Work Text:
“Okay,” he clenches his jaw and motions towards the couch so they can sit down.
“I think I should start,” she swallows hard and waits for his nod. “From practically the day you could talk you always were a protector. Whether it was Genny falling while learning to walk, you were right there checking her over for any injuries even if she didn’t cry.
Then the first time your dad got drunk and screamed at me, you walked right in to check on me. You were always there to take the blame when he was angry and I shouldn’t have allowed that to happen. You didn’t deserve that, none of us did.”
“Mom…” his voice cracks as he feels tears welling up in his eyes. “That’s what I’m supposed to do, I’m supposed to protect the ones I love.”
“And you did,” she reassures, “but it shouldn’t have ever been your job. You were a kid, kids are supposed to go out, plays sports and ride their bikes with friends, not take hits from their drunk dad just because his mom was a coward and never did anything about it.”
“You’re right,” he mutters, “I have a lot of anger towards you mom. I wish I could just say it’ll magically go away but it’s not going to be that easy.”
She takes a breath, “I know. And that’s not why I came, I don’t expect you to forgive me overnight. Heck, it took me years to forgive myself and thousands of hours of therapy. I’d understand if you don’t want a relationship with me, I won’t lie and say I wouldn’t be hurt but I know you don’t owe me anything.”
He sighs and closes his eyes, “I do want a relationship with you mom, I want you to know about my life and for you to get to know Lucy.”
“She must be pretty special,” the smile on her face grows as his face lights up.
“She is. She’s my everything, the love of my life.”
“Well I’m happy for you, Timmy. You deserve all the love in the world and just from what little I’ve seen and talking to her, I can tell she gives you that. And I’m sure you show her that love right back.”
“I try,” he admits a little quieter than intended, “I mess up a lot, I lost her once and I work hard every day to be the man she deserves.”
“I know it won’t always be easy but I’m looking forward to getting to know you now that you’re a successful adult.”
“I’m looking forward to it too, mom.” She scoots over so she can pull him for a hug, rubbing up and down his back as they hold the embrace for a couple minutes.
“Okay,” she finally says and clears her throat from emotion, “Go get that beautiful girl of yours and I’ll finish up dinner. It should be just about done.”
—
Lucy looks up from her phone when she hears the bedroom door open and smiles as he walks over to the bed.
“So, how’d it go?” She smiles as he leans in to kiss her not once, twice but three times.
“Surprisingly well. I feel a lot lighter,” she can see him finally let out the breath he’s been holding since this morning when he opened the door.
“Good. Would be nice if we could have a relationship with a least one of our parents.”
He nods in full agreement, “C’mon, let’s go have dinner and see what she cooked up.” He pulls her up with him and they make their way out of the room with Kojo right on their heals.
—
“Mrs. Brad— Joy, this is really delicious. Thank you so much for making dinner.”
“Of course, it’s the least I could do for you both. I know I showed up here unexpectedly but I figured it was the only chance to see Tim… and meet you Lucy,” she smiles at them both.
They both share a look and Lucy gives him a nod to say it, “I’m glad you came mom. You’re welcome here anytime, except maybe next time let us know,” he nervously laughs at first and then the two women join him.
After they finished eating, he shoos them both to the couch while he cleans up. He can hear them chatting while he’s washing dishes and he’s pretty sure he’s never felt more healed than in this moment.
Once he’s done and dries his hands, he makes his way into the living room to join them. He sees Lucy has pulled out scrabble and he’s already shaking his head.
“You want to play with us Timmy?” Joy asks as he takes his place next to Lucy.
“Oh no I’m good,” he laughs under his breath, “But I wish you luck, Lucy is crazy competitive.”
“Hush!” She smacks his chest, “Don’t listen to him, he’s just a sore loser.” He scoffs and his mom just laughs watching them bicker like an old married couple.
—
After the game was over, Lucy of course winning, she fell fast asleep on Tim’s chest. He and his mom sat for a while longer chatting and catching up.
She looks at Lucy with a soft smile and back up at Tim, “I’m going to call it a night so you can get her in bed. I’m really happy for you Tim, I can tell how much you both love each other.”
Before she can stand up, “Thank you mom. I’m glad you’re here and that we talked.”
“Me too honey, me too. Good night, I love you,” she walks over to him and kisses his forehead surprising him a little.
She doesn’t assume he’ll say it back so she’s halfway to the guest bedroom when he yells out, “I love you too.”
After she’s disappeared, he looks down at the girl in his arms and smiles. He hates having to wake her up but knows he has to. “Luce, baby, come on get up so we can go to bed.”
“Hmm,” she mumbles with her eyes still closed. “What time is it?”
“Bed time, my love. Come on, up you go.” She whines but stands up anyways and he walks with her, his hand on the small of her back.
Once they’re in bed cuddled up together like always, he presses a kiss to the top of her head. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell her about you. It isn’t because I’m ashamed of you or of us, I just felt like I needed to protect you from her and the woman I remember her being. Turns out I was wrong, I think she likes you more than me,” he jokes and he feels her shaking her head.
“Well, I love you more than anyone,” she says sleepily making him smile even more.
“I love you too Luce. So so much. Go to sleep, I’m not going anywhere.” She drifts off just seconds later still wrapped in his arms.