My Random Fandom Ramblings

Here I share the products of my obsession with various TV shows. Currently, mostly The Rookie + Arrowverse + OUAT + Castle + more!

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Chenford looking at each other with pure adoration season 1-8. In the form of a postcard because 8 letters in Chenford and 8 seasons was just too good of an opportunity to pass on.

Chenford week 2026 Day 10 - Sunday, July 19

“7-A-19” Day! (Anything from S1-S3)

Funny/Crack

Free/Catch-Up Day

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Chenford week 2026 Day 9 - Saturday, July 18

Chenford In the Wild (new location/scenery)

Milestones

This prompt offers the perfect opportunity to share some of the street signs I've come across in my travels that have made me smile each time I pass them and stop and take a picture, at least once.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Chenford week 2026 Day 8 - Friday, July 17

All Things Tim (to celebrate Eric’s birthday!)

Hurt/Comfort and Angst

Season 9 Speculation

Tim's Best Women - A Chenford Fanfic

Tim rolls his eyes as he checks his phone to see the fifth message from his sister in the last hour. She has been texting him regularly since he and Lucy got home from the hospital three days ago. But what started out as texts checking in and offering help, as they continue to recover from the effects of their kidnapping, have slowly shifted to focus heavily on wedding planning.  

“Genny’s sent links to five different wedding venues now,” Tim says to Lucy, “should I be worried. Are we already behind before we’ve even started planning?”

 “She’s probably just trying to give you something to do so you don’t go too stir crazy waiting to be cleared to go back to work,” Lucy laughs, “So what did she send?”

Tim answers by turning his screen towards Lucy to read.

“I didn’t know they did weddings at the zoo,” Lucy beams as she takes Tim’s phone from his hand and opens the link.

Tim rolls his eyes once more, “we are not getting married at the zoo.”

“Why not?” Lucy asks, “who wouldn’t want these little guys being part of their big day” she adds showing Tim the phone screen with the LA zoo event brochure cover, featuring a picture of meerkats.

Tim chuckles, “for one I don’t think Kojo would be allowed at the zoo.”

“Fair point,” Lucy concedes as she exits the website and navigates back to the message app, “I guess that means Dodger stadium is out too.”

“What! They do weddings?” Tim asks as he grabs the phone and excitedly opens the link, earning a laugh from Lucy.

He scrolls through quickly, excitement evaporating, “I know we haven’t decided on a wedding budget yet but I don’t think this will work unless we want to work triple overtime for the foreseeable future. As much as I hate to admit it,” he sighs handing the phone back to Lucy.

Lucy shrugs, “true, but they don’t know that.”

“What do you mean?”

“Maybe we could still check it out. Get a tour. You know, before we make our final decision,” she finishes with a wink."

“You think they’d give us a free tour if we say we’re considering having our wedding there?”

“We can’t know unless we try. Touring prospective wedding venues is a thing.”

“True. But most venues aren’t Dodger Stadium.”

“Also true,” she laughs, “I still think it’s worth a try.”

Tim nods, “where else is on Genny’s list?”

“Malibu pier.”

“I already wasn’t a huge fan of the ocean or beach and the last time we were there we got drugged and abducted so I’m going to have to veto that one. Sorry, not sorry.”

Lucy laughs, “fair, city hall?”

“Did she actually include that”

“Yep.”

Tim rolls his eyes, “what’s the last one, the police station?”

“Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.”

“Who would want to drive all the way out to Santa Barbara?”

“It’s only like an hour and a half,” Lucy rolls her eyes, “and that might not be the worst thing. Decreases the chance of work following us.”

“That’s true,” Tim concedes, reaching over to click the link.

“I like it,” Lucy says after scrolling through a couple pages, “at least as a possibility.”

“It is pretty nice,” Tim agrees, “we can tour it after Dodger stadium,” he finishes earning a playful shove from Lucy before she gets up and heads to the kitchen to refill her water.

'Thanks for the links, 2/5 aren’t bad. But again don’t feel you need to take care of me. I’m fine. I won’t go crazy from a couple weeks of sick leave,' Tim types then quickly hits send.

Unsurprisingly, Tim has been having a hard time accepting help from others.  Not that that has stopped his loved ones from giving it. In fact the last time he told Angela he didn’t need her help, her response was, 'the more you fight it the more I’m going to help. You might as well just accept it.' Which begs the question of whether she’s actually trying to be helpful or just trying to bug him. As if on cue there’s a knock on the door followed instantly by a call of, “I hope everyone’s decent,” as the door swings open and Angela walks in. She’s carrying a large casserole dish and a couple of grocery bags, which she immediately sets on the counter and starts to unpack. 

“I told you you didn’t have to do that,” Tim says.

“And I told you I was going to do it anyways,” Angela shoots back as she opens the fridge to put away a carton of eggs.

“Well I’m grateful for the help,” Lucy smiles as she unpacks another grocery bag into the cupboard, “what is this?” she asks bringing out a white cake box.

“An extra special dessert,” Angela smiles as she presses the buttons to preheat the oven before going over and taking the box from Lucy. 

“That sounds suspiciously vague,” Tim comments as he hobbles over to join them in the kitchen, “is the special ingredient lethal?” 

“Not this time,” Angela teases, opening the box to reveal 6 mini cake samples, “I saw them in the window of the bakery on my way to the grocery store with a sign saying wedding cake tasting boxes 25% off and it was just too tempting.”

“They look delicious,” Lucy says.

“Right?” Angela says, “I’m starting to think I planned my wedding all wrong. Window shopping is the way to go. Today I found these and yesterday I saw the perfect wedding suit for Tim,” she continues pulling out her phone to show them pictures she took of a window display featuring mannequins in three-piece grey suits and white collared shirts with matching ties and pocket squares in various shades of blue. 

“Which one?” Tim asks.

“Depends on what we decide for your color scheme.”

“We?” Tim asks.

Angela nods, “although it’s ultimately up to you and Lucy, what kind of best woman would I be if I didn’t offer my assistance?”

Tim rolls his eyes but before he can rebutt his phone dings with another message from Genny, 'I know but I’m your sister and best woman. It’s my job to help you. Both with the recovery and wedding stuff.'

Tim rolls his eyes again as something clicks, “do both Genny and Angela think they’re my best woman?” Tim whispers to Lucy as he shows her his phone screen, while Angela is busy putting the lasagna in the oven to heat.

“Seems like it,” Lucy laughs.

“Isn’t there usually only one best man, or best woman?”

“Usually. Yes.”

Before Tim can answer Angela turns her attention back to them. “That will be ready in about 20 minutes and I put the rest in the fridge. There should be enough for another couple meals.”

“Thanks so much, Angela,” Lucy replies.

“My pleasure,” she says fixing Tim with a teasing stare, “I’ll just throw the salad together and then I really should get home to help Wes with the kids.”

“No need,” Tim says practically pushing Angela towards the front door, “we’ve got it under control. Empty the bag into a bowl, add the toppings and the dressing. Presto-chango Cesar salad.”

“Are you okay?” Angela asks, “is this part of your concussion.”

“I’m fine,” Tim assures her opening the door, “just think it’s important you spend time with your kids.”

“Okay?” Angela questions stepping out the door as she waves goodbye to Lucy, “let me know if you guys need anything else.”

“Will do. Thanks again,” Tim says as he quickly closes the door behind her.

“What the hell was that,” Lucy laughs as Tim comes back to the kitchen to make the salad.

“I think I panicked.”

“You think?”

“It’s just. I didn’t know I had a best woman, let alone two.”

“You didn’t ask either of them?”

“No I guess they both just assumed. Do you want one of them? As your maid of honor?”

“I can’t. I already asked Tamara.”

“Really, when?”

“At the hospital, the first time she came to visit. I also asked Celina and Nyla to be bridesmaids.”

“You did?”

Lucy nods, “did you think about who you were going to ask?”

Tim shakes his head. “I was just focused on asking you to marry me. I didn’t think about anything beyond that.”

“That’s sweet,” Lucy says kissing his cheek, “what do you think now."

“I don’t know,” Tim sighs, “I mean Angela and Genny are the two most important people in my life, after you. I don’t want to hurt either of them.”

“Who was your best man or woman at your wedding to Isabel?”

“Isabel’s cousin, Mark,” Tim rolls his eyes, “long story, don’t ask.”

“Okay,” Lucy laughs, “Now I’m intrigued but we’ll put a pin in that and come back later. Maybe you could ask them to be your co-best women?”

“I mean that would be perfect but do you think they’d be offended to have to share the role?”

“I doubt it,” Lucy starts, “don’t get me wrong I’m sure there’s many people out there that would be but I don’t think Angela and Genny are those people. Plus, being part of a wedding party can be a lot of work, as you’ve seen. It’ll probably be nice for them to split the load.”

Tim nods, “ Speaking of which am I the only one who hadn’t started thinking about wedding planning yet.”

“Seems that way,” Lucy smiles.

“In my defense, I only proposed a week ago and since then we’ve spent the majority of our time kidnapped or in hospital.”

“There’s no rush Tim,” Lucy assures him, “I’m just excited  to spend the rest of our lives together. And our friends just want us to be happy, especially now after everything we went through.”

Tim nods. Just then his phone dings with another notification. 'Genny has added you to a new group: Tim and his best women.' Then another ding. 'Angela changed the group photo'. Tim looks to find a selfie featuring his sister and best friend with him in the background asleep in his hospital bed.

“Did you know about this?” Tim asks Lucy, not accusatory, purely curious.

“No,” Lucy shakes her head and laughs as she takes in the picture, “but now that I think about it. The topic of wedding planning did come up when we were in the hospital and I may have mentioned  that I assumed they would both be in your side of the wedding party,” she adds coyly, “I had no idea they’d run with it.”

Tim shakes his head with a smirk.

'You’re both fired,' he sends into the group.

'No we’re not,' quickly comes Angela’s reply.

'You know you love us,' from Genny follows right after.

And he does. Besides the woman currently sitting beside him reading over his shoulder, a look of pure amusement on her face, those are his favorite women (and people) in the world and he can’t help but think just how lucky he is.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Chenford week 2026 Day 7 - Thursday, July 16

Favorite Holiday/Time of Year

UC/AU/Crossover

___

Take the Leap - A Chenford fanfic

Word count: 2228

For the purposes of this fic the Chenford relationship timeline, date-wise, is as follows, otherwise things more or less happened like they did on the show:

First day of Lucy’s Rookie year/ Chenfords first meeting: October 2019

Lucy’s buried alive: April 2020

Lucy becomes a P2: November 2020

They begin dating: December 2022

They break up: August 2023

They get back together: September 2024

They get engaged/ present time: September 2025

---

October 31, 2019

“Happy Halloween,” Lucy says to Tim as she loads the gear bags into the back of the shop.

“Is it?” He replies curtly as he walks past her towards the driver’s side door.

She pauses for a second confused before closing the back door and getting in on the passenger side.

“Is it what?” She continues as she settles in her seat and fastens her seat belt, “Halloween? Last time I checked.”

“Happy,” Tim clarifies flatly.

“Is it not?” 

“Weren’t you paying attention at roll call?”, Tim starts, “for us, Halloween just means more calls, more chaos, more opportunities for things to go sideways. It’s not something to celebrate.”

“Okay Debbie Downer, I get that, but it’s still a holiday, it’s literally designed to be enjoyed.”

Tim shakes his head, “not by us. Holidays are the worst days on patrol.”

“Every holiday?”

“Yep, Every single one.”

“That can’t be true,” Lucy reasons

“It is.”

“Even Groundhog Day?” She jokes.

“Last year the zoo was broken into and three groundhogs were taken,” Tim deadpans, “they were being held for ransom. At least until we rescued them.“

“You’re lying?”

“Look it up.”

She did and it was real.

“Even so, there has to be at least one holiday you can still enjoy.”

Tim shakes his head.

“How about your birthday?”

“I’ve never been a big fan of that one, even before I joined the force.”

“I’m sorry,” Lucy starts, “so then what is your favourite holiday?”

“I told you, I don’t have one,” Tim replies, “and that’s the end of this conversation.”

“Come on,” Lucy starts.

“I mean it, Boot.”

“Fine,” Lucy says, “I’ll drop it. But just know I will bring it up every holiday from here on out until I get an answer.”

“Do that and you’ll be doing push ups at every red light for the rest of your rookie year. Assuming you make it that long.”

“Or you could just tell me now and I won’t even acknowledge any other holiday. No ‘what are you grateful for’ at thanksgiving, no Christmas carols in  December, no new year’s resolutions.”

“Fine,” Tim sighs defeated while Lucy beams.

He takes a second to think and Lucy cocks her head curiously, “Leap day.”

“Leap day? Like February 29th?”

Tim nods.

“That’s not even a real holiday. It only happens every 4 years.”

“Exactly,” Tim gives a small smile for the first time all morning.

“So what do you do to celebrate leap day?” Lucy asks, skeptically.

“Nothing,” Tim says, “that’s the whole point. The public’s no more harebrained than usual. Everything’s open. There’s no stupid traditions or expectations.”

“Actually, in Ireland there’s a historic tradition where women would propose to men on Leap day, they called it Bachelor’s Day,” Lucy smiles.

Tim rolls his eyes, “well, luckily that has yet to impact my day.”

Then a call over the radio ends the conversation, leaving it forgotten. Or so Tim thinks.

February 29, 2020

“Happy Leap Day,” Lucy greets Tim as she enters the roll call room and hands him a small envelope with his name written on the front.

“What is this?”

“Your leap day present.”

“That’s not a thing.”

Lucy shrugs, “if you don’t want to open it then don’t, but you should know I’m an excellent gift giver,” she finishes as she walks away to take her seat at the front.

Tim rolls his eyes as he puts the card in his uniform shirt pocket, where it’s quickly forgotten. 

That is until he’s taking his uniform off at the end of shift. He shakes his head again and a small smile appears at the corner of his mouth as he removes the envelope from his pocket. He glances around the dressing room automatically to ensure he’s alone before opening it. Inside is a card, seemingly designed on Microsoft word, before being printed out on letter paper and folded twice. The front features a picture of a golden retriever in a sports jersey jumping towards a football that Tim is pretty sure is from one of the Airbud movies. Below it are the words, ‘Take the leap’. 

Inside the writing continues, ‘into another day of normalcy. Or maybe consider mixing it up?'

Below that an arcade card is stuck on: one of the ones that automatically tracks credits and e-tickets, replacing both the tokens and tickets Tim used at the arcade as a kid. Below that the writing continues in a much smaller font.

‘There are enough “tickets” on here for a ring pop. Although not a true proposal I think it fits the spirit of the tradition, and as such if you refuse it I do expect a gift in return. There are also enough “tokens” to enjoy an afternoon at the arcade if you’re up for a bit of fun and slight deviation from your routine. Happy Leap Year! From, Lucy.’

Tim shakes his head once more but doesn’t try to hide the smile that’s spread across his face as he places the card safely inside his bag.

Saturday, two weeks later the paper card still stands on his nightstand and he’s spending the day at the arcade playing games with his nephews. They all have a blast and the boys get all sorts of cool prizes with their tickets, leaving Tim only the exact number he requested: just enough for a ring pop. 

February 29, 2024

Tim’s phone pings, notifying him of a text from Lucy, 'Happy Leap Day!', it reads, ‘Hope you’re enjoying your much deserved day off.’

Tim smiles, ‘Thanks, right back at you. Get up to anything fun?’

‘Not really. I slept in then puttered around the apartment for most of the day doing various chores. You?’

‘Kojo and I went for a nice walk. Other than that not much, just doing my breathing exercises. I’m determined to get the ball to the top.’

Lucy rolls her eyes, ‘I’m pretty sure the doctor said your goal was 3000mL’, she texts back.

‘I like to exceed expectations. How have you been doing?’

‘Not bad with my exercises. I’m able to get to 2500mL (my goal) no problem. But overall, I’m pretty exhausted. I think the last few days are catching up to me.’

‘I hear you. It seems crazy we almost died in a wildfire less than a week ago. So much has happened since then.’

‘Right! It’s been chaotic to say the least, and there wasn’t even a holiday. Thank goodness for leap day offering a bit of ordinariness.’

‘Yes. Thank goodness for a day off that coincidentally landed on leap day.’

Lucy rolls her eyes at Tims response then realizing he can't see her, sends the emoji instead: ‘🙄’.

‘So are you doing anything to celebrate?,’ he asks.

‘No, Celina invited me to go with her to Rouge’s show tonight but I’m not feeling up for it. I’ll probably just curl up on the couch and watch a movie. Maybe I’ll watch Leap Year.’

Lucy watches the three dots appear and disappear a few times before Tim’s message finally comes through.

‘Do you want company?’

‘You want to watch a rom-com?’

‘Why not?’

‘Careful, a holiday themed activity could be considered celebrating,’ she sends with a laugh.

‘I’ll take my chances. The last holiday themed activity I participated in I quite enjoyed.’

‘Really? And when was that?’ she asks skeptically.

‘About two weeks ago.’

Lucy blushes as memories from her Valentine’s Day hook up with Tim rush back, ‘Just so expectations are clear. That type of activity is not on the table for tonight.’

‘I know,’ Tim quickly types back, ‘I wasn’t trying to imply it was.’

‘Good. In that case you’re welcome to come but be aware it’s a slippery slope: two holidays in a row. Next you’ll be partaking in Saint Patrick’s day and April Fools.’

‘I don’t see that happening,’ Tim smirks, ‘so what time should I be there?’

‘8pm? I still want to go to bed early.’

‘See you then.’

Tim arrives at 8pm on the dot with Kojo in tow and Lucy is already wrapped in a blanket on the couch with a bowl of popcorn, glass of wine and the movie paused on the opening screen. She quickly unravels herself from her cocoon to greet the pup before settling again, this time with Kojo on one side and Tim on the other.

As they start the movie, Tim feels like a teenager on a first date at the cinema, as he fights the urge to wrap his arm around Lucy’s shoulders and jumps a little every time his hand brushes hers in the popcorn bowl. By about 30 minutes in Lucy’s eyes are already struggling to stay open. As she begins to nod off, Tim takes the popcorn bowl from her lap, placing it on the coffee table and scoots a tiny bit closer to her as he gently guides her head to rest on his shoulder. He spends the rest of the movie alternating his attention between the screen and the woman asleep beside him and thinking that if he could celebrate every holiday exactly like this, he would. And he’d celebrate every single one of them in a heartbeat.

February 29, 2028

“Happy Leap day, by the way,” Lucy says reigniting their conversation after a natural lull.

“I guess it is,” he smiles.

“Guess it is what?” she asks teasingly.

“Leap day,” Tim clarifies, “I knew the date but it didn’t click. The happy part I was fully aware of.”

“You may have been. I had my doubts earlier.”

“Yeah?” Tim questions.

Lucy nods, “the morning was a little rough. I had to push an 8lb 3 oz object out of my birth canal,” she teases.

Tim lets out a short chuckle, “and was it worth it?” He asks shifting his attention from Lucy to their newborn daughter cradled on her chest.

“Yeah,” she confirms running her fingers over the infants head and smoothing down the unruly tufts of dark hair, “I think it was.”

Their daughter was born at 2:29am that morning. The early hour combined with the whimsy of a birth date of 2/29 at 0229 hrs had been enough to overshadow the fact that it was also leap day, but now Tim finds it oddly amusing.

“You know it’s funny,” he starts, “8 years ago you asked me what my favourite holiday was and I picked leap day on a whim simply because it seemed to involve the least celebration, and now I can’t imagine anything worth celebrating more.”

“So you’re not upset that your tradition of routineness will be replaced by birthday parties, presents and cake?”

Tim shakes his head, “No, although 3 out of every 4 years we’ll be celebrating her birthday on February 28th instead.”

“I guess so,” Lucy ponders, “that is going to be kinda weird. She won’t get an actual birthday on her birth day until she’s four.”

“Too bad it doesn’t mean she stays this little longer. She shouldn’t turn one until the next February 29th.”

“You remember that when we get home and she has us up all night, every night.”

“I plan too,” Tim hums as he reaches over to stroke the baby’s back causing her to open her eyes and look at him through her dark lashes. Her eyes are bright blue, not dissimilar to his own. 

“She’s got your eyes,” Lucy comments.

“For now,” Tim replies, “I’m sure they’ll be dark like yours before long.”

“You think?”

“I don’t know. I read that’s common,” Tim starts, “I guess only time will tell, either way she’s absolutely beautiful, just like her mother,” he finishes standing up and leaning over to kiss Lucy’s forehead.

“That’s sweet,” Lucy smiles as her stomach growls, “now I propose you go pick us up a veggie burger and fries for lunch, and it’s leap day so you have to say yes.”

“I think that only applies to marriage proposals,” Tim offers, “but either way I’m happy to do it.”

“Thanks Tim,” Lucy says, “for everything, I wouldn’t have been able to get through any of this without you.”

“Are you kidding?” Tim asks, “you did all the hard stuff I just cheered from the sidelines.”

“Well, I’m still lucky to have you,” Lucy starts, “we both are, right Nyssa?” She finishes addressing the baby.

They had considered many different baby names throughout Lucy’s pregnancy. For girls in particular they discussed Zoe in honour of Captain Anderson or Jaqueline/Jackie as a tribute to Jackson. But, ultimately decided they wanted her to have a name all her own. When they came across Nyssa, it seemed like the perfect fit. With a meaning of both ‘goal’ and ‘beginning’ it felt like the ideal moniker for there first born: a physical representation of everything they had built and dreamed of, finally coming to fruition. While, at the same time, signifying the start of a new chapter with an entire lifetime to come.  He hopes she’ll embody those qualities in the way she lives her life too. That she will dream big, reach for the stars and not be afraid to try new things. It took Tim a long time to be able to do those things himself but as he looks at the scene in front of him now, his daughter’s tiny hand wrapped around Lucy’s ring finger just above her wedding band, he’s grateful he did. He took a leap of faith letting Lucy into his life and it brought him everything: a life with beauty beyond his wildest dreams. 

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Reciprocal communication 🎉

Chenford week 2026 Day 6 - Wednesday, July 15

Fave Callbacks/Parallels/Details

Love Languages

These scenes not only parallel each other but more importantly contrast with past seasons, which is the main reason I love them. I was frequently frustrated during their early dating era (S5-6) because for two people who have always communicated so well as a team (to the point of having entire non-verbal conversations) they often did a pretty bad job of communicating in their relationship. There were many plot points used to create tension in their relationship that were never really fully addressed. Many times I thought they both owed each other an explanation and apology that never came (or was one sided). Even their first "I love you" 's came during a weird attempt at resolving a disagreement without actually talking it through which prevented reciprocation in the moment (although the polygraph was fun and cute overall and at least we did get it reciprocated later in the same episode). Season 8 overall was such a nice contrast because for the most part Chenford just got to be happy as a couple. Part of this is that the writers stopped writing excessive unnecessary drama for them, but part of it is that they actually grew as a couple and learned to more openly and effectively communicate. We saw it in 8x01 with Tim explaining why he hadn't tried to talk to her about their relationship again after she fell asleep and Lucy explaining her fears and reflections, in 8x03 with Tim clearing explaining why the boxes were bugging him so much, in 8x07 with Lucy clearly explaining why that specific undercover op meant so much to her and Tim telling her why he was struggling with her leaving, and ultimately in 8x11 with them both listening to understand the others perspective and ultimately both apologizing. Although they still weren't perfect (which I think is realistic) it was healthy, productive and finite, which made all the difference!

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Chenford Domestic Dating Era - The Best of Me by Bryan Adams

Chenford Week 2026 Day 5 - Tuesday, July 14

Family (found family, relatives, future family, etc.)

Domesticity/Chenford’s house

Quality Sexy Time

I knew pretty early on in the season that I was going to want to make a Chenford domestic dating era video edit, as I had previously made a pre-relationship video edit (S1-S4) and a break-up era video edit ("mid" S6-S7). I came across the perfect song on Spotify shortly after and this is the result featuring mostly "mid"S5-"mid"S6 & S8 with a few tidbits from elsewhere. Special thanks to @romantashas for posting all the Chenford scenes on the Chenford Archive Youtube channel, and when that was taken down (RIP ☹️) still having them publicly accessible on a drive (https://mega.nz/folder/7VlyXR7I#vYZFrqbScMyU7MEsar3IXw/). Every clip from this video came from there as did all of my gifs and stills in the rest of my Chenford week posts. I would not have been able to make any of them without it.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

"...you kissed me. Soft. It was quick. Kind of like a habit. You know, like we'd do it every day for the rest of our lives." - Derek Shepherd, Grey's Anatomy

Chenford week 2026 Day 4 - Monday, July 13

Episode/scene Fix-it

Quotes/Lyrics

I loved seeing Chenford simply exist as a happy couple this season. We got so many great little, simple moments, including so many kisses (especially early in the season). It reminded me of this line from Grey's Anatomy, that has always stuck with me, because it's so powerful, yet so simple.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Lucy's Wedding Day Look

Chenford week 2026 Day 3 - Sunday, July 12

All Things Lucy (to celebrate Melissa’s birthday!)

Tropes

Chenford Wedding

Dress: Silhouette: A-Line Color: White Length: Sweep or Court Train Neckline: Halter Neck Sleeves: Sleeveless Back: Key hole/Backless with zipper closure (see below) Bouquet: Blue globe thistle: symbolizes loyalty, protection and courage Blue lupin: symbolize happiness, admiration and trust Blue hydrangea: symbolizes gratitude, sincere apologies, deep understanding Ferns: symbolizes good fortune, healing, new beginnings Forget-me-nots: symbolize true love, affection and faithfulness Accessories: Hair: I love Lucy in a braided updo, but since it's always up for work I suspect it will be down for her wedding. A half-up/half-down style would be a good compromise. (I've drawn a couple more options below. I also think a few flowers weaved in would look good but I'm not a good enough artist to make it work here.) Jewery: simple gold Shoes: cute and comfortable

[myrandomfandomramblings]

♪I once believed love would be burning red But it's golden Like daylight, like daylight♪ - TS

Chenford week 2026 Day 2, Saturday July 11

Colors! (blue & yellow, favorite colors, color theory, etc.)

Clothes! (fave outfits, dressy outfits, matchy-matchy, etc.)

I loved the cinematography this season, especially during the most important Chenford scenes. The sunrise/sunsets were beautiful and perfectly reflected their relationship.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Chenford week 2026 Day 1 - Friday, July 10

Favorite Season 8 Moments

Outsider POV

Chenford + snuggles in bed scenes + Taylor swift lyrics 8x01/8x07, august/call it what you want/wildest dreams/daylight

I remember expecting the cold open of 5x13 to be a scene of Chenford cuddling in bed and was so disappointed when it was the "Daddy Cop" cold open instead, despite it arguably being one of the best cold opens on the show. Then as season 5 and 6 went on and we still didn't get that type of scene I figured we never would. Therefore, when I saw the final Chenford scene of 8x01 for the first time I was thrilled, and I was even more excited to get two more in 8x07. They reminded me of these Taylor Swift lyrics which have always all conjured up the same type of imagery for me and it's exactly what these scenes show: a cozy, happy intimacy.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

My Season 9 predictions/hopes BINGO card. I leaned heavily into the things I want to happen even if I think it's extremely unlikely because even when I pick things that I think are likely they don't seem to happen, as demonstrated by my Season 8 card (below). However, I'm not complaining because although I was not close to a BINGO I still really enjoyed the season and a lot of things did happen that I either had on BINGO cards for previous seasons (e.g. Jackson is mentioned by name), considered putting on but ultimately didn't (e.g. Aaron makes an appearance) or things I didn't think to put on but definitely should have (e.g. Chenford cuddles in bed scene). Plus, I'm oddly proud that I was right about Nolan totalling another shop. So we will see how I do this season.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Undercover Couple Comparison - A Chenford Fanfic

(Missing Scene form 8x07)

"Hey, how’d it go at Nyla’s?” Tim greets Lucy as she comes through the front door.

“Good,” Lucy nods, pausing to remove her shoes and greet Kojo with an ear scratch, “we’ve got our backstories all ironed out. Even got a few photos taken to start our aliases social media accounts.

“Sounds productive.”

“Yeah, it was and it’s great working with Nyla. She has so much insight to share from her undercover experience, but also always seeks my input.”

“As she should,” Tim replies as Lucy joins him on the couch, “you’re full of good ideas.”

“Thank-you,” Lucy laughs, “but seriously, it feels good to be able to fully contribute. You know?”

Tim nods, “we’re thrown so many curve balls on this job every single day, sometimes it feels like we’ll never get the hang of it. It’s nice when we’re reminded of all the skills and knowledge we’ve actually acquired and are able to use it.”

“Exactly,” Lucy smiles.

“So, do you want to tell me about all these great ideas?” Tim asks.

“I mean the op is classified but I suppose you have the security clearance for it,” Lucy teases.

“I would hope so,” Tim smiles, “I’ve already volunteered to help wherever I’m needed.”

“Yeah, and we’ll see if you come to regret that,” Lucy teases.

Tim shrugs, “how bad could it be. At least this way I’ll be in the know,” he continues, “which starts now. Tell me all about your persona.”

Lucy smiles as she launches into her spiel introducing Tim to Xia “Shy” Sun. “… I met the love of my life two years ago, and we’ve been joined at the hip ever since,” Lucy shares, then off Tim’s confused expression, “that’s Harper’s persona, Avery Reid."

“You’re going under as a couple?” Tim clarifies.

Lucy nods, “Yeah, actually it was my idea and probably the one I’m most proud of.”

“Why?” Tim replies, too quickly.

“Are you jealous?” Lucy asks suppressing a giggle.

“No,” Tim shoots back.

Lucy fixes him with a look that tells him she isn’t buying it.

“Fine, maybe a little,” he admits, “is that so bad?”

Lucy shakes her head, “No, you’re cute when you’re insecure. But you have nothing to worry about. The choice was purely strategic.”

“How so?” Tim questions, no longer defensive, just purely curious.

“Being a couple provides an easy explanation for closeness and a bit of privacy. It makes it easier to share secret hushed conversations  without raising suspicion.”

Tim nods, “That actually makes a lot of sense.”

“I know,” Lucy teases, “I actually got the idea from our time undercover together.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I know we were initially basing Juicy and Dim on the real Sava and Jake but I hadn’t anticipated how useful the horny persona would come in.”

Tim continues to look at Lucy confused so she continues, “Sex was the perfect excuse because it invited no follow up questions. Why were we late? Quickie. Why do we want privacy. Mile high club. Plus it facilitated closeness allowing for constant, subtle communication. You felt me tense when Hajek mentioned Rosalind’s escape and you were able to grab my hand to ground and comfort me without raising suspicion.”

“I guess that’s true,” Tim ponders, “ it didn’t feel like a strategic decision at the time.”

“Yeah, ah, I don’t think it was,” Lucy blushes, “our suppressed feelings for each other may have clouded our judgement.”

“Maybe a little,” Tim smiles. 

“Maybe a lot,” Lucy admits, “Tim it is not normal for kissing to come up on UC ops. Definitely not as practice or behind closed doors.”

“You don’t say,” Tim smirks, “did you learn that at UC school?”

Lucy laughs, “it may have come up briefly. Mostly the logical perspective just came with time and distance.”

“So you and Nyla didn’t practice PDA to prepare for your op?” Tim teases.

“Nope, I told you. I purely implemented the strategic aspects of an undercover couple this time,” she smirks, “I’m saving the irrational, horny stuff for you,” she continues pulling him close, “when I don’t have to pretend.”

“Lucky me,” Tim smiles closing the distance.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Tim looking for any excuse to remind Lucy how much he enjoyed their naked time/physical intimacy is so funny, and actually quite sweet.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Chenford 8x03 re-write

I’ve really been enjoying Season 8 so far, especially the Chenford content. However, I didn’t love how the Chenford unpacking storyline of 8x03 was done.

I think it was largely a combination of feeling like they were creating unnecessary drama/tension (particularly in a very heavy episode) and that the first and last Chenford scenes felt disconnected, without an earned resolution. Which reminded me too much of early season 6 and some late season 5 scenes where they were having small disagreements/tension that never felt fully resolved.

Therefore, I wanted to try to re-write these scenes.

To address the unnecessary tension was easy. There were 3 sources of tension in the first scene (at least 2 too many in my book): the “facon”, the bumping into each other in the kitchen and the actual unpacking disagreement. In my opinion the scene would have been better if these were either not there or were more playful rather than a source of tension. 

The “facon” conversation was kind of funny but could have been more playful because in the context of everything else it felt unnecessarily tense. 

The bumping into each other could have been funny and playful or flirty in another context but I would argue was better left out of this scene. Especially given that they’ve spent plenty of mornings in Tim’s kitchen together (presumably) so likely have a routine already.

I personally would have preferred  the unpacking disagreement be framed as an us against the world/situation idea (i.e. they both want to unpack but haven’t had time due to their new promotions, and its just bothering Tim more than Lucy) rather than framing it as Tim vs. Lucy. However, I probably would have been more satisfied with the latter had it been fully addressed/incorporated into the final scene (and therefore properly resolved). Lucy never fully explained why she wanted to take her time unpacking and to me the ‘it’s been a long, terrible day so I don’t want boxes around anymore’ wasn’t a particularly satisfying or convincing conclusion as it didn't really fully address what made her change her mind.

Therefore, I’ve written two alternative versions. The first using the them vs. the situation idea and the second with a more incorporated final scene. The first includes the adapted first and last scene. The second only the last scene as I think the first scene would have worked as is although I’d probably still prefer the bumping into each other not be there.

Rewrite 1:

First scene:

L: Hey, do we have any vegan bacon? 

T: Oh, God, I hope not. 

L: What?

T: Uh, I don't think so. 

L: I found the "fakon." The fake bacon. 

T: Oh, great. 

L: Well, you don't have to eat any if you don't want. 

T: After work... 

L: Mm-hmm. 

T: I think we need to seriously finish unpacking. And by finish, I mean start.

L: Fair. Works just been so busy lately, with the new promotions. It feels like we have so little time just the two of us, and what little time we have had has been put to much better use.

T: Agreed. I just think we should buckle down and get it done. 

L: This is killing you, isn't it?

T: I’m sorry. It just--it won't feel like you've fully moved in until all the boxes are gone. 

L: That's nice. OK. Tonight after shift we’ll get it done. One way or another.

T: Thank-you

L: Your welcome. In exchange you have to try the facon. Just one bite.

Last scene:

...

L: Oh, my hero. 

T: Also, if you’re not up for unpacking tonight I understand. It can wait.

L: That’s sweet, but honestly after the day that I've had, I really need this place to feel like a refuge and not a UPS sorting facility. We need to get these damn boxes out of here. 

T: I agree ( laughs ) No time like the present. Let's do it. 

L: Wait, hold on. I'm tired. I'm--I'm very tired. I thought maybe we could have dinner, and then I would-- I could-- I could sit here and-- and supervise. 

T: I mean, how can I refuse that offer?

L: You can't. ( laughs ) 

T: All right, I'll get dinner. 

L: Thank you

T: Yep

Rewrite 2 (last scene):

...

T: It's in the oven, keeping warm. 

L: Oh, my hero. ( chuckles ) Oh, God. OK. So I need to say something. I owe you an apology.

T: Oh?

L: I’m sorry I’ve been dragging my feet with unpacking. I’ve been putting it off because I was scared. 

T: Of?

L: I don’t know. Change. I guess. Being out of my comfort zone. This is just all so new to me. I’ve never been in a relationship I cared about this much before. I just got scared of screwing it up.

T: Lucy, I-

L: Just listen. I was reminded today that when we feel insecure, we lose perspective, forget everything we’ve accomplished. And that made we realize, we’ve already done it. Built a home full of happiness and care and love. Now all we need is to get these damn boxes out of here so this place feels like a refuge and not a UPS sorting facility. I’m ready.

T: I-- I agree. ( laughs ) No time like the present. But after the day you’ve had you’re probably exhausted. Why don’t we have dinner, and then you could sit here and supervise?

L:  I mean, how can I refuse that offer? 

T: You can't. ( laughs ) All right, I'll get dinner. 

L: Thank you. 

T: Yep.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

...

"The bet I won?" "No, the bet I won."

Chenford Week 2025 - Day 10

Sunday July 20th - free choice, pillowtalk, fave season 7 parallel

Bets - 2x03, 4x06, 7x01

Bets for Chenford feel like their own love language or maybe more accurately their own olive branch. A low pressure excuse to connect disguised as a competition.

At the start of season 2, Lucy wants to get to know Tim better on a personal level but one of her first attempts is met by a three word answer: Gym. Dinner. Study (which is more than she would have got in season 1, mind you) that tells her pretty much nothing and actually worries her a bit about his lack of personal life. And so the bet is born. Would he take her advice to focus less on work, try some new hobbies, go on a date? Definitely not. Would he tell her about any of it if he did? Probably not. But that's the beauty of the bet: she appealed to his competitive side and suddenly she has an accuse not only to essentially force him to heed the advice she never actually got to give but also to hear all about it and ask/learn more about him in the process. Like a loop hole, or Trojan horse, to get behind some of Tim's walls. It ends up working better than Lucy ever could have imagined because when Tim starts dating Rachel there's suddenly a connection between their personal lives causing them to discuss things they never would have otherwise (e.g. Lucy's ex and ex-BFF getting married) and allowing them more insight into the other as a person rather than just a cop. They're friends by the end of season 2 (as Lucy astutely points out in 2x19) and I don't think that would have happened without the bet.

Then in 4x06 Lucy's excited to be riding with Tim again (even if it is as his go-fer) after not riding with him for x number of months after she made P2. However, when she offers for Tim (and McGrady) to be on her "task force" he declines meaning another entire shift away from him. So the next bet is born and suddenly Lucy has an excuse to be constantly texting him throughout the day, which she does. It also seems like Lucy is looking for an excuse to spend time with Tim outside of work at this point. If she had won, that "something outside of your comfort zone" likely would have been something that couldn't be completed on shift and when they tie Lucy suggests an out of work activity (escape room) as a tie breaker. Unfortunately, Tim is completely oblivious to this and when he calls off the bet at the end of 4x07 she loses her excuse and so they really spent little time outside of work together until they started dating.

In 7x01 it's finally Tim's turn. He's deeply missing Lucy but trying to respect her need for space. Then she becomes a new TO and he wants to help because he knows how hard it can be but she's not interested and it hits him: will she share with him about how it's going with her new Boot? Probably not. Will she come to him if she's struggling and needs help? Seems unlikely. So he makes a bet of his own and suddenly he has an excuse to consistently check in, to know she's doing okay. It also has the bonus of giving him a reason to just be around her and talk to her in general. A safe, neutral topic, another Trojan horse to get behind walls. Again, it works better than he ever could have imagined. Not only is he there when Lucy has so many issues with Seth and is able to support her through her decisions. But she starts to feel safe with him again, open up to him again and ultimately forgive him. I'm sure this would have happened eventually without the bet but I think without that safe topic and excuse she would have been a lot more avoidant and closed off for longer.

It's a good thing they're both so competitive or who knows how their relationship would have progressed.

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Chenford week 2025 - Day 9

Saturday July 19th - love languages, domesticity, the shop

Pawsitively Perfect - a future Chenford fanfic

As Lucy got out of the car at the LA animal shelter she couldn’t help but think about the last time she was there. It was over 12 years ago now. She had just barely survived being kidnapped and buried alive and she was looking for a way to cope with that trauma, or at least distract herself from it. She had figured a dog would offer safe companionship and a sense of security. Although ultimately, it had been an impulsive decision, and in hindsight an irresponsible one, it was also one of the best decisions she ever made, because it brought her Kojo. Even when Tim took him in, Lucy never fully stopped thinking of him as hers and when her and Tim started dating they instantly felt like a family of three. As their family continued to grow, Kojo remained a central part of it. Each time she was pregnant he would rest his head on her growing belly and once the baby was born he dutifully guarded the crib and excitedly brought toys to his newest sibling. As the kids grew they all became best friends. He tolerated being climbed on, hugged, kissed and dressed up. He cleaned up kitchen messes and loved to play with little humans. He had been the best dog she could have asked for and their family had felt complete. She had commented on that when their youngest was born:

“We did it,” she had said to Tim, “2.5 kids and a dog.” 

“2.5?” He had asked. 

Lucy had shrugged, “Tamara’s like a half kid. Not a kid anymore and not really ours but might as well be.” 

Tim had laughed, “yeah, we did it.”

 When Kojo passed away they were all heart broken and it felt like a piece was missing. It was over a year later now and although they all still missed him (and probably always would) they had spent the last few months toying with the idea of getting another dog and today they finally felt ready.

“Do you remember the rules?” Tim asked Tai, their 5 year old son as they got out of the car.

He nodded, “no running, stay with you, ask before touching anything, especially the dogs.”

“That’s right,” Tim smiled, “are you excited.”

 “Yes!,” Zoey, their 3 year old, yelled enthusiastically as she came around the car with Lucy to join the boys.

 Tai nodded enthusiastically, “I can’t wait to meet our new dog.”

“Pickle,” Zoey sang.

“We haven’t picked a name yet,” Tai reminded her.

This was true but hey had been throwing around name suggestions for the last couple weeks. Zoey was set on Pickle or Pancake. Tai claimed he couldn’t pick a name until he met the dog but gave examples like Brownie, Blackie, Fluffy, Scruffy and Snowball. Tim’s top contenders were Dodger and Xanadu. Lucy, herself didn’t have a strong preference but had suggested Franklin or Aretha. With Kojo, she had just kept his name since he already knew it. She had changed the spelling and pronunciation slightly to remove the association with the killer dog from Cujo, the horror novel/movie. Tim had joked his full name was Koby Joseph. 

As they walked through the front doors, Lucy could already hear barking coming from the back and she reminded herself and the kids that they could only leave with one. After talking with the staff at the front they headed into the kennels. Lucy’s heart broke at all the adorable faces looking out at her from in between bars. Her and Zoey took their time, stopping at each kennel to read the information posted on the door and say hi to the dog residing within. Tai and Tim on the other hand surged ahead seemingly on a mission. Twenty minutes in, Lucy and Zoey were about halfway down the first row and Lucy was trying to explain that Boxer’s are named for their play style, like a boxer in a ring not because they put things in boxes, when Tai came back, dragging Tim and clearly trying very hard not to run.

“I found our dog!” he shared excitedly, “come on before somebody else takes him.”

Zoey eagerly grabbed Tai’s outstretched hand before offering her free hand to Lucy who happily took it. As Tim guided them back the way they had come Tai became more and more excited and Zoey fed off her brother’s energy, following suit.

“Just wait til you see him,” Tai gushed, “he’s so perfect.”

“I think the sign actually said female,” Tim added, “he’s a she, buddy.”

“Oh,” Tai considered, “doesn’t matter, she’s still the one.”

As they walked Lucy looked at Tim, silently asking what about this specific dog was so special. Tim just gave a little half shrug ‘beats me ask the kid’ his eyes seemed to say.

“Stop,” Tai suddenly declared, “close your eyes. It should be a surprise.”

Zoey immediately shut her eyes as tight as possible, her entire face squished by the effort. Lucy was so distracted by how cute her daughter looked she forgot she was supposed to be shutting her eyes as well.

“No peeking, Mom,” Tai griped.

“Sorry,” Lucy laughed, immediately shutting her eyes, “what about Dad?”

“He can look. He’s already seen her.”

“I’ll help guide,” Tim assured her.

“I’m going to pick you up. Is that OK Z?” Tim asked his daughter.

“OK,” she replied. 

“Perfect. 1, 2, 3,” Tim said. Then Lucy could hear him lift her up.

 “Ok bud, I got Zoey. Are you going to carry Mom,” Tim teased.

“No,” Tai laughed, “I’m not that strong.”

“Should we each take a hand then?” Tim suggested.

Tai must have nodded because next thing Lucy knew her son was holding one hand and her husband the other and she was being led forward. After a couple steps they stopped and she was directed to turn as Tim guided her by the shoulder and Tai by the waist.

“OK, open your eyes,” Tai declared, “meet Boots.”

When Lucy opened her eyes and saw the dog in front of her, her first thought was that she reminded her of Kojo. She had the same strong bully head with cute perky ears, soulful brown eyes and a wide smiling mouth. Unlike Kojo, she had a long slender tail, which was currently wagging a mile a minute. She was also taller and more lanky than Kojo and had different colouring. While Kojo had been brown and white, this dog was completely black except for her paws which were white to up past her 'ankles'. It looked like she was wearing socks or- 

“Did you say her name was Boots?” Lucy asked.

“Yes,” Tai declared proudly, “because look,” he finished pointing at her feet.

“Like Dora’s monkey friend,” Zoey squealed happily.

Boots whined as she pressed her snout through the bars trying to greet them properly.

“Hi beautiful,” Lucy said greeting the dog, “are you a good girl?” She continued, scratching under her chin causing her to press her entire body against the cage door.

“Can I pet her too?” Tai asked politely.

“Me too,” Zoey added raising her hand.

“You can pet her side,” Lucy offered,” remember to be gentle.”

As instructed, the kids both began stroking along her ribs, as the dog began shifting her weight side to side on her back paws as if doing a little dance. 

“What does it say about her?” Lucy asked, turning her attention to Tim.

“Not much,” Tim offered as he stopped ruffling the dogs ears to re-read the posted information, “Spayed female, large (73.0 lbs), black, Pit Bull Mix, Young Adult: 5 months - 2 years. That’s about it except that according to the shelter her name’s Geraldine.”

“Boots is better,” Tai stated.

Lucy couldn’t argue with that they obviously couldn’t keep a name that was clearly meant for a goat.

“How about Shadow or Onyx or Blackie or Socks?” Tim suggested.

Tai shook his head, “her name is Boots.”

“Yeah,” Zoey piped in, “right Boots,” she continued, addressing the dog who responded by cocking her head to one side and wagging her tail even harder.

“What do you think Luce,” Tim asked, “does “Boot” still have a negative connotation for you because of your hard-ass TO?” 

Lucy laughed, “I think I’ve moved past it. Turns out he’s actually a really big softy.”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah. You should see him with his kids.”

Tim smiled, “So are we doing this?" 

Lucy shrugged, “Are you ready to train another Boot?”

Tim laughed, “Bet you she’ll be the best I’ve ever trained.”

Lucy shoved him playfully, “I mean has to crack the top five, just look at that face.”

“I try not to notice how cute my Boots are,” Tim teased.

“Really?”

“Yeah, I did it once, got me into trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?” Lucy bantered.

“I fell in love, got married and had 2.5 kids and dog.”

“Sounds perfect.”

“It really is.”

[myrandomfandomramblings]

Shop talk on the road

Cozy conversations on the couch

Pre-relationship dance

Undercover kiss

Hurt

Comfort

Cooking

Chenford week 2025 - Day 8

Friday July 18th - call gone wrong, crossover, fave kiss, tim's house or lucy's apartment

Parallels between my three current fav procedural ships and the reason I started watching any of them in the first place.

Chenford - Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford (The Rookie)

Ellimax - Cole Ellis and Max Mitchell (Wild cards)

Shangie: Matt Shade and Angie Everett (Private Eyes)

Caskett: Richard Castle and Kate Beckett (Castle)

Bonus thought: Although Castle's been off the air for almost 10 years now (crazy) the other three will all be returning and although a crossover would never practically happen it would be awesome. The renewal and reboot/spinoff news made my spring.