Lucy Carlyle had never really been one for romance.

She didn't have the time, or the want. She was never approached by her peers, and she didn't really care all that much.

But her life has changed a lot in the last few months. Her best friend ghost-locked, running away from home, joining an adolescent run agency, nearly dying a couple hundred times.

Where did that leave her? Sitting at a kitchen table with a burnt piece of toast and a cup of coffee, at two in the morning.

It's been almost a week since the Bone glass was destroyed, and things are quiet. Barnes wants them to stay on the down low until they have all the legal stuff checked off (and someone heals from being bloody shot) so Lockwood and Co. have been taking a bit of a break.

But apparently to George, that means it's time to go haywire on researching cases.

Lucy sighs, turning the newspaper over in her hands.

She raises her head from the paper when she hears uneven steps entering the room.

"Hi," she says to Lockwood as he limps in the doorway. She knows it's still incredibly painful for him to walk, but he gives her a smile. Lucy likes his smile.

"Hey Luce," he says grunting, plopping down clumsily on the chair at the opposing side of the table. He peers over at the articles in her hands. "What's that?"

"I don't even know anymore," she drops the papers onto the table, and picks up her mug. Lockwood chuckles lightly, only to claw at his shoulder. Lucy hates seeing him like this. "How are you feeling?" she asks, already knowing his answer.

Fine.

"Fine."

She sighs. "You're going to have to talk to me about it at some point," she says soberly. Sure, Lockewood has opened up to George and her a little, finally revealing what lies behind the mysterious closed door of their home. But that was about it. Everytime theory asked how he was feeling- he responded the same. He still had this shell of armor surrounding every emotion he feels, and Lucy's beginning to have a hard time not taking his shut-offness personally.

Lockwood looks down at her coffee, up at her, then back down again. "I'm sorry."

She immediately feels guilty. "Don't be sorry Lockwood. Just- just talk to me."

Her eyes begin to well up. It's stupid, and she knows it, to be so hurt over the whole situation. But she cared about the bloke so, so, much. And after everything they've been through together- why is she still not enough?

Lucy feels her overbearing emotion pouring out. Lockwood looks up at her, his eyebrows tugged together like a puppy.

"Luce-"

"I'm sorry, I'm being a baby I know, But-"

Lockwood slowly gets up, like he can't help but be pulled to her. Even though he can barely walk on his own, he's getting up to comfort the pitiful being before him. That's just who he is.

He brings a chair closer, just at her side, and sits down slowly. With his free hand, he reaches out for her. Lucy grapples onto him, her lifeline, placing their hands together on her lap. She doesn't let her tears spill, but her face twists in pain.

"I just- you trust me, right? You know you can tell me anything? Because I-"

Lockwood looks at her with such emotion- upset and terrified. Lucy wants to be the one to bear his emotions with him. To tell him it's alright and hold out her hand and make him feel loved.

"No,no. It's not you Lucy- I-"

She squeezes his hand, a silent prayer for him to continue.

"I've been on my own for so long," he says. The darkness of the night and the small dim of light from the kitchen makes his eyes shine, like two moons. "I don't know how to talk to people about this stuff. It's- It's my burden to carry. You and George ave your own problems and-"

A bittersweet relief floods through Lucy, her eyes roaming his. "Lockwood, we ask because we want to help you." She feels more at ease- light. "I know, but-"

"Obviously you don't," Lucy says, not even caring about interrupting him. She continues when a hurt expression grows on Lockwoods face.

"I love you, Lockwood."

The confession seems almost out of place, but it's worth the look on Lockwoods face. His face scrunches again, confused.

"I love you," Lucy continues, "And so does George and Flo. You take care of us. We're here to return the favor."

Lockwoods lips quirk, his eyes shining. She knows he wants to argue that he's fine, and that he doesn't need help. But he also knows that Lucy wont take that shit.

He takes in a breath, like he's preparing himself for something risky. Lucy tries to read his mind through his touch. She wants to hear everything he ever has to say, no matter how stupid or small. She wants to feel him and be with him and breathe him. No matter where she is, Lucy wants to be with Lockwood.

Lockwood keeps his eyes on hers, but lifts his hand from her lap. His calloused fingers brush up hers, past her hand and up her forearm, until it reaches her neck. He cradles her face in his hand.

Lucy's heartbeat fastens, but she feels calm. Like she's finally home.

"I love you."

He says it so quietly a part of Lucy thinks she might have imagined it. But she knows it's real when Lockwood is still looking at her, with those eyes. Like she's the most precious thing he's ever held.

She could get used to him looking at her like that.

He inches closer. "More than you know," he continues. So close she can feel his breath fan out on her face. Lucy's hands finally leave her space to enter Lockwoods, cupping the back of his neck.

"I'm not so sure about that," she whispers, and then she pulls him to her.

His lips are cold on hers, but ever so soft. His thumb strokes her cheek lovingly, and Lucy can feel him smile into her.

The kiss is short, closed-mouthed, but full of emotion. When Lucy pulls away, she's still so close to Lockwood that his eyes cross so he can look at her. She brings her hands up to his cheeks, and he drops his to her knee.

"Promise me you're not going to keep anything from me," she says. There is a small smile on her face but her tone is serious. Lockwood nods, before resting his forehead on hers. "I promise." he smiles before pecking her lightly on the nose.

Yeah, they still have a lot to work through, and Lockwood still has a bullet hole in his shoulder, but Lucy has a feeling things are going to be okay.

They have each other, so they'll be just fine.