2018

Jay had spent the last few weeks wondering how he was so blind to miss that Hailey and Adam were together. He was actually sort of embarrassed, being an elite detective and all. But Hailey was too, so that made equal sense why she was able to keep it under his nose for so long.

When he caught the two of them bickering in the garage, the way Hailey looked at him after, like a little kid who got caught for something they shouldn't have been doing, that haunted him in a way. He didn't ever want her to feel like he was judging her.

He needed her to know that he wasn't upset or disappointed in her. Disappointed in himself maybe…but those were feelings to unpack another day. Although, he had a feeling she may have picked up on his moping when they grabbed drinks in the bar last week following a tough case, a personal one from Jay's past.

Adam called her, and Jay told her to go. But what he really wanted was for her to stay. He knew she was looking for his permission, and that if he was honest about wanting her, needing her, he knows she wouldn't have left. The way her eyes flashed to his, biting her lip out of nervousness. He thought he saw a small glimmer in her eyes, the same one he imagines that his show when he looks at her. But he couldn't ask her to stay, she's already done so much for him. She needed to be happy too, he wanted that for her, maybe more than anything else. So, if that meant pushing down his growing feelings for her to keep her in his life- that's what he was going to do.

"Alright who's drawing the short straw for tonight?" Kevin went around the room, holding out a literal handful of straws. Whoever picked the short one, had to be on call and at the district for New Year's Eve.

Everyone in the room groaned. Voight chuckled from his office, feet up on his desk. He was glad these days of his career were past him.

"I know, I know. But I drew last year, so that means this year I have immunity. One of you will have a significantly decreased chance of having a kiss at midnight, but never say never. Billy on the Block is always available." That got a laugh out of everyone, Kevin referring to a well known frequent flyer in the neighbourhood, who gave himself his own nickname, and ever so kindly offers to give everyone a hug and a kiss if they need it.

Jay was about to volunteer, figuring Hailey would want to spend the night with Adam rather than the traditions they promised each other last year. It was only the second year, if it didn't happen this year, it might not ever again. Jay was happy it just happened the one time even.

"Aww man", Ruzek hung his head in shame as he held up the short straw.

"First pull too, that's bad juju", Kevin shook his head. "The rest of you got lucky, you know the drill", he pointed at everyone. They all reached into their pockets, to pull out a few bucks for a nice takeout meal for Adam. That was a yearly tradition already cemented.

Adam flashed Hailey his puppy dog eyes, she winced and smiled in sympathy.

"Sorry darlin", he said quietly, but loud enough that Jay heard.

"That's alright. New Year's is a silly holiday anyways", Hailey replied, stealing a quick glance at Jay.

"True, well we can make up for it another night", Ruzek said a little too flirty for Jay's ears.

Jay cleared his throat, "Let's roll Hailey, we have to go talk to that witness from yesterday."

Hailey grabbed her jacket, eyeing Jay for his awkwardness.

"Later Ruz", Jay added to hopefully deflect from any bitterness there, grabbing his keys from his desk.

"See you man", Adam waved while focusing on his keyboard, not seeming like he noticed Jay watching his exchange with Hailey.

Hailey brushed by Adam giving him a small shoulder squeeze, they weren't ones for PDA.

"See you next year", she chuckled. Adam rolling his eyes and laughing at her cheesy joke.

The ride to meet their witness that morning was quiet, not awkwardly, but both of them were respecting the other's need for silence.

Jay was the one to finally break it. He cleared his throat, "So…tonight…"

Hailey flashed her dimples, glancing over at her partner. "Thought you'd never ask."

Jay's face lit up for a second before quickly composing himself, trying not to act too excited. Although deep down he was. "I thought…. you and Adam would spend it together… I don't know…", he said sheepishly.

"Even before Adam pulled the short straw, I already told him I had made plans with a friend tonight", Hailey said with a big grin.

"And he doesn't know that friend is me?" Jay treaded lightly, not wanting to get in the middle of anything.

Hailey nodded her head. "No, he does. Just wanted to watch you squirm a little. If I didn't know any better, I'd say a green monster snuck out a bit back there huh." Now it was Hailey that was treading lightly.

Jay's mouth flew open, not really knowing how to respond to that.

There had been this immense tension between them the last few weeks, Jay had certainly felt it. But he wasn't sure if Hailey did. Guess he just got his answer.

"I'm not sure I would use the term jealous…", that was Jay's rebuttal, he knew it was weak. And judging by the smirk on her face so did she.

"Mhmm", Hailey stared back out the windshield, sipping her coffee.

A few moments of comfortable silence passed by them again, Jay pulling up to their destination and shutting his truck off.

"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't happy about spending time together tonight", now it was Jay's turn to smirk as he watched a hint of red blush across Hailey's cheeks. She smiled and hopped out of his truck. Taking a minute to compose herself at his not so subtle flirty comment before heading inside to meet their witness.

She had been starting to have these feelings…. conflicting ones…about Jay. About Adam. Ever since her and Adam got together Jay had been acting a bit strange. But she brushed that off as him being protective over her in general. But there was this small voice in the back of her head telling her that Adam was just a fun distraction, that it was really Jay who she felt deeply for. But the timing just wasn't right.

"We're good and we're always going to be good." Jay's soft words replayed in her mind on a loop.

Little did she know he was thinking the same thing.

The rest of their day did not go exactly to plan. On the way out of the witnesses house they found themselves in the middle of a gang shooting.

"10-1, 10-1 shots fired at the police!" Jay yelled into his radio as they were taking cover behind a vehicle. He panicked for a brief moment when he didn't see Hailey.

"Hailey! Hailey!" Jay yelled out for his partner over the loud gunfire, trying his best to scan for her as he was ducking his head for safety.

"Yeah all good!" She yelled back as she fired off a few rounds, moving back into his line of sight.

He let out a sigh of relief.

The moment passed as quickly as it began, the two of them hearing the sirens of back up patrol approaching.

They collected themselves, making sure it was safe before standing up from behind the vehicles where they took cover.

Jay headed over to patrol to fill them in, giving as many details as they could. Hailey winced as she stood up, hoping Jay wouldn't notice. But of course, Jay being Jay, he did. He continued talking to the officers but kept his eyes closely on her as she limped over to join him.

"You alright?" He asked with concern, giving her a once over, setting a hand on her shoulder.

"Hit the deck kinda hard", she replied. "Probably have some bruises."

"Gotcha", he said.

"Looks like the two of you got lucky, if bruises are all you have", one of the young officers spoke up, motioning to the vehicles they were hiding behind. Both of them littered with bullet holes, smashed glass.

Jay and Hailey shared a quick glance at each other, secretly spooked at the thought of either of them getting hurt or worse.

By the time they had finished some lengthy incident reports, it was time to call it a day.

"Chinese at my place?" Jay said quietly over their shared desks.

Hailey smiled and nodded. "I'll be over at 6."

"Okay", Jay replied softly, and grinned back.

He went to the bathroom and didn't see Hailey leave, but he laughed when he read the note she left on his desk.

"Do NOT forget the kung pao chicken!

He quickly wrapped up his last report and made the call for takeout. He swung by on his way home to pick up the food, smiling when he saw Hailey parked out front of his building waiting for him already.

"You that hungry?" He said jokingly as she met him outside his truck, stopping for a second to notice she had put on a bit of makeup, her hair was freshly done.

"Not my fault you're taking so long", she sassed back jokingly, tapping her phone to show him the time.

"Fair. Well it is New Year's, restaurants are busy", he justified his half hour lateness, late is something he usually never is.

"I'll let it slide this time Halstead", she pretended to give him an evil stare, helping him grab a few bags.

"You have a key you could have gone in to wait", he laughed as she followed him inside.

"Yeah, yeah. No really I wasn't waiting long, I was also running late", she said sheepishly.

"Shocker", he laughed, as she followed him in his apartment.

Jay opened his front door and they set the food down on the table.

"I'm gonna go jump in the shower quick", he announced.

"You don't want to eat first?" She asked as she started to pull plates and utensils out from his kitchen.

"I'll be fast. Someone had to go and get all dressed up, so I need to look presentable too", he poked.

"What? Me?" Hailey feigned shock. Jay knew her well; it wasn't a surprise he noticed the extra makeup and hair.

"Yeah you", he replied. "Be out in a few."

Fortunately, Hailey knew Jay well too, and knew he was lying when he said he'd be quick. She swears he takes longer in the shower and getting ready than her. But she had to admit he did look handsome, walking out of his room, hair half dry, wearing nice jeans and a sweater.

"Okay let's eat", he said joining her at his kitchen table.

"Finally!" She shoved him playfully.

As they were finishing up dinner, they were going over their year. They both agreed New Year's Resolutions were silly, but that didn't stop them from saying at least one thing they both wanted to work on for 2019.

"Hmm, I want to see more of my brother's", Hailey admitted. Jay gave her a supportive smile.

"That would be nice. Will and I didn't talk or get along for many years. It's something I've always regretted", Jay admitted too.

"Actually? I didn't know that", Hailey replied, genuinely surprised. As long as she's known Jay, he's always been really close with Will.

"Yeah…after I came home from Afghanistan, when my mom was sick…we didn't see eye to eye on a lot. It wasn't until he moved home to Chicago that we really connected again", Jay stated.

"Sorry", Hailey said at bringing up his mom.

"It's okay", Jay waved it off. He was in a place where he could talk about this kind of stuff now. Therapy last year really helped.

"And your wish for 2019?" Hailey quizzed him next.

"I will try not to get shot this year", he said the first thing that came to mind.

"Your partner would greatly appreciate that", Hailey nodded, having a flashback to finding him lying in the street, unsure if he was dead or alive.

Jay realized he might have hit a sore spot, so he vocalized what was on his mind. "I will try my best to be the partner that you deserve", he clarified.

That struck a chord with Hailey. "You have always been the partner I deserve Jay. I have trusted you from the day I met you….and if I was going to follow anyone blind it would be you."

He paused, staring at her as she said that, something in her eyes telling him she really meant that.

"I'd follow you anywhere too Hailey."

It was quiet for a minute, before they wrapped up their spontaneous deep chat and got ready for skating.

"Bring a stick, I saw a game of shinny going on while I was driving over here", Hailey told him.

Jay snorted at that, as they were pulling their warm layers on and grabbing a few drinks to throw in a cooler.

"Shinny? I haven't played hockey in a while…well maybe the odd pickup game here and there over the years. But largely, I have retired", he said.

"Oh, come on Jay, scared to play against a couple kids?" Hailey mocked.

He laughed, "No. Just rusty."

"Remember it's just like riding a bike", she replied.

And so it was. They got to the rink; the young teens surprisingly welcoming them in right away. They thought Jay and Hailey were cool because they were cops.

"Throw your sticks in the middle!" One young boy yelled out, as another was pulling sticks to pick teams.

"Then can we see your badge!" Another young boy asked, who must not have been older than 10. He was clearly the youngest of the group.

A few of their parents were there watching, Hailey and Jay were glad the parents didn't think they were weird adults trying to play hockey with young kids. Once they mentioned they were cops that fear quickly went away anyways.

They played some hockey, sneakily snuck in a few beers, and excused themselves to go home.

"It's not midnight yet though", Max said, one of their new young friends.

"Max it's okay honey, they probably want to get home to bed, it's cold out", Max's mom replied, giving them an out to no longer spend their NYE with a bunch of kids.

"That's what old married people do", Max quickly replied. "Is that true?" Max said as he skated up to Jay.

Hailey biting her lip trying not to laugh, unsure how he was going to handle this one. The old people or the married part.

"Your mom's right buddy. We are old, it's time for us to get home", he said as he winked at Hailey, smoothly avoiding the married couple part of the question.

"Fine", Max pouted.

"Maybe we'll see you out here another time", Hailey offered, skating up to Jay.

"Okay, bye friends!" Max yelled as he skated away to rejoin the group.

"Thank you both for being good sports and playing with them. You guys make a lovely couple", Max's mom said. "Happy New Year!"

Hailey and Jay both stumbled on their words, nothing really came out except for a couple smiles and also "Happy New Year!"

They walked back to Jay's apartment, making it a few blocks from the rink before Jay spoke up.

"Sorry I didn't clarify back there about us not being a couple…was that weird?" He said out loud.

Hailey laughed. "No, you're good. Just kids being kids. I get how they would think that."

Jay raised his eyebrows at that, Hailey's turn to stumble on her words.

"Two grown adults spending New Year's Eve together, saying we're going home to sleep. The couple part adds up", she laughed it off, hoping Jay wouldn't read too much into that, or secretly maybe she hoped he did.

"Fair enough. I am tired though, and cold", he admitted.

"Me too, it's way colder than last year", Hailey agreed, followed by a yawn.

When they got back to Jay's place, they both changed into comfortable clothes, it was just after 11:30, so they didn't have to wait up much longer.

"Hailey your knee!" Jay looked at her in her pyjama shorts, seeing the swelling and bruising as a result of her "hitting the deck" earlier, as she told him.

"What? Oh yeah… it's kind of sore", she replied, absentmindedly moving it around as it felt stiff. Skating on it certainly didn't do her any favours.

"Well, go sit down", Jay instructed.

Hailey gave him a look but did as he said and sat back on the couch. He came back a second later with an ice pack. He reached behind her to grab a pillow.

"Jay what are you…", Hailey cut him off.

"Just mother henning, like you would do the same for me", he replied.

She chuckled at that. "Alright, you got me there", she caved and let him prop her leg up and gently set the ice pack down, finishing it off by covering her in a blanket.

"Wow, great service at Hotel Halstead this evening", she joked, but gratefully, she was getting stiffer as the night went on.

"Well, what can I say this is what old married people do", Jay let that slip out a little too comfortably. His cheeks went a little rosy at that.

Hailey stared at him with a smirk on her face but didn't call him on it.

"The ball's about to drop", she focused on the TV. Jay running to the kitchen to grab the bottle of champagne they put in the fridge.

"5, 4, 3, 2, 1…Happy New Year!" Ryan Seacrest shouted from Times Square, confetti in the air, Auld Lang Syne playing in the background.

Jay quickly popped the bottle of champagne, pouring two glasses.

"Happy New Year!" He handed her the flute, clinking his glass to hers.

"Happy New Year Jay", Hailey smiled, imagining what it would be like if Jay was her New Year's kiss. Stop it Hailey, you're with Adam.

She hadn't really told Jay this yet, but things with Adam were on the outs, they had been for a while. They both knew it. She cared about Adam, really, she did. She knew he cared about her too. But deep down they both knew they were meant to be with other people, right now they were just having fun. They would have to rip the band aid at some point.

Hailey and Jay finished their champagne and decided to call it a night, tucking themselves into their makeshift couch fort. Jay fell asleep quickly, Hailey was up for a while, thinking that maybe 2019 would be their best year yet.

Thank you for the love on this story so far! It's been so fun to write little snippets here and there. I often feel pressure to turn out these super long chapters and tend to stick to multi-chapter writing, but so far I'm enjoying the shorter stories! Any ideas you guys want me to write next? My comments and inbox are always open. Cheers! - K