main
side
curve
  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE
In Memoriam: LAJ_FETT RIP James Earl Jones

Story [The Rookie] Powder Burn (Tim Bradford introspection - light angst)

Discussion in 'Non Star Wars Fan Fiction' started by brodiew, Jun 17, 2021.

  1. brodiew

    brodiew Force Ghost star 5

    Registered:
    Oct 11, 2005
    A/N: I am not at all sure of this, but here goes. This is my first introspection piece for officer Tim Bradford of The Rookie. It explore is denial of feeling for Officer Lucy Chen. I have not boarded the 'ship yet but I suspect that is imminent. I hope you enjoy this smattering of light angst.

    Tag to Season 3 episode what ever @Mira_Jade says it is. :p I looked but forgot the A story in the episode.

    Powder Burn

    It had not been long since you wiped the powder from your face, giving Lucy the stolid, yet accepting nod of approval at her prank. Again she wanted you see that the was unpredictable, clever, able to keep a secret. You may have huffed in humor, allowing only the barest curl at the edges of your lips, but denying a smile. You are proud of her. It's not just her skillful act of doubting her ability to be an undercover agent. She's good. Real good. You being you, wouldn't gush. Couldn't. The reason her ruse had worked so well was because you believed it. You don't think she's ready. You don't know If she'll ever be ready for that kind of work. You are proud of her. She's good. You don't want to doubt her. You hate that you do. You hate it so much you want break something. What is the doubt about? Do you truly doubt that she can do it or are you more worried about her safety? She's your boot. Not your friend. Not your girlfriend. Is that what you want? Chen to be your girlfriend? Even in your thoughts, she's not Lucy. You've never felt this way about a boot before. You never should have. But, whatever it is you are feeling, you haven't felt it since the early days with Isabel. For all her rough edges, Isabel burned hotly. Your arguments were volcanic. The sex was electric. But most of all Isabel saw you. She loved She knew you. Until she started to love something else more.

    Does Lucy know you? There she is. I knew Lucy was in there somewhere. You are hiding her, aren't you? Can you really hide something like this from yourself. It's denial. It's that river in Egypt that sweeps Lucy down stream while keeping Officer Chen in place. Do you want Lucy to know you? No. Yes. It itches, though. Burns as you ignore It.

    What you can't ignore is that though Isabel burned hotly, Lucy burns brightly.

    Is this about you being a hypocrite? Warning her off of Nolan three years ago only to fall for her yourself? Tim Bradford is no hypocrite, right? Your reputation is more important than almost anything, right? Is it more important than ChenLucyChenLucy?

    Sitting in your car you can still feel the film of powder on your face. As you stare at the opposite row of cars in the parking garage, you see the joy in Lucy's face as her gift exploded; the pride of proving herself to you. And, the anticipation you rewarding her. You gave it to her. But you gave it to Chen. Lucy expects more. Lucy wants more. You know it. You think you want more, but won't let yourself know it.
     
    Last edited: Jun 17, 2021
    brodiew, Jun 17, 2021
    #1
    Mira_Jade likes this.
  2. Mira_Jade

    Mira_Jade The (FavoriteTM) Fanfic Mod With the Cape star 5 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Jun 29, 2004
    Oooh, THIS! [face_hypnotized] And who was that saying that they were unsure how to get into Tim's head? As always, I call foul, sir and say yes, yes you can. This felt and sounded right to me. [face_love]

    First of all, what I enjoyed most about this - besides you getting Tim to a T (hee :p) - is the style you chose to write in. The second person POV was a perfect fit. It's disjointed and broken and yet almost run-on in places in a way that cleverly mimics natural introspection - especially introspection that's on the border of understanding something just out of reach. Like an itch. But Tim is a smart man, with great instincts; there's only one direction these thoughts can go once he gives them rein to do so. [face_thinking]

    Ha! I hear the high praise anyway. [face_mischief]

    I LOVED this - how wholly he has separated Officer Chen, his boot and rookie and partner, from Lucy the woman, even that deep down in his thoughts. It's a credit to him; she's under his command - or just recently was, and it's not the right time for anything more, yet soon, yet yet yet -

    - it's great that he quoted that good ol' river Nile without either of us having to, is what I'm basically trying to say. :p [face_mischief]

    Gorgeous! I appreciate how this line is so stark and clearly spoken while the rest of this piece almost seems to wind over and around itself like any true progression of thoughts would. And what a great way to describe both women.

    Even at this point of relative healing, Isabel's presence still lingers. Lucy going into UC work has to sting and bring back old memories. Isabel went too deep undercover, and never came back as herself. It's only natural that Tim has his doubts and fears, but at the end of the day they fade away because Lucy is Lucy. He trusts her, and he knows her mettle.

    Loooooved this! Yep, for all that Officer Chen might be thinking along the exact same lines, with the exact same paddle and rowboat in that good ol' river in Egypt, Lucy knows and wants better. More. Tim knows she does. (AND GAH BUT LUCY IS FINALLY A P2 NOW, AND THAT FINALE TEASED MY SHIPPER'S HEART SOMETHING FIERCE, DIDN'T IT??? You know, before everything fell apart. :p) So . . . we'll just have to see what we can see. [face_mischief]

    In the meantime, that's what fanfiction is for. Especially stellar fanfiction like this. [face_love]


    [:D] =D=
     
    Last edited: Jun 18, 2021
    Mira_Jade , Jun 18, 2021
    #2
    brodiew likes this.
  3. pronker

    pronker Force Ghost star 4

    Registered:
    Jan 28, 2007
    Excellent imagery of the 'tide turning,' so to speak.
    She must have been proud to be dramatic like this, sounds like quite an explosion! I'm unfamiliar with the program.
     
    pronker, Jun 18, 2021
    #3
    brodiew likes this.
  4. WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Host of Anagrams & Scattegories; KR Champion star 8 VIP - Game Winner VIP - Game Host

    Registered:
    Aug 31, 2004
    Superb, as this has 2 things I adore, introspection and the You point of view. =D= Very lyrical and realistic ... I think that is the way of all soulmates in progress [face_laugh] ... they burn brightly, yes they do. [face_dancing]
     
    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha , Jun 26, 2021
    #4
    brodiew likes this.