All hail J. Stroud, author of Lockwood and co.

Also, I'm pretty sure I got the idea for this from pinterest or tumblr or something. So mad props to that person. Please accept my theft as flattery, should you happen to read this.

This story has nothing to do with any of the others I've published.

I have updated this first chapter, and added a second one. A third to follow. I won't promise anything more than that.

...

CHAPTER ONE

Holly brightened. "I have an idea!"

Lucy had a feeling she would not like this. So far, all they'd come up with was the tourist ploy, but that would never work. After the trial, everyone knew of how they'd disguised themselves in order to infiltrate the Winkman's antique shop. They needed to find a way to tail some of Marissa's lackeys, but so far were at a loss as to how to get away with it.

"We can't be relic men again," Lucy said sourly. "Those folk never come out before dark, and whatever these henchmen are doing, they're doing it in broad daylight."

"Just listen, I know this is going to sound crazy, but we may be able to kill two birds with one stone." Holly had an excited look on her face and continued speaking, ignoring Lucy's response. "Lockwood and Lucy, I think the two of you should pretend to go on a date."

Lucy could hear the skull's laughter from the other room. Oh, that's rich. That's brilliant. So that's what those two have been whispering about the past few days. Lucy didn't have time to dignify that with a response

She fought against the blush raging across her face, barely choking out a comeback. "Holly - that's… that's ridiculous. They'll never believe that."

"Actually, I think they will. Some of the gossip magazines have been asking if Lockwood has a girlfriend - even my friends from Rotwell think there's something going on. Guy as charming a Lockwood, it's odd he doesn't seem to have a personal life. But I really think the two of you would be brilliant - I've never been much of an actress. Besides," Holly looked pointedly at Lockwood, "think of the publicity. You remember when Rotwell's son began dating that debutant? We were inundated with requests."

Lockwood, who had until Holly's suggestion been brimming with energy, certain he would be the one to come up with a solution, now sat quietly in his chair.

He looked to be considering it.

George spoke up, his eyes glinting even though his face continued to have all the emotional capacity of pudding. "You have a point there, Holly. Most people have a tendency to look away from public displays of affection. The more awkward they are, the less likely they are to be watched."

"George, you can't be serious!" Lucy was embarrassed to hear her voice at such a shrill decibel.

"And if they are seen, everyone will think it's just the famous Lockwood out on a date with his leading lady," Holly added.

"I'm the leading lady, now am I? Lockwood, tell me they're being crazy. Tell them they're being crazy."

"Luce...well, they sort of... maybehaveapoint."

All the blood drained from her face, making her dizzy. "What?" she whispered.

"We're losing money. I have a suspicion that Fittes is choking off our clientele. When was the last time we had a full week of cases? Not to mention anything deserving the kind of attention that Chelsea brought in."

You should see your face! The skull said viciously, cackling. You've gone from red to white to yellow in a matter of seconds...What's the matter, never been on a date before?

"It'll be fun!" Holly said. "I can get you all dressed up! There are lots of restaurants in that area - you can get a table on a patio to keep an eye out."

Lucy was not going down without a fight, but she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to win this battle in the first place.

"Why don't you do it then, if it's going to be so much fun?"

"I'm a terrible actress."

"That's a terrible reason."

"Lucy," Lockwood interrupted, "I'm not that repulsive am I?" He asked with a shy smile.

"What? No! That's not what I meant. It's just… I don't really want some rag reporting on my pretend personal life. And… and I don't think that's really the kind of publicity you want...and… yeah." It was the best argument she could come up with, but it was a valid one. She'd glanced through some of those mags. They were detestable.

"If you want, we can stage an argument after this is all over. They'll think we've broken up, and then they'll leave us alone. It'll just for a short time. We don't really have any other way if Fittes is interfering."

Lockwood had obviously made up his mind. "That doesn't make it any easier."

"You know I respect you Luce, but… this is the only plan we have, and it's even halfway decent. I promise, at any point all you have to do is say the word and we'll stop. We'll make sure they don't say anything in poor taste."

"How do you know they won't treat me like that actress? The one who shaved her eyebrows off? They called her wretched things for weeks."

"That won't happen. I've talked to the press on many occasions, and I'm sure they won't have anything bad to say about you."

She curled her lips in, holding back her reply for just a few more seconds. Finally, she relented.

"Fine."

And then he smiled at her, confident and brilliant.

"Let's make it official then. Lucy, would you go on a date with me?"

"I just said I would."

"I'm making it official. Play along."

"Yes, Lockwood… I'll go."

"Brilliant."

…

They sat side by side on a park bench, spring air drifting about and promising rain. Lucy's hair was slightly ruffled by the wind. Holly had had a field day, not only with the hairstyle but also with finding a dress and doing her makeup, showering her with compliments the entire time. Lucy even believed one or two of them.

She and Lockwood left 35 Portland row a few hours ago. He'd been relaxed, as if pretending to date one of his coworkers was something he did every day. Lucy had never been more nervous. Running into the Other Side seemed like a cakewalk compared to this. Or jumping off a building. Or facing the Red Room. Nevertheless, she had finally been able to relax slightly over lunch as they watched for Marissa's lackeys. Having a job to focus on helped, but it was hard to stay anxious when she was with Lockwood- especially when he kept flashing that smile of his. The one that twisted her heart just so.

The timing at the restaurant could not have been more perfect - the two hulking men in jumpsuits came out of the office building just as the waitress brought the check. They followed them here, holding hands and making googly eyes. The bench faced the men, but was far enough away that neither party could hear the other. A lush tree on Lucy's side gave them some shade to hide in, but not much.

Suddenly, Lockwood moved, one hand cupping her face and the other going to her waist. She tensed, unsure of how to react.

"They're looking this way," he whispered in her ear, his face hidden from them by her head. "Can you see what they're doing?"

"No, your hand is blocking my eye." she replied, his ear right next to her mouth. He shifted his thumb, trying to keep her face covered so they wouldn't recognize her. His hand was warm. Her heart was pounding. There was a boiling hot sensation in her gut, and it threatened to make it's way to her face in a blush.

"Um, Lucy…" He whispered, "You might want to wrap your arms around me… or… or something."

"Oh. Right. Yes." She moved her hands, one gripped his shoulder for dear life, the other went around his waist. Trying to regain some self control, she refocused on the two men. "They're standing by a tree. The tall one is keeping an eye out. The other seems to be looking for something."

"A Source?"

"Maybe."

"Do you See any Death Glows?"

"No, but that's not really saying much. I don't have your Sight, remember."

"Right, we'll need to switch. See how my hand is on your face? You'll have to do that to me."

"Got it."

"Also… there are some kids watching us. I think they've recognized me."

"Great."

"Think you could giggle or something? Pretend I just said something funny."

Lucy made a noise that sounded nothing like a giggle. Lockwood covered the sound with his own forced chuckle and took her hand, bringing it to his face as they shifted so he could see.

He kept his hand on hers, stroking it with his thumb.

It took every effort she had to continue to think straight.

She was facing the wrong direction, and so was unable to see the kids Lockwood had mentioned.

"Someone's coming." She murmured, trying not to sound as alarmed as she felt. Her nerves were already standing on end.

"There is definitely a Death Glow over there. What does he look like?"

"Can't tell details, but he's wearing the same jumpsuit. If there's a ghost haunting the tree, it could explain why they're working in the daylight."

"Good thinking. I see him now. He's talking to the other men. They're heading for a post near the sidewalk, directly behind you. There's another Death Glow over there, too. Blast, this bloody tree is blocking them now. We'll have to move - I can't see a thing from here."

"Want to check out the tree?"

"That's probably for the best. Hopefully the post will keep them busy for a few minutes." He stood, using her hand to guide her up and led her to the tree, once again placing the men in his line of sight.

"Sense anything?" He asked quietly.

"Give me a moment." She touched the tree, reaching out with her inner senses. Lockwood kept an eye on the men.

A few moments later, the memories of the death associated with the tree began to play out in her mind. She took a deep breath and let go, then leaned against the tree for support. This one happened to be an unusually jarring experience.

"You okay?"

"I'll be fine."

"What happened?"

The death had involved two lovers. It was the last thing she wanted to talk about at the moment. "I don't really want to repeat that one just yet. It was rather tragic. I'll tell you when we get back to the house."

"Want me to cheer you up?" He took out a knife and winked. "I'll just set our love in stone, shall I?"

"You're really milking this."

"It'll give the rags something to talk about. Now lean against the tree there and keep an eye on the men."

She did so. "Won't Marissa be suspicious if our initials show up on her tree?"

"Probably not. Besides, it's not her tree. It's ours now. It'll have our names on it and everything."

"Your confidence is overwhelming."

"As it should be." He stepped back, facing the tree. "What do you think?"

A minute AJL+LJC was carved into the bark.

"That," she said, "Is the corniest thing I've ever seen. You really can't top that."

"Challenge accepted."

And then he picked her up.

And spun her round.

She cried out, first in surprise and then in delight. She landed, giggling despite herself, facing the tree. He hugged her, whispering again in her ear.

"They're moving on. I can't tell where they're headed."

"You're a real charmer."

"It's one of my better qualities."

They began walking, his arm casually slung around her shoulder.

"Mr. Lockwood!" a woman called. She was middle aged, with sharp features and a functional hairstyle. She wore a smart pencil skirt and stark white blouse, matched with a grey blazer jacket. "Could I have a word, please?"

"Ah, Miss Wool… of the Daily Dish, if I remember correctly?" Lockwood flashed her a smile.

"That's correct. If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to meet this fair lady on you arm. Readers have been hoping for a scoop on your love life since day one. You're quite the mystery." The woman looked Lucy up and down appraisingly. Lucy glared at her in reply. She did not appreciate being treated like an item for sale.

"Miss Wool, as you can probably tell, now really isn't an opportune time. I'd be happy to introduce you to Lucy when I'm not on a date with her." He replied dryly. Lucy wasn't sure, but she thought she detected a real displeasure in his voice. "Please schedule an appointment with Holly and we will gladly join you for a full interview. "

"That's all I ask."

"Now, if you'll excuse us?"

"Of course. Enjoy your date. Lucy, it was a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to our little interview." There was a glint in the woman't grey eyes that Lucy couldn't understand, but she immediately decided she didn't trust her.

"Good afternoon," she muttered through gritted teeth.

The woman sauntered off. Lucy felt Lockwood tense before he said, "They're gone."

She looked around, and saw that he was right. "Did you see where they went?"

"No, you?"

"No. I was trying not to stab that woman."

"Ah, yes. She can be… interesting."

"Wasn't she the one who called you arrogant last month?"

"Yes."

"Are we really going to have to give her an interview?"

"Holly knows not to accept calls from her. This isn't the first time she's attempted to get information from me. She makes most of her living from scandal. Believe me, it's not the scoop of our relationship she's after - it'll be some kind of information she can publish about one of us so that we break up. I've seen it done several times over the years. She'll try to use that interview to drive a wedge between us."

"Sounds almost as evil as Marissa." They were walking again, his arm still around her.

"Indeed…" He trailed off, considering something. "Speaking of which, she and Marissa are known associates. I don't think she's ever published something about Marissa herself, but Marissa's enemies... Do you think she was a distraction?"

"What? Do you think they noticed we were following them?"

"It's likely. We'll come back tonight and see if there's anything noticeable about the tree and the post. I don't see any other Death Glows in the area, except for some animals."

"Sounds like a plan. Where are we going now?"

"About that… Wool isn't really the publicity we're looking for, but if we go closer to downtown, we're bound to be seen, especially if we look like we're trying not to be noticed. There's this ice cream shoppe I know of..."

"Ice cream is hard to say no to."

"I thought so, too."

…

LIP LOCKED WITH LOCKWOOD

By: Maisey Tells It All

Yesterday afternoon, yours truly witnessed an intimate interaction between one Anthony J Lockwood, esq and a mysterious young woman at Gemma's Gelato in the downtown district. The two were seen walking about, holding hands after a luncheon at Jet's Diner a few blocks away. Observant park-goers also witnessed the lovers carving their initials into a tree! The two were last seen at the aforementioned ice cream parlor, where, after several tantalizing moments, the date culminated in a long, slow kiss outside the shoppe. Several onlookers - myself included - couldn't help but clap at this tender display of affection.

But who is this new lady? What woman could catch the attention of the attractive and confident Tony Lockwood? None other than his associate, Lucy Carlyle. It looks as though Anthony has finally overcome the tragic loss of his family and shared his heart with another. From what we can tell, she is an unconventionally beautiful girl of surprising talent.

Obviously, neither of them were available for questioning, but that did not stop this faithful reporter from getting the first scoop! Holly, a mutual friend and coworker, tells us, "I'm so glad they finally got around to this. They'd been trying to hide their feelings for quite awhile now, but it was only a matter of time."

It seems as though a little workplace romance is in bloom! Is their relationship in danger of compromising Lockwood's agency? Holly tells us not to worry - the Lockwood and Co team will still be in tip-top shape. "Lucy and Lockwood have always worked amazingly well together. I'm sure that things will be running perfectly now that all their nervous tension is gone."

Stay tuned for further Locklye updates, dear readers! "Our First Date: exclusive interview with Anthony and Lucy," coming soon!

…

A/N: This was intended to be a oneshot, but… I thought of more to the story. It'll be less fluff from here on out though, just to warn you. And there will probably only be two more chapters.

My ego is about as voracious as a hungry George Cubbins. It needs your reviews to survive almost as much as he needs biscuits. Please, don't let me - I mean George - starve…