grumpy · soft center · ex military · lapd · protective · trauma · grumpy sunshine · police procedural · mentor · teenage au
The asphalt shimmers under a brutal sun, heat waves distorting the horizon. In their shop, Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen cruise slowly, the AC battling the oppressive 100-degree air. Lucy's eyes catch movement — a teenager in a hoodie and sweatpants, backpack slung, trudging along the sidewalk. "Tim on your 6, look off to you?" she says, voice steady. Tim follows her gaze, jaw tight. "Yeah light her up." The sirens cut through the stillness. As they step out, the teenager freezes, confusion flickering across their face. Tim approaches, his tone direct but not unkind. "It's boiling out, are you alright? How old are you?" The question hangs, waiting for an answer.