"Can I stay at your place?"
"Sure, we'll work something out"
Jay was sat on Erin's couch with his head in his hands. She quickly removed two beers from her fridge and handed him one.
"What happened tonight wasn't your fault"
"If I hadn't of been there she would be fine" Jay said sadly "Maybe I should go, I'm putting you in danger just being here" He said as he stood up.
She grabbed his wrist as he tried to walk past her.
"Jay, we're partners, if you're here and anything happens there are two of us. We'll have more of a chance to bring them down" She said. "Besides, I've just opened you a beer, sit your ass down and drink it."
He half-heartedly smiled and retook his place on her couch. She sat down beside him and curled her legs underneath her. He took a sip of beer and turned to face her.
"Thanks for being here" He said sincerely.
"You've been there for me before" Erin softly replied, staring into his eyes.
Jay cleared his throat and attempted to change the subject. "So….how are things with the fireman?" Erin looked down at her beer and gave a sad smile.
"He's going through a lot right now, I think we just need some space"
"Yeah, I um… heard he left you waiting in a restaurant?"
"How did you hear about that?" She asked raising her eyebrows.
"I have my sources" Jay said giving her a cheeky smile. "And just so you know, he's an idiot for not showing up. Anyone that has a chance with you is a lucky guy"
Erin blushed and looked down at her lap unsure of what to say. After a small silence she glanced back up to her partner and smiled. They sat in a comfortable silence until Erin turned on the TV. She stretched her legs out over Jay and began to watch the movie. Jay put a hand on her legs and smiled, he had missed spending time with her like this.
After the movie had finished Jay looked down at his sleeping partner and gently shook her awake.
"Erin, you should go to bed, we have work in the morning anyway"
"Huh? .. oh yeah, just let me grab you some blankets" She whispered groggily. She returned to the room a few moments later with a pillow and some blankets for him. She waited for him to make up the couch and turned to face him when he had finished.
"Don't beat yourself up about tonight, it really wasn't your fault Jay" She said taking a step closer to him.
"I know" He said quietly looking down into her eyes "Goodnight Erin"
She closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him close. He was startled for a split second before he wrapped his arms around her waist and returned the hug.
"I'm glad you're safe" She whispered into his ear. She broke away after a few seconds and started to walk towards her bedroom. Jay watched her walk away immediately missing the feeling of holding her.
"Goodnight Jay" She called softly over her shoulder closing her bedroom door. Jay smiled as he climbed into bed.
"One day" He murmured aloud.