Hey guys, it happened! I have started a fic about Erin's downward spiral and how it impacts my precious Jay. I didn't think I would go there because well...I didn't like the storyline (and if I believe the spoilers and pics I've seen, I don't think I am going to like how it plays out either). It's not going to be a long fic (about 5 chapters) and I'm not going to call it a romantic Linstead fic either...it's more about Jay and their relationship/partnership/friendship.
Anyway, please let me know what you think as I want to know if this is worth continuing. As always, your feedback and reviews are very much appreciated! Thank you!
Always
Concept
Jay and Erin made one promise...to have each other's backs...always! However, when Erin quits the Intelligence Unit during her downward spiral of guilt and blame for Nadia's death, Jay discovers not all promises can be kept.
Prologue
Jay sat at his desk, twirling a pen between his hands, his eyes focused on Erin's empty desk, taking in the last few moments, his mind was whirling.
Voight stood before the Unit, his hands shoved in his jeans pockets. "Boys, I just want to let you know that Erin will not be in for a few weeks." He barked. "She's on furlong." He nodded towards Olinsky, silently inviting him into the office before walking into the office with Olinsky quickly following, closing the door behind him.
He couldn't believe the abruptness of Voight at his announcement, as if Erin's absence was normal; it wasn't normal; then again, nothing about the last few weeks had been normal.
He was snapped out of his thoughts by the sound of Olinsky opening the door and exiting Voight's office. Without thinking, Jay jumped to his feet and strode towards Voight's office, determined to get answers. He didn't even bother knocking; he strode into the office and closed the door behind him.
He stood before Voight, placing his hands firmly on his hips, his foot tapping against the floor, waiting for Voight to remark on his attendance in his office.
Voight didn't even bother looking up at Jay from the file he was studying; instead, he glanced at his watch. "Wow Halstead!" He barked. "It's been a whole 10 minutes since I told you your partner wouldn't be in work for a few weeks and you're only coming now to question me." Finally, he looked up at Jay.
"Voight, I don't mean to disrespect you but do you really think it's wise to let Erin take furlong now?" Jay questioned. "I mean, I'm sure you've noticed that she is struggling...that she is going through some serious shit about losing Nadia..."
"Of course I've noticed that Halstead!" Voight spat.
"So why'd you let her take furlong?" Jay shot back. Then his eyes fell on the open top drawer of Voight's desk. He could see her badge and gun. He pointed at the drawer, his jaw dropping open, his eyes widening.
Voight quickly slammed the drawer shut; but it was too late; Jay was already drawing his own conclusions. "Erin's not on furlong is she?" Jay snapped. "She quit!"
Voight shook his head and sighed. "Halstead..."
"Why? Why would you say she's on furlong?" Jay pondered, beginning to pace in front of Voight's desk. "Why would you let her quit? Why didn't you stop her?"
"You don't think I tried Halstead?" Voight scoffed.
"No!" Jay shot back as he stopped pacing and glared at Voight. "You couldn't have tried or Erin wouldn't have quit...she's not a quitter!"
"Halstead, Erin has a few things to work out." Voight tried to reason. "She's not in the right place to listen to reason...she's grieving...she needs time and I'm trying to buy her some. You can't tell anyone she quit...I mean, only myself and Al know."
"So that's it?" Jay hissed. "You're just going to give her space? You're not going to fight her on this?"
"Jay, I've been here with Erin before, I know what I am doing." Voight shot back. "She needs to hit rock bottom..."
"She already has!" Jay snapped.
"Unfortunately Halstead, she hasn't." Voight retorted. "Trust me; I should know...I witnessed it before. There were so many times I tried to help when she was my C.I. but she wasn't ready; it was only when she hit rock bottom that she finally asked for my help."
"So you're just gonna sit there and do nothing until she comes to you?" Jay shot back.
"Unfortunately, it's what works Halstead." Voight replied.
"Yeah, well I can't just sit back and wait Voight!" Jay stated. "I promised to have her back...always and waiting for her to self destruct is not going to help me keep that promise!"
"So what? You're going to be her guardian angel and watch over her?" Voight questioned.
"Well...yeah!" Jay retorted, doubting himself. "All I know is I can't sit here and do nothing...wondering if every dead body we get called out to is her...I won't live like that!"
"Halstead, that's your choice to make." Voight responded. "And I hope it works for you because it certainly didn't work for me the last time...Olinsky and Platt will tell you that. She nearly broke me the last time; I don't know if I could handle it the second time around...especially without Camille."
"But aren't you worried about her?" Jay questioned.
"She's like a daughter to me Halstead; I never stop worrying about her." Voight stated. "But I have to have faith she'll find her way back and until then, I'm gonna take comfort in the fact she's got you watching her back."
Jay nodded before speaking again. "Sir, I hate to ask but..."
"Just go Halstead." Voight cut him off. Jay nodded and headed towards the door. "And Halstead..." Jay turned to face Voight. "...keep me informed."
"You got it sir." Jay replied and raced out of the office and the bull pen.
To be continued...if you want?