Title: Something Worthwhile
author: Cindy Ryan
Notes and summary: See part one
Lucy awoke slowly. Every part of her hurt but she guessed that was a good thing. It meant she was alive. It seemed to take three times the energy it should but Lucy opened her eyes. She was in a hospital room dim sunlight streamed in the window. Turning to the right Lucy saw Tim slumped in a chair two sizes too small for him. He was in a rumpled uniform and a hint of beard was starting to show in his handsome face. How long had she been out?
"Tim?"Lucy called.
Her voice was barely audible to her own ears. Lucy swallowed and tried again. Tim opened his eyes and smiled leaning forward.
"How are you feeling?"Tim asked as he took her hand in his.
"Like I got hit by a truck."Lucy replied.
"After affects of the vest."Tim said his voice strained and hoarse."It did it's job, Thank God."
Lucy squeezed his hand.
"I'll get the doctor."Tim said as he started to stand.
"Not yet. Tell me what happened. I don't remember much after hitting the water."Lucy said.
"You scared me."Tim replied as he kissed her hand."You cut your leg when you fell. Your femoral artery was damaged."
"You pulled me out."Lucy guessed.
"Yeah."Tim said with a nod. "After I shot the bastard."
"He's dead?"Lucy asked quietly.
"In surgery."Tim said with a sigh."He should be in the morgue."
"Tim."Lucy admonished.
"If you hadn't made it; that's where he would be."Tim stated matter-of-factly as he leaned in to kiss Lucy. "I'll get the doctor."
Lucy watched him go as she rested her head back against the pillow. Tim had shot a man then jumped into the water after her all in a short span of time. She knew it was what cops were trained for. Still when you put a personal spin on it...Lucy sighed wearily and shut her eyes. Maybe she did have her own knight in shining armor with a few mental rough edges.
The next few days were a blur for Tim. He gave his statement to IA and began the other processes to return to duty. Forty-eight hours after being admitted Lucy was released. Tim got her settled in her apartment. The doctors said everything was healing as it should. The bruised ribs would just take time. Tim knew from personal experience how painful those could be.
Now the day after Lucy was brought home Tim came by with the pre-arranged take out dinner. He used his key and shouldered open the front door. He found Lucy stretched out on the sofa, the flat screen tv on to a comedy movie that Tim couldn't place the name of at the moment.
"Hi."Tim said as he kicked the door shut. "How are you feeling?"
"Bored."Lucy replied with a smile as she eased herself into a sitting position.
"First sign of a recovery."Tim quipped as he leaned in to kiss her. "Ready for dinner?"
"Starved."Lucy commented.
"Good, so am I."Tim stated as he set the bag of food on the coffee table."Desk duty boredom works up an appetite."
"You'll be back on the streets soon."Lucy soothed.
"Yeah, I know."Tim replied as he grabbed two plates, silverware and two bottles of water from the kitchen and returned to the living room. "I just hate sitting there counting the hours until the shift's done."
"On the bright side you're on tme for dinner."Lucy said with a smile.
"True."Tim agreed as he kissed her once more.
When they broke apart and began dividing the food Tim wasn't taking the moment for granted. Things could've gone tragically different this week. Tim was grateful they hadn't.