Wow, I cannot believe it's been 30 chapters. Time flies! I hope you enjoy the sweetness of this one.


"Hey, kiddo," Jay greeted when Jenna O'Donnell knocked on his apartment door. He knew Piper and the social worker were on their way to his apartment since Erin had sent a text, absolutely over the moon about the good morning that she and Piper had. He was so glad things had finally turned around. After watching Erin unravel the night before, he knew that as much as he wished he could keep Piper in his home forever, she needed to be with Erin. His girls needed each other, more than they needed him.

It helped that Jay also had a good night sleep in Erin's bed. After waiting for her to return following Piper's nightmare, he went to check on her and was overwhelmed by just how adorably his girls were snuggled in bed. He didn't want to wake either of them up, and honestly didn't love the idea of leaving a full apartment in favor of sleeping in an empty one, so he fell back asleep on Erin's bed. The familiar scent of Erin's shampoo and the volume of pillows made it feel like she was almost in bed beside him, even though she was safely across the apartment with her little sister.

Piper immediately barreled into his legs and he boosted her into his arms, holding her tightly against his chest. "Man, did I miss you," he said, pressing a kiss on the side of her head, "Did you have a good night sleep?"

She nodded wordlessly and continued to hold tightly. "Sounds like it was good," Jenna confirmed with a smile, "I'll be in touch later today about tomorrow, Jay. Have a good one."

"Thanks," he replied quickly. He hadn't yet broached the topic of another visit with Bunny, but he knew he needed to soon. After the difficult night with Erin, Jay was reluctant to spring yet another roadblock on the little girl, but he knew he needed time to prepare her. Jay closed the door behind the social worker, still holding Piper in his arms. "How was it, Pipes? Did you guys have a good time?"

"I missed you," Piper said honestly, resting her head on Jay's shoulder as he held her in the kitchen, "But I liked spending time with Erin."

"I'm so glad," he grinned, leaning over to kiss her forehead, "I missed you a whole bunch though. Good thing that we've got all day to do something fun together, what do you say to that?"

Hank signed off on Jay taking a personal day. Over the past few years in Intelligence, the detective had taken few days for himself, with the exception of a few stints of medical leave. With Piper in Jay's protection, his boss had informed him that he'd rather keep the little girl safe and out of the district as much as they could, and Jay was happy to oblige.

"That sounds fun," Piper said, a smile forming on her lips, "What are we going to do?"

"Well," Jay said in exaggeration, "I happen to know a guy. And this guy got us tickets to the Cubs game this afternoon, and I thought it would be fun if we went to see them play in real life."

"Really?" Piper's jaw dropped, "We get to go to the field?"

"You bet," Jay grinned, unable to hide his own excitement. He'd been toying with the idea for a few days, and after the ordeal at Erin's he sent a text to his ticket guy. The little girl deserved a fun distraction, especially considering she had a visit with her mother the next day that she didn't know about yet. He wasn't sure how Piper would do in a crowd, but the day time game usually had lower attendance.

"Wow," Piper couldn't believe it. "I never been to a baseball game before."

"There is a first time for everything," Jay said, "Baseball games are some of my absolute favorite ways to have a good time. There are hotdogs and popcorn and all sorts of fun stuff." He paused, realizing that he hadn't offered a snack, which was part of the routine he'd established any time that Piper returned from a visit. He had read that kids coming out of foster care can often associate food with security and comfort. "Are you hungry, kiddo?"

"Erin made French toast this morning," she told him, "I had two whole pieces."

"No way," Jay pretended to be shocked. In fact, Erin had texted him to let him know, and also informed him that a taste test between his pancakes and her French toast was in their future. He was thrilled Piper was eating, especially apart from him. "Two whole pieces?"

"Uh-huh," Piper said proudly, "With strawberries."

"Wow," he mused, "Well, I hope you saved room in that tummy of yours for some popcorn and hot dogs. And maybe even some ice cream. Can't have a Cubs game without that."


"Hey," Erin answered her phone when she saw Jay's name flash across the screen, "What's up?"

"What are you doing this afternoon?" he asked, keeping his voice low while Piper was getting changed, "Anything important going on?"

"I have this big meeting I have to be at," she said, running a hand through her hair at her desk, "Why? What's up?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to catch a Cubs came with Piper and I. One o'clock."

Erin's heart lurched. There was nothing she wanted more than to abandon the office, take off her heels and go to a Cubs game with Jay and Piper. "Ugh. I really want to, but my meeting starts at one."

"So meet us after," Jay suggested, doing his best to sound casual, like he hadn't purchased three tickets with her in mind, "It's baseball, Er. It's not going to be over in an hour."

"This is so tempting," she chuckled, "How excited is she?"

"Buzzing," Jay confirmed, "All hopped up on sugar from two pieces of French toast and the fun morning she had with her big sister."

Erin grinned. She loved that Piper was telling Jay that she had a good morning. Especially after the evening before, all she wanted was for her little sister to warm up to her again. "Alright, I'll see what I can do to get out of here. But don't tell her in case I can't make it okay? I don't want to let her down or make her think I can't show up for things."

"Now that's some expert parenting skills right there," he teased, "I'll leave your ticket at the front, okay? I'll text you."


Jay quite literally couldn't keep the smile off his face as he watched Piper glance around the baseball stadium. He'd already gotten a few pictures of her awe-struck features and sent it to Erin, who was mid-meeting but happily distracted to see her little sister in such joy.

"What do you think, kiddo?" he asked, shaking her hand slightly. Piper was clasping his hand tightly as she looked around.

"It's so big," she said softly, eyes huge as she took in the field and the entire stadium of seats, "It's different in real life."

"It is," Jay confirmed as they strolled through the stadium, "I think we gotta get you a hat though, what do you think?"

"Really?" Piper's eyes lit up, "Like the one you got?"

"Mm-hm," he grinned, taking three hats off the vendor's table, "I figure I could use a new one too, hm? Which one do you like?"

Piper pointed to the blue Cubs baseball cap and giggled when Jay placed it on her head. "Perfect," he declared, passing his credit card to the vendor, "What do you think, backwards or forwards?"

She giggled again when Jay put his new hat on sideways before flipping it around. "Are you gonna wear two hats?" she asked curiously after Jay donned one and placed the other in a bag, "One forward and one back?"

"I don't think my head is big enough," Jay chuckled, "I was thinkin' that it could be a good souvenir for Erin though, don't you think?"

Piper nodded, "Erin loves the Cubs. Even more than you do."

"Mm, that she does," Jay mused, "You ready to find our seats?"

Jay's ticket guy came through with some pretty great seats. They were a few rows back, but it offered a great vantage point of the field. Jay pointed out all his favorite players that Piper recognized from the televised games, her eyes like saucers. "This is so cool," Piper said after the first inning started, "I never saw a sports game in person before."

He grinned, "There's nothing like it. I mean, it's easier to see on the TV but you can't get hot dogs and popcorn and peanuts like you can here."

"I don't think I ever had so much food," Piper informed him as Jay cascaded popcorn into his mouth. "The best hot dog ever."

"The best," Jay repeated, "I hope you're saving room for ice cream though, kiddo. Can't have a Cubs came without that." He glanced down at his phone to read a text from Erin, informing him that she had gotten out of the meeting early and was on her way.

"Thank you for takin' me. And for the hat." Piper looked up at Jay, smile on her lips, "This is really fun."

"I'm so glad you like it," he replied. Gosh, he loved Piper so much. Watching her take in the game filled him to the brim. He always imagined what it would be like to bring his own kids to their first game. Knowing him, he wouldn't be able to wait til they were old enough to really remember, but he loved that Piper's first time would be something she remembered even when she was in New York with Erin.

Erin.

One of his favorite date nights was a Cubs game. It had been her treat and her surprise for him, and she'd somehow procured incredible seats, right above the dugout. She teased him endlessly for being like a kid on Christmas as he watched his favorite players up close.

After that, Jay thought he'd never enjoy a game as much. Even when he and Will would go after Erin left for New York, Jay was constantly reminded just what was missing.

But with Piper, Jay felt like a kid again. He held her in his arms so she could see over the people in front when everyone stood. Instead of watching the home run, Jay watched Piper. She was in awe. And after she adjusted to the loud cheers of the crowd, he could have sworn it was a different child in his arms. She was a real kid, and all the terrible and traumatic experiences of her growing up faded into the background.

"He's gonna get out if he keeps creeping like that," Piper said, watching as a player started edging off the base, "What's that called again?"

"Leading," Jay supplied, glancing over the crowd to see if he could see the familiar head of his partner, "You're right, I have a feeling they're catching onto him." He grinned when he saw her amongst the throngs of patrons. Jay could always find his girl in a crowd.

When she found him, she waved and quickly made her way over, Piper still oblivious to the fact that her sister had arrived. "Guess who's here, Pipes?" Jay asked, flashing a smile to the little girl on his hip. He pointed to his partner who was coming down the steps carefully, well aware that she was still in her work attire and heels that were certainly not baseball game appropriate.

Piper turned her head, and her eyes lit up. "Erin!" she exclaimed in excitement, "Erin came too!"

Erin beamed as Jay set her little sister down and Piper wrapped her arms around her sister's waist, "Hey Noodle!"

"I'm so glad you got to come too," Piper glanced up to meet Erin's sparkling eyes, "It's my first time at a baseball game."

"Are you having a good time?" Erin grinned when Jay plopped the new baseball hat on her head, "Did Jay make sure you got a hot dog, Halstead-style?"

Piper nodded, "It was the best hot dog I ever had!"

Erin couldn't stop grinning, especially because Jay was smiling from ear to ear. "Wow, that's some high praise, huh? Fill me in, what's the score?"


After the Cubs pulled out a win, Jay carried Piper through the crowd of people, Erin at his side. The little girl was absolutely exhausted by the activity, and her level of tiredness increased just how anxious she was with so many people so close. She clung to Jay's neck but had a hand holding Erin's, wanting to make sure her sister stayed close by too.

Erin was elated at just how happy Piper had been to see her. Watching her little sister experience her baseball game was so special, and she was incredibly grateful that Jay had extended the invitation to her.

"You comin' for dinner, right Erin?" Piper murmured as Jay walked them through the exit.

Jay smiled and gave a nod, and Erin did as well. "You bet," Erin confirmed, "I'm going to stop by my place to grab a change of shoes but maybe I'll pick some ingredients for dinner. What are you hungry for, Noodle?"

"I'm super full," she replied tiredly, "I ate so much today."

Jay chuckled, "I for one, am still down to eat."

"You're always down," Piper informed him, earning a snort from Erin in agreement.

"You're right, I am," he said, still keeping Piper on his hip as he pulled the car keys from his pocket, "We're parked just over here, Er. I'll eat whatever you pick up."

"Oh, I know you will," Erin teased, giving Piper's hand a squeeze, "I'm parked that way, but I'll see you guys in a bit, sound good?"

Jay could not stop smiling as he drove along the street. Almost as soon as he pulled onto the highway, Piper had fallen asleep in her seat, the hat he'd purchased for her obscuring her eyes, and the foam finger Erin surprised her with in her little fist. He didn't want to have to think about Piper moving to New York, or god forbid Bunny getting any type of custody. All he wanted to focus on was the adorable little girl seated behind him, and her big sister who would be joining them for dinner.

Unfortunately, a phone call from Jenna O'Donnell ripped him right back to the unpredictable reality they were currently faced with. "Hi," he answered, keeping one hand on the steering wheel and putting the phone against his ear, "I'm in the car, Piper's asleep in the backseat. We had a busy day."

"I'm calling with good news and bad news," Jenna said. Jay's chest tightened.

"Alright, lay it on me," he said in an exhale. A thousand thoughts raced through his head as he drove, "Do I need to pull over here?"

"The bad news is just that the visit with Piper's mom is still on for tomorrow," she reported, "Ten in the morning, but I'll be able to come by to pick her up, and will be able to be in the room the whole time."

"Okay." Jay exhaled again, and glanced into the rearview mirror. Piper was still sleeping, "I guess that's as good as it's going to get at this point."

"In better news, I was able to get you a meeting next week for a home study. Once you're approved, you'll be able to be Piper's foster parent even after she is out of protective custody. That's really good news, Jay."

"That is," he smiled sadly. In one sense, he was so glad that Piper would have some consistency even after if and when those who sought to harm her were brought to justice. On the other hand, he knew just how temporary it was. "Is there anything I need to prepare?"

"Nope," Jenna said, "We usually try to schedule visits at the same time, so I'll be by earlier to bring Piper on a visit with either her mother or sister depending timing, and then my colleague will assess your home. Since Piper's already been living with you, it's more of a formality."

"Sounds good," Jay swallowed, his mind wandering again. He needed to prepare Piper for the visit with Bunny, and he wasn't sure what the best way to approach it was.


"She's exhausted," Erin chuckled softly as she cast a glance over to the couch where Piper was seated. The little girl was barely keeping her eyes open while Jay quickly prepared a healthy dinner with the ingredients Erin purchased. "Spinach again, Jay, really?"

"We need some greens," he replied seriously, "One of the best things about baseball is that there are no vegetables. But unless you want to wake up at midnight with a stomachache, you're going to want some of my spinach."

Erin rolled her eyes. It was true – she always felt like crap after a baseball game. She liked to chalk it up to one too many beers, but she knew that Jay had a point. One of her favorite dates with Jay had been a baseball game. Her friend Caitlin happened to meet one of the players in a bar, and somehow Caitlin scored two tickets that she gifted to Erin. Erin in turn surprised Jay with them, and she never forgot how shocked her boyfriend had been. He was teeming with excitement as he led them through the stadium, joy all over his face as he saw his favorite players and indulged in his favorite baseball game snacks.

It had been a night to remember. The Cubs inched out a victory, and Jay literally didn't stop babbling the whole drive home, recalling each out, home run and close call. When they got back to their apartment, it wasn't long before Erin was curled up on their bed, stomach aching from a Halstead-style hot dog washed down with a few beers.

Her partner's elation changed to concern, and he spent the next few hours rubbing her stomach and trying to make her feel better. The sheer tenderness of her boyfriend never ceased to amaze her, and Erin fell asleep the happiest she'd ever been.

"Only because I like the way you make spinach," Erin acquiesced with a shake of her head, "You and your greens, Halstead."

"Balanced diets are important for kids, and for grown-ups," he replied, "Pipes, you up for some dinner?"

Piper shuffled to the kitchen and sank heavily into the kitchen chair. "Today was so fun," she said, "But I am so sleepy."

Erin stroked her sister's cheek affectionately, "Baseball games are tiring, huh?"

The little girl nodded in agreement and glanced up at Jay as he scooped some spinach, mashed potatoes and meat onto her plate. "More spinach?"

"What is it with you guys and my spinach?" Jay exclaimed, "It's good!"

"It is good," Piper said, smile on her lips, "But you make it all the time."

"Guess we'll have to mix it up," Jay sighed, teasing smile on his lips, "But someone needs iron, isn't that right?"

Piper blushed and took a big bite, earning a chuckle from Erin. "Good job, Noodle," she praised, "Jay's spinach isn't too bad."

After a dinner, Piper got ready for bed while Erin helped Jay clean up the kitchen. "Need to tell her about Bunny tomorrow," Jay said in a low voice, "I've been putting it off as much as I can but-"

"Poor thing," Erin rubbed her forehead, "At least it was a good day."

"A great day," Jay corrected with a smile, "Best game I've been to in a long time." He paused when Erin smiled in response. "I um, I don't want to kick you out, but I don't want you to catch any heat for knowing about this visit."

Erin nodded gratefully. As much as she wanted to be there when Piper was told, her partner was right. They needed to do everything they could to get Piper to trust Erin, and part of that was going to mean Jay had to deliver some of the tough news. "I can't thank you enough," she murmured, "Today, watching her at the game and this morning and even last night – everything you do amazes me, Jay."

He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss on the crown of her head. "You amaze me too, Er," he replied. "Jenna's coming by at ten tomorrow, and I was thinking you and I should chat about school and stuff while she's out of the apartment."

She nodded again, "I'll bring bagels," she said with a coy grin, "And we can chat."


Jay sat awake on the couch well into the early hours of the morning, Piper in his lap. After breaking the news about the upcoming visit, the little girl had cried herself to sleep, the good day tarnished by the cruel reality that she was stuck in. Thankfully, she sought comfort in Jay. He held her closely, memorizing what her soft skin felt like against his neck, what her sweet hair smelled like and how delicate her tiny form was. He hated that there wasn't anything he could do to shield his little friend from the trauma of seeing her biological mother. He'd been reading into foster parent support materials on his phone as Piper clung to him, and each one reiterated just how hard it could be to know that there was little in their control beyond loving the child wholeheartedly.

And that is what Jay intended to do. From the second he met Piper, he knew she was special, and knew just how much she needed him. But what he didn't know was how much he needed her. The little girl had opened Jay's heart in ways he still hadn't fully processed. He loved being the father figure for her, and he loved that he was Piper's safe place.

When he awoke several hours later, still on the couch, still with Piper in his arms, Jay honestly just felt relief. He'd been so concerned that the little girl wasn't going to get the rest she so clearly needed, but thankfully she got in a few hours. Maybe he'd see if he could get her to take a nap after the visit.

His little friend was eerily quiet as he prepared breakfast. Piper agreed to half a bowl of granola and some fruit, but Jay knew not to expect her to eat much. The poor little girl was practically trembling from anxiety. He also decided he'd make a call to the therapist Dr. Kim had recommended for Piper. She needed as much support as Jay could offer. He and Erin decided that while Piper was with Bunny, the two of them would spend an hour together discussing all of the little girl's needs to avoid having the conversation while she was sleeping or in the next room over. The fact that Erin was coming over while Piper was with Bunny was the only thing keeping him somewhat sane.

"I'm so proud of you," Jay said carefully as he leaned over the counter to get a bit closer to Piper, who was pushing the soggy granola around her bowl halfheartedly, "I know you're nervous, but you're being so brave."

Piper nodded wordlessly and flinched when he stroked her fingers. His heart ached – she hadn't been so timid in days. But he knew not to take it personally. She was trying to protect herself from the impending experience with her mother, and the little girl was on high alert.

"That must be Jenna," Jay cleared his throat and pasted on a smile. "Hi," he greeted, "We're just finishing up breakfast."

Jenna O'Donnell gave a big smile. "Hi Piper."

"You ready, kiddo?" he asked gently. Jay knew that was a stupid question. Of course she wasn't ready. Hell, he wasn't even ready to let the social worker walk out the door with his little friend.

She shook her head before bursting into tears. "Oh, Pipes," Jay rushed forward and brought her into his arms so she didn't slip off the chair. "Shh, it's alright."

Piper sobbed into Jay's shoulder. Each wail tore at his heart as he held her closely, the poor little girl unraveling so rapidly that he didn't know how to slow it down. "It's going to be okay," he tried, stroking her head with his hand, "I know you're scared kiddo, I know."

"I don't want to go," she pleaded, voice muffled by his shirt. He cast a desperate glance to Jenna O'Donnell, who just shook her head slightly. There wasn't a way out of the situation.

"I'm so sorry, Pipes," he said, doing his best to swallow the lump in his throat, "Really, I am. I know how hard this is."

"I don't want to see her," Piper whimpered, gripping Jay's shirt in her fists as tightly as she possibly could, "I don't, I don't."

"I know," Jay cooed, pressing his lips to the top of Piper's head, "But you're going to come back here as soon as it's over, and it's just going to be you and me, and we'll order some Chinese food and watch the game."

"I don't feel safe without you," she choked out, another sob emerging from her throat, "Please, please don't make me go."

It was all Jay could do not to burst into tears. Piper's pleas shattered his heart, and the last thing he wanted to do was put her back in a situation where she felt unsafe. He grimaced when a knock came at the door, realizing that he'd forgotten to text Erin to say the goodbye was going longer than expected. "It's Erin," he said to Jenna apologetically, "We had a few things we wanted to talk through."

She nodded and pulled open the door. "Oh, hi, sorry," Erin rushed out, heat rising in her cheeks. She adjusted her blazer self-consciously, "I can come back-"

"Erin, no, no," Piper sobbed, abandoning Jay and rushing into her sister's legs, "Please, I don't wanna see her."

Erin felt her heart crack as she stroked the top of her little sister's head. "Oh, sweetheart," she cooed, sinking to her knees to hold her closer, "I know this is really hard. But Ms. O'Donnell is going to be there the whole time with you. And you and I are going to have a sister date next week."

Piper shook her head as she clutched Erin's blazer, "I only wanna have visits with you," she managed, follow it up with a hiccup, "I want you and Jay."

Erin ran a hand up and down Piper's back, "We're always gonna be here for whatever you need, Noodle," she said softly. "We're so proud of you for doing this, and I know how difficult these conversations can be." Erin paused, unsure if diving into her own past would help or hurt the situation.

"You know that when I was fifteen, I went to live with Hank and his family," Erin started, still stroking Piper's quivering frame as the little girl pressed against her in a desperate attempt to avoid leaving with the social worker, "And I didn't want to see Bunny any more either, and when I did, it was really difficult. But what made it easier was that I got to tell her how much better I was doing without her. I would tell her how good I was doing in school, and that Camille was teaching me how to cook, and that I was healthy. And even though I wasn't living with her, I was doing better. And maybe today, you can show Bunny just how good you're doing without her."

Piper sniffed as Erin's words washed over her. "You can tell her about our trip to Wisconsin, and hiking with Jay, and playing soccer, and going to the baseball game, right?" Erin continued, "And after that, you get to come back here and be with Jay."

"I want you too," she whispered into Erin's neck, loud enough for both the social worker and Jay to hear, "I want you to be here too."

"We can do that," Jay said, giving a reassuring nod to Erin, "Erin and I are both going to be waiting for you right here."

The little girl sniffed again as she contemplated what Jay and Erin had said. "W-what if something bad happens while I'm in there?" Piper managed, removing her head from Erin's shoulder to meet Jay with red-rimmed eyes, "What if she tries to just take me away?"

"I'll be with you the whole time," Jenna interjected, "Just one hour, honey, and then you'll be back here."

"It's going to be okay," Erin soothed, lightly stroking Piper's back. She glanced up at Jay, who gave a proud nod. Erin was doing a great job, and her recommendation to Piper resonated. "Jay and I aren't going anywhere."


I hope you liked it, please let me know what you think!