preston, you had a one night hook up with a stranger." Amy's grin made her flush.
"Yeah, I did." Lucy fiddled with her toast.
"And…" Amy prompted.
"It was amazing." Lucy shrugged and smiled. "I might be just really bad a picking men but I haven't had such a good time in probably years."
"That's because you pick selfish pricks Mom likes. You had fun last night because you picked the guy. And you didn't worry about whether he knew when the Civil War started." Amy shook her head. "Lucy, you deserve someone you like and it doesn't matter what mom thinks. You know mom never approves of anyone she doesn't select. So start making your own choices."
"I did. And it felt good. Maybe I should." Lucy was always grateful to her sister for pushing her away from safety and towards independence.
"Was he hot?" Amy's conspiratorial grin lit her face.
"Very," Lucy couldn't help grinning back.
"He's about my age, blue-eyed, dark-haired, and really well built. In the Army." Lucy confessed.
"Damn, Lucy. I'm so proud of you. Cause my sister never would have gone for that kind." Amy high fived her and then added, "Enough talk about guys. Don't want to ruin the Bechdel test."
Maybe her sister was right. Maybe she needed to take a few risks. Date someone her mother wouldn't approve of. Eat at a different sort of restaurant. Go to other places. Make new friends. Maybe this was the start of something new.

Present:

As Lucy entered the house she received the greatest shock of her life. Her sister was gone. Her mother was well. And Garcia Flynn had just jumped again. She was surprised when Wyatt defended her against Agent Christopher and promised he'd help her get her sister back. He forced her to reevaluate her views on history talking about his wife and her sister. Despite their differences, Lucy realized she respected him. As he held her hand in his as they came back to the present she realized that this whole thing could hurt her royally. He was the kind of guy she could fall for. And she couldn't do that. Not with his dead wife lingering in the wings.
That was confirmed when he tried sending a telegraph to Jessica. Lucy's heart ached but she felt powerless to help. Fate was playing them all a poor hand. When Judith Butler asked if they were sleeping together Lucy felt her face flush. Judith laughed conspiratorially and Lucy ended up admiring they had, once.
"Was it good?" Judith asked.
"Very good," Lucy admitted. The other woman grinned and their conversation ended up being more than memorable. It was nice to admit it to someone other than Amy.
Meeting Ian Flemming and having him flirt with her was flattering but Lucy was oddly unmoved. Maybe the remembrance of her conversation with Wyatt where he helped her overcome her crippling fear affected her more than she'd realized.
It wasn't until the moment where she was clinging to him with her hands pressed against his face begging him to go with her that she realized that thing she'd feared had come true. She'd fallen for him for sure. Hadn't it been an inevitable thing the moment she'd rediscovered him in the Mason waiting room? She knew what his apartment looked like, she knew the sound of his voice when it was low and hushed with desire, she knew what those scars on his torso looked like. And the idea that she'd never know anything more than that made her heartache. He might be all Jessica's but somehow he'd become all hers. When he agreed to run with her heart leaped. She'd saved him.
Then Wyatt got mad at her and Rufus over her hiding the journal and Rufus's recordings. Lucy's emotions took a beating over the next few days as she struggled with the words Flynn had used to describe it. What had that man meant by saying she'd understand Rittenhouse in a few months? That soon she'd have something to fight for. Wyatt's anger was too much on top of the guilt.
Nausea started a few weeks later. At first, it was easy to pass off as a flu bug but then her period didn't come around for the second month. Lucy felt a wave of panic settle in her bones. She wasn't pregnant. No, she was definitely not pregnant. She was on the pill and they'd used protection. Lucy knew that it wasn't foolproof. She'd been on antibiotics only a few days before that night and it lowered the efficacy of the pill. Still, they had used protection. Whatever this was was just a fluke. Nothing serious. Nothing as life-altering as a pregnancy.
She wasn't pregnant. Lucy felt sure of it. Lucy straightened her shoulders and forced herself forward. She went on an awkward date with Noah in an attempt to pretend she was perfectly fine. Noah was kind of sweet but she felt absolutely nothing at his perfunctory goodbye kiss. It was a pity. She wanted to feel something for him. Because it would be so much easier.
Then she and Wyatt were playing lovers in Bonnie and Clyde's home and suddenly he was kissing her. And the memories flowed like water between them. Fire would have been a more apt comparison. Her attraction to him could be controlled by pretending that she found him annoying. But the truth was it was taking everything in her not to press his face closer, lose herself in this kiss. It felt different from their other kisses on that memorable night. This felt soft and tender, a kiss of familiarity between two people who kissed so often it didn't require a refresher. It felt more intimate than anything they'd done that night. Lucy saw the look on Wyatt's face. The way his eyes widened, a startled look on his face. He hadn't been expecting to feel anything but attraction either.
"Well, hot damn. True love then." Clyde said. Lucy picked up her glass and swallowed feeling Wyatt's eyes on her. It was torture sitting practically in his lap, hand on her thigh as she tried to stay present on the mission. It didn't matter how stupid it was for her to have fallen so quickly for the worst sort of guy for her, it was true and no use denying it. She wanted him to kiss her, to drag her to the nearest horizontal surface for a reprisal of their one night together but she wanted so much more. She wanted him to think of her more than a drunken one night stand, an inconvenient secret he was trying to hide. She wanted a real relationship but the closest thing to that was going to be this moment.
Later, as they lay all too close on a tiny bed not designed for two, Lucy tried collecting her scattered thoughts. "I believe in sparks, chemistry, attraction, but that lightning bolt, I can't believe that. I mean what's the odds of two people meeting in the whole world? I mean, what if you lose them? Does that mean you have to spend the rest of your life alone? I think you, me, anyone should be open to the possibilities."
His eyes widened slightly as she spoke. He shifted away from her a little and said, "It happened to me. So yeah, I believe in it."
Jessica, of course. Lucy's heartfelt wrenched as she tried regaining control of her breath. His eyes traced her face, lingering on her lips as she found herself doing the same. They were doing this knowing exactly who they were. They were friends, this wasn't a casual fling, at least not to her. Warmth pooled in her stomach. His hand trailed up her arm before burying itself in her hair. "Have you broken up with Noah?"
"No," Lucy murmured. Damn him. Why did he have to bring up Noah? She didn't give a damn right now. Noah was a complete stranger to her. And one she found all too scary. He was sweet but reminded her of the line of nice normal guys her mother set her up with.
"It's a pity." His voice shook slightly. Lucy was on the verge of throwing caution to the winds and telling him she didn't care about Noah. She didn't. Clyde started snoring and Wyatt sat up so quickly it was as if she'd sparked him.
Later that day she found Wyatt waiting for her outside the dressing room. He looked nervous and she flushed, realizing they'd never actually talked about the "incident". "Listen, I'm sorry I sprung that kiss on you. I just saw Clyde looking suspicious so I had to do something."
"I totally understand," Lucy replied.
"Nobody knows about the other night." Wyatt looked around and Lucy shook her head.
"No, no one knows," she replied. It was sad that he felt so desperate to hide it.
"Cause I think that should remain our secret for a while." He grinned at her. Lucy started.
"Yeah, about that. I mean it was umm…fun…but I totally know it was just a casual thing and I hope that doesn't interfere with us working together." Lucy felt the words come out in a rush. She needed to say it and be the rational, grown-up who dealt with her issues.
"Yeah, no of course not," Wyatt spoke easily but from the way he was looking at her she felt like it might be a problem. Sooner or later someone was going to suspect. Lucy tried not thinking about missed periods and nausea and all that. She wasn't pregnant. Absolutely not.
She went home and called Noah and had an uneventful evening with him that left her sadder than ever. She had a sudden impulse to try to get him to stay with her that way if she was pregnant she could claim to herself that the baby was Noah's. The moment the thought entered her mind she was thoroughly disgusted with herself. The fact that she'd even contemplate doing that made her a horrible person. She wasn't pregnant so she didn't have to worry about it.
After the mission to kill Jesse James Lucy went home and laid down. Her dream of Amy haunted her. Amy should be here, beside her. Amy would know what to do. If Lucy really was pregnant. It was abundantly clear now that she was. And Lucy couldn't deny it any longer. Somehow whatever protection they'd used had failed. And she was pregnant with Wyatt Logan's kid. A man who was still more than hung up on his wife's death. She'd been nothing but a fling and now she'd have to suffer the consequences.
With trembling hands she dialed Jiya. "Could you come over?" She pleaded.
Lucy was so glad her mother was gone on a week-long conference as she went to the local pharmacy and bought a pregnancy test. Throwing it on the table she waited for Jiya.
"Hey, are you ok?" Jiya's face paled as she saw the box on the table.
"No, I'm not ok," Lucy said frantically. Her stomach was doing knots as she stood there.
"Ok, Lucy. Take a deep breath. You think you might be pregnant?" Jiya's voice was soothing and her hand on her shoulder helped anchor Lucy back to the present.
"I know I'm pregnant. I've known for about two months." Lucy paused and looked into Jiya's face. "I just need the test to confirm what I already know."
"Ok," Jiya's voice was calm as she added, "Do you know the father? Do you think he will be interested in knowing?"
"Yeah, I know the father." Lucy said hysterically, "I work with him."
"Oh," Jiya said. She jumped back a little.
"Dear God, Jiya. It's not Rufus." Lucy almost started laughing at the idea.
"I know. It's Wyatt, isn't it?" Jiya's perception surprised Lucy.
"How did you know?" Lucy wheeled on Jiya.
"Well, you two have this vibe going on. Sexual tension through the kazoo. I didn't know you'd acted on it though." Jiya led her over to a chair and sat her down.
"It happened before we met at Mason Industry. It was just a one night stand. We met at a bar. One week before we started this whole thing. And yeah, we used protection. I guess it wasn't enough. I honestly don't know what happened." Lucy brushed tears from her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Wow." Jiya was silent for a moment. "And from your reaction, you don't want to tell him?"
"He's made it abundantly clear that he never wanted a kid. Not even with Jessica who was the love of his life. I am just a woman he had a fling with. And his coworker and kind of friend. I know him though. The minute I say anything to him he'll stand by me. But I'm not going to ruin his life because of this." Lucy closed her eyes. She knew Wyatt wouldn't get mad at her. It would devastate him. But he'd stand by her. That wasn't the point.
"What about you? Do you want a baby?" Jiya's voice was soft as she hugged Lucy.
"I don't know. Up until we got trapped in the 18th century I didn't. Then I thought about how I might not ever have a child of my own because I was going to die. I was still in major denial about being pregnant. And I suddenly wanted a kid more than anything. And now…I want this baby." Lucy found herself sitting up. "I mean I might never get this opportunity again. I'm not getting any younger."
"Ok, then. There are options, Lucy. Even if you're too far along for an abortion there is adoptions and other stuff. If you don't want to keep this baby you don't have to." Jiya went on. "But since you do want to keep them then I think the only thing you should do is get yourself checked out and then tell Wyatt."
Lucy nodded. "Ok. What will time travel do to me?"
It had never occurred to her that she was putting a baby at risk. Maybe because she'd been so sure she wasn't pregnant. She'd spent so much time in straight up denial that now she was flabbergasted at the idea. "We don't know. We've never tested a pregnant woman in the time machine."
"I need to see a doctor." Lucy's panic returned full force.
"Ok, hold on. I'll call Dr. Martin at Mason and we'll go there. It's basically closed except for people working the night shift but they have a dr on call 24/7. She'll look you over." Jiya called the Dr. while steering Lucy to the door, picking up the pregnancy tests along the way.

Two hours and numerous tests later Dr. Martin came back into the room. "You are pregnant, Ms. Preston. Almost 12 weeks along. Your baby seems in good health although on the smaller size. I don't think that's a problem as you are somewhat petite yourself and babies have a tendency to grow rapidly later on in the pregnancy."
"Is the time travel thing going to be a problem?" Lucy asked.
"I can't sign off on that. I have no clue what effect it will have on either you or the baby. So far I don't see any signs of harm but it's too soon to know." Dr. Martin's words chilled Lucy.
"Well, I guess in that case I'll have to tell Christopher." Lucy knew Agent Christopher would be understanding. She'd probably assume Lucy was pregnant with Noah's child. It would all be very sweet. And totally a lie.
Jiya drove Lucy home. "Do you want me to spend the night?" she asked.
"No, I need to be alone. Take some time to think." Lucy smiled at Jiya. "Thank you for being there for me."
"Any time. And Lucy, you're not alone. Regardless of what happens with Wyatt, you are completely and totally supported. I know Rufus will say the same. We've got your back." Lucy nodded.
She supposed going to sleep was pointless. It was almost five in the morning. Blearily she made tea. A knock at the door startled her out of her anxious musing. Was it Jiya coming over to check on her? Rufus? Lucy opened it to find Wyatt on the other end. He looked shocked to see her up.
"You're up this early?" He asked.
"I had to see the doctor," Lucy admitted. She'd be on medical leave soon. Wyatt and everyone else might as well know.
"You're sick?" His voice was soft and gentle as he came closer and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I didn't pass medical clearance," she admitted.
"Oh, Lucy." His face looked pained as he stood there. "Then in that case," He started to leave.
"Wait," Lucy stopped him. "Why did you come here?"
"I'm stealing the Lifeboat to get Jessica back." His voice was firm but his eyes looked anguished. Lucy sank down on the steps. If Wyatt went to get Jessica this baby growing inside of her would cease to exist. What's more is that she'd never even remember it. Never remember her baby's conception. Never remember she was ever pregnant. Lucy knew all she had to do was say one word about the baby. He wouldn't go. But she couldn't do it. She refused to sacrifice Jessica for a baby that would simply be erased. Maybe that made her a bad person, a bad mother, but she couldn't do it.
"This is crazy." Lucy felt the sobs shake her. She hated the idea she'd gotten so attached to Wyatt. That somehow out of all the men she could have ended up getting pregnant by he had to be the one.
"Ok, what do you need me to do? Just wait for me to get dressed."
"You're not going. I mean you didn't pass medical. And even if you didn't you need to be there so that Christopher is in your corner. So you can get Amy back." Lucy couldn't stop crying. These pregnancy hormones were making her crazy. And well, she might as well enjoy them because she wouldn't be pregnant much longer.
"What do you need me to do?" Lucy asked.
"Give me twenty minutes. Then call Christopher." Wyatt closed his eyes. "Thank you, Lucy."
She stood up and straightened his collar. "I hope you succeed."
His eyes looked into hers. He didn't look happy. "Is there something you aren't telling me? You don't have cancer or something?"
"No, it's not serious. Just annoying. Not life-threatening." Lucy smiled.
"Goodbye, ma'am." His eyes locked on hers. She remembered so many times they'd been together. That night when her baby had been conceived. The countless missions. All the times he'd saved her life. All the times they'd argued and sparred. All of it would be erased. She'd never have met him. Or if she had their relationship would be radically different. A happy husband married to a devoted wife wouldn't be looking at his coworker. Except he'd have those memories even if she didn't. It wouldn't matter. It had been nothing but a fling to him.
"Goodbye, Wyatt." She closed her eyes. She couldn't watch him walk away.

Jiya was livid when she realized Lucy had known that Wyatt was going and had done nothing to stop it. "I can't believe you're doing this."
"It's fine. I mean it's not like I'll remember anything." Lucy replied. "Just a couple of hours of hell and then poof. No baby, no inconvenience." She was aware her voice sounded anything but fine. She was anything but fine.
"Lucy, if Wyatt knew you were pregnant and didn't tell he'd be furious. You know he would." Jiya started crying herself. "I just can't imagine what you must be feeling."
"Like hell," Lucy admitted. She couldn't stop crying.

Wyatt and Rufus were dragged off the Lifeboat. Lucy stood there and kept crying. Her baby was safe. Jessica was still dead. She was still very much pregnant. And she still had to tell Wyatt. Well, he would probably be spending the rest of the foreseeable future in jail so it wasn't like he'd be involved in her child's life. She'd be fine. Maybe she didn't need to tell him. It wasn't like he could help her.
Christopher sent Bam Bam and Rufus on the mission, Lucy carefully briefing them on history. The military analyst Homeland had brought in had been a history major years ago and was fairly decent. Lucy supposed she hadn't used her history major in the last twenty years.
"Wyatt," her voice softened in the darkness of the dark site Christopher had arranged for them to meet. "Are you there?"
He emerged out of the darkness, dressed in black and looking so disconsolate it broke her heart. "Lucy,"
His arms wrapped around her and she held on for dear life. It was these hugs that reminded her that he was far more to her than that guy she'd hooked up with. He was her friend, the man she'd come to love.
"Jessica's still gone." She whispered. He nodded.
"I failed." His voice sounded defeated.
"I'm sorry." Lucy brushed a tear back from her eyes. His hands fell against her stomach. She jerked back. Recently she'd started showing. If she wore loose fitting clothes it wasn't too noticeable but her clothing wasn't loose enough. His eyes drifted downward. She put her arms across her stomach realizing too late the gesture was telling. His eyes met hers.
"What didn't you tell me?" The sudden ice in his tone made her wince. "I asked you if there was something you didn't tell me."
"I didn't want to worry you." Lucy stepped back again. "I just found out the night you took the Lifeboat."
"Is it Noah's?" His voice cut right through the noise in her head.
"No," Lucy confessed.
"Then what the hell were you thinking? Letting me take that thing out knowing you'd erase the baby. What were you thinking? I was suspicious when you started getting sick all the time. But I kept thinking you wouldn't keep time traveling if you really were pregnant. Do you really not want to be pregnant that much? I mean, hell, this isn't planned and you have a life and…" He was working himself into a fervor, running his fingers through his hair and pacing around.
"It's not like that. If Jessica had come back I wouldn't have remembered anything. I wouldn't have ever been pregnant. So I guess I thought it wouldn't matter. It's all fate. Amy getting erased. All of it." Lucy brushed her tears away again.
"Maybe that's true for you. But I'd… I'd have woken up one day realizing you'd lied to me. And then…" His voice got lower. "That'd break my heart."
"Well, at least you wouldn't have to feel like the person who stops someone from getting the love of their life back because they got knocked up. I don't need you, Wyatt. I mean, I don't need the money or support or anything like that. If you want to be in the baby's life then great. But I'm not dependent on you. And I was prepared to let this go because I don't believe in standing in the way of other people's happiness." Lucy felt frustration rise.
"You never could." Lucy was trying to understand what that cryptic comment meant when Christopher phoned.
"I have to go." She stepped back seeing him visibly deflate.
"Promise me you won't do anything stupid." He said.
Lucy laughed, "Said the most reckless person ever."
"It takes one to know one."

Author's Note: I know this particular story is really rough. I'm really sick with a cold right now and I'm exhausted but I wanted to fulfill the prompt so I decided to just go for it. I may edit it later but I hope you enjoy this very rough version. It's way steamier than I normally write and I'm ace spec so it's really hard to write a one-night stand relationship. I'm trying to experiment with different things. I'm was trying to fulfill a prompt I saw on Tumblr. "One Night Stand and Falling Pregnant AU". There will be another part so stay tuned.
I'm really sorry for the typos, grammar mistakes, and general horribleness but my head is killing me right now.
Also, I have no clue the timeline for Season 1 so in my story, you can assume that it took about 3 months from the Pilot to Episode 13. I think in actuality it took much longer. But hey, Timeless writers thought Jessica could be pregnant and know it in three weeks. Also, don't time travel when pregnant. Poor Lucy is in such denial and she's so self-sacrificing she is willing to erase her own kid (I think the main reason is she knew she was the product of an affair. I don't think she wanted a baby that had a father that was forced into choosing between his dead wife and a baby with a woman he wasn't in love with. She's trying to protect both herself and the baby in as weird a way as that may seem. Obviously, she's not thinking very clearly.)

Also if you're guessing Wyatt is mad at her for hiding the truth, you guessed right.