Timeline: Season 7
Completed: Mar. 2, 2020
"Can you guys believe that we have off Monday?" Ruzek asks the rest of the Intelligence Unit the Saturday before Memorial Day while they are relaxing after closing a tough case involving a pedophile.
"Don't jinx it Ruz," Kevin Atwater warns his friend.
"So, I heard the fireworks at Millennium Park are amazing on Memorial Day," Ruzek tells the group. "What do you guys say?"
"Sounds good," Vanessa agrees. "I never got to do that growing up in the system," she comments.
"I'm in. I used to take Jordan and Vinessa when they were little."
"Sounds like fun," Kim adds.
Adam looks to Hailey, "Why not?" she answers.
He then looks over to Jay, "I don't know," the detective answers.
"Come on," Adam pushes. "When was the last time we all hung out outside of work?"
"It sounds like it will be fun," Vanessa adds trying to help Adam.
"Fine," Jay gives up, knowing that soon the whole team will be on his case to go. He leaves annoyed at his teammates.
Monday morning, Jay gets a text from Hailey telling him that after he left the rest of the team decided to meet at eight so they have plenty of time to get a good spot and hang out before the fireworks go off.
Jay sends a reply to let her know he got the message before throwing on his sneakers to go on a run to clear his head.
Somehow Jay winds up by the dog park near his brother's place. With Jay's luck, Will has Kohl out and spots his younger brother before he can get out of his line of sight. "Jay," he calls. "What are you doing here?"
"I went for a run," he answers while bending down to pet Kohl.
"What's up?" Will asks. Jay gives him a look saying what makes you think that. "You never run this way. Is something bothering you?"
"No, I just felt like running."
"Is it because they're going to be shooting off fireworks tonight?" Will asks knowing that fireworks are one of the things that can set off his brother's PTSD.
"The team is going to see the fireworks at Millennium Park tonight," Jay tells him.
"So, did you just tell them no?" Will asks.
"Ruzek won't take no for an answer. And Vanessa started too."
"If you want to skip it, tell them you aren't feeling well. I can vouch that you were."
"Thanks, but I don't want to deal with the questions that would bring."
"Okay, but if you need anything let me know," Will offers.
Jay nods but doesn't move. Will notices this, "Come on, let's go," Will calls for Kohl and the three of them head back to Will's apartment.
When they get into Will's apartment Jay takes a seat on the couch and Kohl follows him and sits at his feet. Will goes into his kitchen and grabs a water bottle for Jay.
"Thanks," Jay mutters.
"Do you want me to go too?"
"No, I don't think having my older brother there is a good idea," Jay tells him, not wanting to subject Will to a PTSD episode.
"Okay, well, do you want to hang out here until you need to leave?"
"No, I should get back to my place. I'll see you later," Jay wave good-bye to his brother and gives Kohl one more good head rub.
Once Will is sure that Jay is not going to show back up he makes a call to the person who he knows will keep an eye on his brother. "Hey are you busy?" he asks when the person picks up.
"No, what's up? Is Jay okay?" Hailey asks, not sure why her partner's brother would be calling her.
"Jay told me about how the team is going to see the fireworks tonight."
"Yeah, we're meeting at eight. Don't worry, I'll keep Jay out of trouble," Hailey jokes.
"Can you just keep an eye on him?" Will asks, not bothering to joke back.
"Sure. Is Jay okay?" Hailey asks going back to her original question.
"I don't know if he's told you this- and he'd kill me if he knew I told you, but ever since he was overseas, he hasn't been the biggest fan of fireworks."
"Shit- his PTSD," Hailey realizes.
"Yeah, fireworks are a trigger."
"We are asses," Hailey states slowly sighing. "How bad does it get?"
"Pretty bad. Flashbacks, he might disassociate."
"I didn't even think about that. I'm a terrible partner."
"You're not."
"He was hesitant. I didn't stand up for him. He's only going because we pushed for it so hard."
"That's not your fault. Just be there- he trusts you."
"Thanks for letting me know," Hailey tells him before hanging up the phone.
"Who was that?" Vanessa questions when she walks into the kitchen to see Hailey hanging up the phone.
"Halstead's brother."
"What's up?"
"Jay is being Jay. He wanted to see if I could talk some sense into him," Hailey partially lies.
"Is Jay always so stubborn?"
"You've noticed? Yeah, since I've met him."
By ten after eight, everyone has made it to the park. The team enjoying the time together while not on duty. They are all relaxed except for Jay, and Hailey can only tell because she knows him so well.
"You okay?" Hailey asks walking up to him.
"Yeah. How many people here do you think really understand what today is about?" Jay asks quietly.
"I think most of them are just here for the fireworks. I think that's Adam's case."
"He drives me crazy sometimes," Jay admits.
"I know, I don't think that's his goal. I don't think he can help it, it's just who he is," Hailey pauses. "Today's different for vets, isn't it?" she asks, already knowing the answer.
"I've got six friends who've died for this country. There's not someone who's served and doesn't know someone who died."
"I'm sorry."
"You're not the one who killed them."
Hailey can tell that Jay's about to shut her out, so she changes the subject, "Let's grab something to eat before Kev and Adam eat it all." Hailey then proceeds to drag Jay back to the others, wanting him to eat before he is likely to be affected by the fireworks.
Jay is wound tighter than a spring, but no one other than Hailey seems to notice. She just tries to keep him engaged with everyone, hoping it won't get too bad.
As soon as the first firework goes off she can see Jay's body tense. Hailey moves near him, hoping he can feel her presence and it will help keep him grounded.
Jay is intently focused on his breathing, but none of the others seem to notice. A particularly loud set that shakes the ground makes Jay bury his head in his knees and cover his ears with his arms, his hands on top of his head.
Hailey can see his body trembling. "Jay, you're in Chicago," she reminds him while the others are fascinated with the display.
"No, no, no, no," he whispers almost inaudible.
"Jay, you're safe," she tells him.
"The Humvee-" Jay whispers.
Hailey knows she needs to get Jay away from the display, so she tries something that could be potentially dangerous for her. "Jay," she whispers, placing a hand on his trembling shoulder. "Jay. It's me, Hailey," she tells him. "Do you recognize me?"
Jay looks at her, green eyes, bright and wild, and nods.
"I'm going to take you home. Okay?"
Jay just continues to stare at her.
"I need you to help me. Just walk and I will do the rest," Hailey tells him while pulling him up by his arm. Hailey carefully guides him out of the park and to his truck.
Taking his key, she unlocks the truck and helps him into the passenger side before getting into the driver's side. Jay is once again hugging his knees and rocking back and forth. Hailey turns on the radio and turns the volume all the way up, hoping to block out some of the noise.
The normally short drive seems like forever as she feels helpless in helping her partner. Finally getting to his apartment building, Hailey turns down the radio before turning it off, not wanting to startle Jay the next time he goes to turn it on, before getting out of the truck and once again guiding Jay into his apartment.
The fireworks are as loud as ever in his building and Jay makes his way to his closet where he once again curls into a ball, his arms over his ears.
Not knowing what she can do for him, she calls Will.
"Is Jay okay?" is his immediate response.
"I- I brought him back to his apartment. But it might be worse here. He's in his closet in a ball. I don't know what to. Should I take him somewhere else?"
"No," Will answers quickly almost shouting. "If you leave now, he won't associate his home as safe. As much as it sucks seeing him like this, you need to wait it out. He's probably going to pass out from exhaustion once the fireworks stop."
"What can I do?"
"Sit with him. Remind him where he is and that he's safe."
"Okay, thanks, Will."
"No, thank you for taking care of my brother."
The two hangs up and Hailey sends a text to Vanessa saying that Jay wasn't feeling well and she took him home.
Hailey then goes into his room and sits next to him in the closet. She places a hand on his trembling back and whispers reassuring words to him, hoping the fireworks will be over soon,
The fireworks pick up and Hailey can tell that it is the finale. After about twenty seconds of non-stop pops there is finally silence. Jay's body starts to relax when he registers the silence. He leans into Hailey exhausted.
Hailey lays him down, not wanting to disturb him now that he is at peace.
"I'm sorry," Jay whispers.
"You can't help it."
"You missed the fireworks."
"I'm not that big of a fan, it's okay."
They are silent for a moment before Hailey asks, "Do you want to lay down somewhere more comfortable?"
"Okay. Couch?" he questions.
Hailey nods, helping Jay move to the couch. He lays on it with his head in her lap. Hailey puts her hand on his back, rubbing circles. "Your heart is still pounding," she comments softly.
He grabs her hand that isn't on his back, needing something to ground him.
After a while, Jay had managed to fall into a light sleep. Hailey also managed to doze off until one in the morning when some drunken idiots decided to shoot off their own fireworks. The sound winds Jay back up, his breathing erratic, and his eye wild once again.
"Jay, you're okay. You're in Chicago," Hailey reminds him not sure if he can hear her.
The former soldier is once again rocking back and forth. Not knowing what else to do, Hailey pulls him into a hug, hoping that would help ground him.
After the longest half an hour imaginable the fireworks stop and Jay is able to relax again. Hailey lays him down hoping that is the last of the fireworks.
She watches him sleep for over an hour, glad that he finally looks somewhat peaceful. Just as she leans her head back, about to go to sleep, Jay starts squirming.
Before she can process what is happening, Jay starts screaming in his sleep. Hailey can't understand what he is saying, but she knows that it is most likely unwanted memories- trauma- from his time overseas, brought on by the fireworks.
Hailey knows that she has to be careful that she doesn't make any sudden movements that will startle him, so she calls his name. She keeps calling his name until she gets a reaction from him.
She loses track of how many times she's called him until he slowly comes back to the present. When he realizes what is going on, he sits up as far away from Hailey as he can.
"Jay, it's me," she tells him slowly. "Do you know where you are?"
"I could have hurt you," he answers, not bothering to answer the question.
"But you didn't. I trust you."
"You shouldn't."
Hailey slowly moves closer to Jay, "What do you need me to do? And don't say leave."
Jay sighs.
"Do you want to talk about it? Can you talk about it?"
"The same thing. The Humvee, the IED, the dead kids."
"It's past two-thirty, you should go to bed," Hailey suggests, taking the hint that Jay doesn't want to talk.
"It's late. I can take the couch," Jay offers.
"No. After the night you had, you need the rest."
"You stayed up with me, you need to rest too."
"I'm smaller. I'm fine on the couch. So, go to bed and I'm out here if you need anything," Hailey gently pushes Jay towards his room.
Hailey wakes up four hours later to the sound of her alarm going off on her phone. Hailey gets up groggily after the long night. Judging by how she feels, she guesses that Jay is going to be ten times worse considering the rough night he had- both physically and mentally.
Grabbing her phone, she calls Voight to see if she can get the day off for Jay considering.
"Voight," the gravelly voice answers.
"Sarge, it's Hailey. Jay had a rough night with the fireworks yesterday, is there-"
"He can take today. You too, take care you your partner," Voight tells her before hanging up.
Hailey doesn't have a chance to say anything before the line disconnects. Hailey sneaks into Jay's room to turn off his alarm before it can wake him. Hailey gets into his phone easily, the passcode being his mother's birthday, and opens his alarm app to turn it off before leaving his room to let him sleep.
Since Voight also gave her the day off, Hailey decides to try to catch a little more sleep.
Hailey wakes up to Jay shaking her, "Hailey, get up, it's ten. We're late, our alarms must not have gone off," Jay tells her.
"Jay, take a breath," she tells him when her brain catches up to his words. "My alarm when off and I called Voight. I told him that you had a rough night because of the fireworks. He gave us the day."
"Hailey, I can't be a cop with PTSD," Jay yells.
"You're a good cop, who I would follow blind- PTSD or not. This is Voight, he doesn't care, he just wants good cops in his unit."
"I'm sorry," Jay apologizes when he realized his outburst.
"It's okay. Do you need anything before I go home?"
"No."
"Where's Hailey and Jay?" Adam asks when he realized the two detectives of the unit are missing.
"They aren't coming in today," Voight answers in a tone that implies to drop it.
"If they're hungover it's their own fault," Adam continues.
"Adam, I don't think they even drank that much last night," Rojas tells him. "I got a text last night from Hailey that Jay wasn't feeling well so she took him home. I guess with the fireworks none of us notice them leave."
"Enough, they will be here tomorrow," Voight tells them, not wanting this team to be talking about his two detectives.
"How are you doing?" Will asks when he calls Jay during his break.
"Okay. Apparently Hailey called Voight this morning and got us the day off."
"He understood."
"Will I can't be a cop with PTSD-"
"Jay, you are fine. You go to work, in Chicago you hear gunshots every day. But that doesn't affect your PTSD."
"It's different."
"I know. But Jay, you are good at your job, your PTSD doesn't change that- and it definitely doesn't define you."
"Ruzek is an idiot and he makes me crazy sometimes."
"Just forget about him. Do you want me to come over tonight? I can bring beer and pizza."
"No, I'd rather be alone."
"Let me know if you need anything," Will tells him.
Later that night, Hailey stops by Adam's place wanting to give him a piece of her mind.
"Hey, Hailey. What are you doing here?" Adam asks when he opens the door.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Hailey yells at him.
"What are you talking about?" Adam asks confused, as always.
"You pushed Jay into seeing the fireworks!"
"He agreed, he didn't have to," Adam argues.
"He knew you weren't going to give up, so he said yes to get you to stop asking."
"Okay? It was just fireworks, watching them never hurt anyone."
"That's not the point," Hailey tells him, not wanting to betray Jay's trust. "He didn't want to, but you keep pushing until he agreed."
"Well, I thought we could all do something as a team that wasn't work-related."
"You need to think about what other people want," she tells him before leaving, not giving him a chance to rebuttal.
"I told you I wanted to be alone," Jay tells his brother when he opens his door later that night.
"And you thought that I would listen? You don't need to be alone right now. We can sit in an awkward silence, but I'm not leaving," Will tells Jay as he places the pizza and six-pack of beer on the kitchen counter.
"How are you feeling?" Vanessa asks Jay when she sees him in the breakroom of the bullpen on Wednesday.
"What are you talking about? I'm fine," Jay answers quickly getting defensive.
"Hailey sent me a message on Monday that you weren't feeling well so she took you home and to not worry about getting her on the way back from the park. And you weren't here yesterday," she answers confused.
"Oh, sorry. Better, thanks," Jay apologizes feeling bad about snapping at her.
"Don't worry about it, but heads up: Adam was being … Adam yesterday," she tells him before leaving the room, leaving Jay by himself knowing that Adam is going to be on his nerves today.
Jay prepares himself before going out to the bullpen, knowing it will be a long day.
A/N: Sorry if this seems like a recent chapter of "Man's Best Friend". I wrote this about a month ago and wrote the one for "Man's Best Friend" almost three weeks later. I forgot that I used Fireworks for F, and didn't realize that the chapters would be published so close together as chapters for "A to Z" are mostly pre-written and chapters for "Man's Best Friend" are mostly written the week that the chapter is published.