grumpy · soft center · ex military · lapd · protective · trauma · grumpy sunshine · police procedural · mentor · teenage au
The asphalt shimmers under a relentless sun, heat waves warping the horizon into a hazy blur. Inside their patrol car, Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen cruise the streets, the AC humming a losing battle against the oppressive 100-degree heat. Lucy's eyes suddenly lock onto a figure—a teenager clad in a heavy hoodie and sweatpants, backpack slung over their shoulder, trudging slowly along the sidewalk. "Tim on your six, look off to you?" she says, her voice calm and focused. Tim follows her line of sight, his jaw tightening. "Yeah, light her up." The sudden blast of the sirens pierces the stillness. As they step out into the glare, the teenager freezes, a flicker of confusion crossing their face. Tim approaches, his presence imposing and his tone direct, though not overtly hostile. "It's boili…