2020
Hailey was reviewing last night's events in her head, and every conclusion that she came to resulted in her feeling pretty happy she didn't end up taking the job offer with the FBI. She had finally been honest with Jay in that bar and was more than happy to learn that he felt the same way she had all this time.
Waking up with him, in the opposite of a platonic way, was incredible. She wanted to cherish this moment forever. Skin on skin, Jay holding her and making her feel safe and incredibly loved.
And they did cherish it, every morning that week. And then again, the next week, and the week after that. They had been keeping their new relationship to themselves, although it wasn't lost on any of their coworkers how close they were and how much time they spent together. That itself wasn't new for them, so in many ways it was easier to hide their relationship than they thought. Even with working in an elite police unit.
The holidays were coming up, and Hailey was excited to be able to spend them with Jay, not as just her friend, but her boyfriend. Neither of them ever really made a big deal about Christmas. Jay would have dinner with Will if they both were off shift; Hailey made an effort the last couple years to call her brothers and get together Christmas Eve with them and their families. Hailey didn't speak to her dad, she would call or text her mom occasionally, but still didn't have any contact with her dad, and refused to. Her brothers and mom understood and respected those boundaries.
Jay had volunteered to work Christmas Eve a while ago for Kim, since she had Makayla this year, and he didn't have plans. Will was off Christmas Day this year miraculously, so that would be his time to celebrate. He had talked it over with Hailey, and they both agreed they weren't ready to do the whole big family dinner thing yet anyways. Plus, he had already agreed to work for Kim, and he couldn't exactly tell her that the reason he couldn't was so that he could have dinner with Hailey's family. That would be a dead giveaway to their relationship. Between him and Hailey, they were having a bit of fun keeping their status from their coworkers anyways.
Hailey and Jay agreed to spend Christmas morning together instead, and most importantly to not do gifts.
"Seriously Jay, please don't buy me anything", Hailey begged, she hated getting gifts and really just the whole concept. "Spending time with you is all I need."
"How about just little things…stocking stuffers? I know you need new socks…", Jay teased. He always poked fun at her socks, so many of them were mismatched and had holes.
Hailey giggled, "Alright fine. But only stocking stuff, nothing extravagant."
"Scout's honour", Jay saluted her. Jay was the opposite, he loved gifts. Not in the flashy, expensive way- but in the picking something thoughtful and special for someone, way.
They spent that night apart, their first night in what seemed like a while that they weren't staying over at one another's apartments- so both of them could get their shopping done. Nothing like leaving it until the last minute, that was textbook for Hailey. But she got a laugh out of thinking about Jay right now, he hated shopping in general, especially last minute. The man liked a plan, routine, being chronically early to everything. Christmas shopping on December 23 was probably his own personal nightmare.
Hailey got in and out in less than an hour, making a few stops along the way to get everything she needed, and then made her way to the toy store to pick up gifts for her nieces and nephew.
Jay on the other hand, was taking his time. Making sure to carefully pick out each item. A sweet older woman in the store even came up to ask him if he needed help.
"Need some ideas for your special someone my dear?" She asked, Martha, written on her name tag.
Jay smiled warmly back, "Oh no thank you, I'm just deciding between a few things."
"Alright honey, you let me know if you need help", she replied with a wink as she turned back towards the makeup aisle.
Jay finally made his way to the checkout, quite happy with his purchases.
Despite a long day at work, Jay tossed and turned all Christmas eve, thinking about spending the morning with Hailey. Tossing and turning in a good way though, he was excited to have someone to spend the holidays with finally. Even though he had long been spending them with Hailey over the years in some way or another, this year felt different. It was different.
Waking up Christmas morning, with the anticipation of actually opening gifts and having a stocking made Jay feel giddy inside. It had been so long since he had done this properly, probably since he'd been with Erin. Which was years ago now and felt like a different lifetime in many ways.
Hailey had called him that she was on her way and bringing coffee and breakfast for them. She arrived not long after and was greeted at the door by a big hug from Jay.
"Merry Christmas", he gave her a kiss.
"Good morning to you too", she kissed him back. "Merry Christmas Jay."
"Can't help it, I'm excited, Santa came!" Jay exclaimed, which made Hailey laugh. She noticed he had decorated his apartment more than usual this year.
"Coffee first, then presents", Hailey confirmed, rubbing her temple.
"Little too much fun last night?" Jay teased.
"Maybe one too many cocktails with my brother", Hailey replied.
"Well lucky for you I think you still made the nice list and I have some ibuprofen in my cabinet", Jay threw his arm around her shoulder and walked with her to his couch.
They went one by one, Hailey opening her gifts first. She smiled the whole time as she pulled out a few of her favourite things, actually most of her favourite things in some shape or form. Jay bought her socks, a new Blackhawks winter hat, hand warmers- because she was always complaining how cold she was, chocolate, coffee grounds from her favourite café around the corner from Jay's place, a new book she had pointed out a while back that she wanted to read, and a few scrunchies.
"Thank you, Jay, you're too sweet", she leaned over to give him a hug and a kiss.
"Now you're turn", she grinned.
He jokingly clapped his hands together, looking like a little kid on Christmas, quite literally.
Hailey's heart fluttered; he was so happy. She knew he loved Christmas, but it was making her feel all warm and fuzzy the joy he had right now.
Jay pulled out a Yeti mug, since he was always stealing Hailey's in the morning. A new aux cord for his truck, socks- of course, a Chicago Cubs baseball hat, trail mix because he was a weirdo and that was his favourite snack, muscle rub, and last but not least a new Christmas ornament. Jay took that out last and seemed to fixate on that in particular out of all the gifts. The ornament itself was nothing crazy, just a cartoon looking version of themselves almost, two cops in uniform. But it wasn't the design that struck him, it was the fact that she had bought him an ornament at all. Plus he could tell just by looking at it that it came from the same store that so many of his other ornaments had.
"How did you know about this?" He asked quietly, while brushing his fingers along the edges of the ceramic figure, across the familiar raised logo on the back.
"Might have enlisted the help of a little friend of mine…rhymes with Schwill", Hailey replied, studying his expressions carefully. She wasn't sure if he loved it, hated it, or was going to cry. It was hard to tell.
Jay blinked back a few tears. He always missed his parents a little more around the holidays, his mom especially. She loved Christmas, and always made this time of the year so special and filled with traditions. Baking, watching The Grinch, going to see the tree lighting downtown every year. He wasn't sure when she started the Christmas ornament tradition for him and Will, but all he knows is that he hasn't bought a single ornament for his tree since her passing, the thought of it made him so sad. That if he did, her presence would somehow fade from the Christmas memories he held onto. Some years he didn't even bother putting up a tree. She had been gone for so long now, but he still ached for her sometimes, especially now that he had Hailey. They would have been instant friends.
"Thank you Hails", he cleared his throat, avoiding lingering eye contact with her because if he did, she would see his tears. He didn't want her to think she upset him with the gift, it was the opposite- he loved it, it was so thoughtful. He just rested his hand on the inside of her thigh instead, holding it there as he continued to look down at the ornament of what he assumed was supposed to represent the two of them. A new chapter in his life, that had somehow still paid tribute to his past, and made it feel like his mom was there with them after all.
"You're welcome babe", she said softly, gently rubbing a few circles in his back. She saw the tears but didn't let on that she had.
After they opened gifts they sat and enjoyed their coffee, Hailey telling Jay all about her night with her family, Jay telling her what he and Will had planned for dinner.
"Actually, Hailey do you want to stay?" Jay asked cautiously, suddenly not so nervous about anyone knowing about their relationship. Starting small with Will, he wanted to tell his brother. And he realized that if Hailey asked him for Christmas gift ideas…and that was what Will came back with as a suggestion, there was a really solid chance he already knew anyways.
Hailey looked surprised for a second and stammered. "Jay, I don't want to intrude…"
"You're not intruding", he laughed. "I don't want you to be alone on Christmas. Plus, I want you here. I want to tell Will."
This was a big step for Jay, Hailey thought. He was very much on the same page as her, wanting to keep their private life private. Wanting to tell Will was obviously important to him, and made Hailey feel like a teenager again. Having someone that cared enough about her to get all nervous at the thought of telling his older brother, who was also in his thirties like them. She smiled.
"You sure?" Scrunching her nose.
"I'm sure", Jay confirmed.
Telling Will was way easier than either of them expected.
Jay hadn't really thought of a plan of how to tell his brother he was finally with Hailey. Because he knew Will's response would be more or less, finally.
So, when Will walked into Jay's apartment and saw Hailey joining them for Christmas dinner, he didn't initially think much of it. He knew Hailey well enough now to know she didn't really have a lot of contact with her own family, it was Christmas, and she was Jay's partner after all. He didn't want her to be alone tonight either if that was the other alternative.
"Hi Hailey, Merry Christmas", Will gave her a big hug as she took his coat.
"Merry Christmas Will", she reciprocated the hug.
"Merry Christmas man", Jay and his brother greeted each other the same way.
Hailey brushed by Jay to hang Will's coat up, Jay moving out of the way, placing his hand on her lower back in the process. In a more than friendly kind of way, if Will was interpreting his observations correctly.
"Wait are you guys…?" Will suddenly clued in.
Jay and Hailey just looked at one another, with devilish grins, then back at Will.
"Yeah, we are", Jay confirmed, grabbing hold of Hailey's hand with his. That said everything that Will needed to know.
He smiled, pulling both of them in for a big group hug.
"Well it's about time", he said as he ruffled Jay's hair.
Jay and Hailey returned to work on the 27th, both feeling recharged after a couple of days off. Hailey had even managed to squeeze in one more visit with her brother and nephew the night before. The two of them were in her neighbourhood so they decided to stop by. It was last minute and just a quick stop in- so unfortunately Jay wasn't there to meet them.
"Next time", she told her brother Anthony, when he asked his little sister about meeting her mystery boyfriend.
"Okay holding you to it Hannie", he replied. Affectionately using her childhood nickname.
When he was younger, he wasn't able to pronounce her name that well, when his mom would say "Your sister's name is Hailey Anne", Anthony would always combine the two and call her "Hannie." The nickname just stuck over the years.
"Bye Anthony, bye Georgie", she said as she waved her brother and nephew off.
For the first time in a long time, she felt like she finally had it together. Nothing could make this feeling of happiness waiver this week. Or could it.
Hailey spent the entire night hovering over her toilet, throwing up everything in her stomach and then some. She felt the worst she's ever been in years; couldn't even remember the last time she was this sick.
She had the chills, she was shaky, and her head was pounding. It took all her strength to push herself up off the cool tiled floor in her bathroom and crawl back into bed. The next few hours were much of the same, she'd manage to fall asleep for a little while and then get woken up by the sudden urge to vomit.
At about 4 am she just gave up and stayed lying on her bathroom floor. Something about the cool tile felt good on her cheek, quite possibly because she was running a fever.
She didn't sleep much, if at all, past 4 in the morning, but her eyes were closed as if she was trying to trick herself into thinking she was in fact asleep. She heard her alarm go off shortly after at 6 am, knowing she had to get to her phone to text Voight to let him know she wouldn't be coming in today.
Luckily Jay did not spend the night last night, she didn't want him to see her like this, or give him whatever bug she picked up. Likely from her nephew, kids were walking germ factories. It was the holidays too; illnesses always went around at this time of the year.
She went through one last puking session before reaching her phone, texting both Voight and Jay.
Jay replied back immediately. Oh no, you okay? Need anything? I can swing by later.
Stay far away, you don't want this, Hailey texted back.
Alright, but if anything changes let me know. Feel better xoxo, Jay replied.
Hailey smiled, things with Jay were still pretty new. Although it was her first time being sick since they started dating, it wasn't unusual for them in the past to look after one another when they were under the weather, albeit from a comfortable distance if you will. But that wasn't what Hailey was concerned about, she just didn't want Jay to see her with various fluids exiting her body, it was not a cute look, and felt way too personal to let him in on that just yet. She still wanted him to maintain some sort of attraction to her, and right now she felt far from looking good.
Jay walked into work solo, greeted by his desk Sergeant.
"Morning chuckles where's your other half?" Trudy asked semi suspiciously.
"Stomach bug", Jay cringed.
"Ahh yikes. Send my regards", she replied, focusing her gaze back on her computer.
"Will do Sarge", Jay smiled and headed upstairs to start work.
"Alright everyone Upton is home sick today, so Jay you'll be partnered with Kim, I want everyone to make sure they've completed end of year reports, and that you're up to date with admin modules all that stuff. Take some time this morning to get that out of the way. The rest of the afternoon we'll be reviewing what could have gone better on our raid last week. And if we catch a case so be it", Voight stated, right to the point.
"Got it Sarge", they all replied, heading back to their desks to get their day started. Nice slow start to the week.
Kim joined Jay at his desk, taking a few reports off his plate so that he could wrap up Hailey's caseload too.
She almost wished they got called out somewhere, so that she could have him alone and question him about Hailey. They had been very private, but she had her own suspicions. Something had changed between them recently.
As luck had it, Kim and Jay were sent to pick up a suspect for Narcotics, as they were short-handed this week too. Once they had wrapped that up and were back in the truck, Kim was bursting at the seams.
"That sucks about Hailey, poor thing", she started neutrally.
"Yeah, I know…She was fine when I saw her on the weekend, but these things can come on quick", Jay replied, before he could catch his slip up.
"So, you saw each other on Christmas?" Kim asked incredulously, she thought she'd be able to crack Jay, but she didn't think it would be this easy. Spending the holidays together seemed serious.
"Yeah we had dinner", he stated confidently, as if it wasn't a big deal.
"Cool, cool, cool", she tried her best to contain her excitement.
Jay took a second at the stop light to look over and smirk at Kim.
"Ask what you need to ask Kim", he said smugly.
"Okay are you guys dating?" She blurted out; she couldn't keep it in any longer. "I know you guys are close…not sure if any lines have ever been crossed."
Jay exhaled and thought carefully between a long pause. "The lines have always been a bit blurry Kim", he said with a smirk. That just egged her on even more.
"Jay you're killing me, I need to know. I mean I know you guys are, but I want to hear it from you directly", now it was Kim's turn to reply confidently.
"Oh, you know do you?" Jay laughed, toying with Kim even more. She refused to break eye contact with him, so he gave in.
"Okay fine. Yes, Hailey and I are together. And yes, Voight knows. We haven't told Platt, but just assume she knows because she knows everything." Kim nodded at that in agreement.
"We were going to tell you guys soon, but we wanted to keep it just between us for a while", Jay replied, seemingly answering all of Kim's questions before she even asked them.
"That's fair", she smirked, pleased with herself that she managed to squeeze some personal information out of Jay.
He smirked back. "Happy?"
"Very", she nodded and smiled wide; returning to their comfortable silence.
Jay hadn't heard from Hailey since early this morning. He called her once around lunch and sent a few texts but figured she must be resting so he didn't want to bother her. That or she was struggling.
In case it was the latter option, he made a pit stop to Hailey's favourite deli on the way home from work. He grabbed some homemade chicken noodle soup and a sandwich for himself and made his way over to her place. He had fully accepted that if by seeing her raised his odds of picking up whatever bug she had, so be it.
"Hailey?" He knocked on her door a few times out of courtesy before pulling out her spare key from his pocket.
"Hails?" He yelled again, he paused when he heard the faintest of groans coming from her bathroom.
He set the food down on the counter and carefully pushed the door open, mentally preparing for the worst. And he found it, all 130 pounds of it curled up on the tile floor, back against the vanity.
"Hi babe", he murmured as he knelt down to eye level with her.
"Jay, I don't want you to get sick", she replied in an attempt to shoo him away. She didn't really like feeling so… vulnerable…with anyone.
"I know, but I am here on my own volition. Figured you might need some back up partner", he replied, earning a small smirk out of her.
"Maybe a little backup", she forced a smile. Jay looked her up and down, seeing that she was pretty pale, looked exhausted.
"You going to be sick again?" He asked.
"I don't think there's anything left to throw up" she confirmed.
"What about the other exit", Jay asked casually, Hailey's eyes shot wide open at that.
"Jay", she hissed, a flash of colour briefly appearing across her cheeks.
"What?" He laughed. "It's nothing to be embarrassed about. I have seen some shit, quite literally, and figuratively in my life. The stomach flu is really not that wild in the grand scheme of things Hailey."
She thought about how lucky she was for a second, having a partner who was so loving, who she could be her total self with, and who she was comfortable enough to talk about all bodily functions with. "No, that exit did not have to be breached the last few days." Her turn to laugh.
"That's good. How long have you been in here?" He asked.
"I've been sitting here for…I don't know actually. A while. Just in case", she added.
He cringed. "Let's get you up to bed then."
He stood up and reached down to her to help lift her up off the floor.
"You good?" He asked when he heard a small groan.
"Yeah, just haven't been vertical for a while", she replied.
Jay very carefully walked her back to her bed, pulling back the covers and tucking her in. "I'll be right back okay."
He returned a few minutes later with a bowl of warm chicken noodle soup and some crackers.
"Figured you might want to try something to eat", Jay suggested. "It's from Moe's."
Hailey's eyes twinkled a little at that. "My favourite."
"I know it is." Jay set the bowl down on her nightstand, before sitting down at the edge of the bed next to her.
"You feel sick still?" He asked, gently feeling her forehead with the back of his hand.
"Just nauseous, and achy. And tired", she yawned.
She didn't feel warm, which was good. Maybe a sign that whatever bug she had was almost out of her system.
Jay picked up the bowl of soup and motioned with the spoon.
"I can feed myself Jay", Hailey grinned.
"I know you can. But I want to take care of you", he smiled shyly.
She smiled and set her hand on his leg. "Thank you." Truthfully, she was too tired and didn't know if she could feed herself anyways right now.
He fed her a few spoonful's and waited to see if she was going to keep it down, which thankfully she did. After having a few bites, it actually made her stomach feel a little better.
Once she was done the small bowl, Jay crawled into bed next to her, intending on cuddling with her until she fell asleep.
"I haven't washed the sheets", Hailey said, unsure if Jay was going to be grossed out about sleeping in her germy bed.
"Hailey, we share a bed most nights", he replied.
"You're going to get sick now", she warned.
"I know, it's okay", Jay pulled up the blankets anyways and opened his arms for her to lie against him.
Hailey had to admit she felt good with Jay's arms around her. She started to drift off the second he began rubbing her achy back. Jay Halstead- tough, guarded, a leader. But also, tender, caring, thoughtful. She felt so lucky.
Hailey returned to work the next day, feeling like a 180 of herself compared to the last few. Whatever she had just needed to work itself out of her system.
"Welcome back Upton", Trudy smiled as she walked Jay and Hailey stroll in together. Jay wearing the same sweater as yesterday, trying to hide it under his coat long enough to make it to the locker room where he had a change of clothes. A coincidence I'm sure, Trudy chuckled to herself.
Luckily, Jay managed to escape the wandering eyes of his coworkers and change his sweater before any of them noticed. They quickly got back into work right away, being called to an armed robbery shortly after they finished their morning coffee.
"You guys want to meet at Molly's for New Years?" Adam asked the group at the end of the day.
Jay and Hailey briefly made eye contact, not wanting to blow their cover.
"Yeah maybe, I might grab a beer with Will first", Jay kept his plans vague.
"Not sure if my stomach is ready for alcohol, but I'll try my best", Hailey replied.
The team seemed to buy that; Kim stole a glance at Jay who gave her a discreet wink.
Jay went home to his apartment that night, and later on he was glad he did as he felt the familiar, unsettling churning and gurgling of his stomach.
"Oh no", he whispered, making a mad dash to the bathroom. Making it there just in time.
When Hailey didn't hear from Jay the rest of the night, she had a bad feeling the stomach bug must have made its way to him by now.
Her suspicions were confirmed by a later text at 1 in the morning.
Can confirm I am sick now. I feel like I've been hit by a bus.
Hailey woke up randomly in the middle of the night and saw that text, cringing. Feeling more than a little guilty.
I'm sorry let me know if you need anything I'll come by tomorrow after work okay?
She fell back asleep not long after, checking her phone first thing in the morning.
I'll be okay. Just needs to make its way out of my system.
Naturally she was going to take care of him like he did for her, but totally understood him wanting to suffer alone for a bit. Sometimes you just need space when you're sick.
Hailey showed up to work the next morning alone, not going unnoticed by Trudy.
"Soldier down?" She inquired casually, but an obvious reference.
"Unfortunately, yes", Hailey scrunched her nose.
"Usually just the Irish flu with you two", she replied.
"Real deal this time", Hailey confirmed.
"Must be because you spend so much time together as partners, at work of course", Trudy said with a slight grin.
"Must be Sarge", Hailey replied with an equally cheeky grin and eyebrow raise. Trudy wasn't expecting that, she thought Hailey's first reaction would be to deny.
"Okay Upton, I see you", Platt raised her coffee mug to the young detective as she laughed and signed in upstairs.
"Jay's out sick today. And since it is New Year's Eve, I want you guys to take a half day. Enjoy, stay healthy", Voight kept his morning briefing short and sweet today.
Adam, Kevin and Kim all looked at Upton, who showed no signs of caving. But they tried anyways.
"Jay have what you had?" Kim asked innocently.
"Yeah I'm afraid so", Hailey replied neutrally.
"At least it's a short day", Kim implied. Hailey seemed to pick up on what she was putting down.
Upton grinned. "For sure. He's not missing much here."
Kim eyed Adam and Kevin, who were silently watching for any slip ups. They knew Hailey and Jay were good at keeping their secret.
"Guess we won't be seeing you guys later at Molly's", Adam boldly interjected.
"Why wouldn't you be seeing me?" Hailey asked, egging him on.
That reply made Adam flustered, stammering on his words. He wasn't expecting her to throw it back at him. "Oh, you know, I just thought- maybe you'd… Jay's sick... I don't know."
Hailey just laughed. "You're funny Ruz. I'm heading out to go talk to Robbery Homicide. If anyone wants to join me."
Voight chuckled to himself, listening to this whole exchange go down from inside his office. They all knew about Hailey and Jay. But the rest of the team was too afraid to just come out and ask. Hailey was a tough cookie to crack, even tougher than Jay maybe.
Later that afternoon, Jay thought he might be done throwing up everything and then some in his stomach. He suddenly realized why Hailey had spent so much time on her bathroom floor. Convenience, plus the cold tiles felt sort of good against his cheek.
And that's how she found him when she came over around dinner time.
"Jay?" She whispered as she pushed the bathroom door open slowly.
"Hmm", he grumbled, finding just enough strength to peel himself off the floor to a semi-seated position.
"How ya feeling?" She asked cautiously.
"Been better", he smiled weakly.
She repeated his sentiments, "My turn to feed you soup?"
He opened one eye just slightly. "Only if it's avgolemono from my favourite restaurant", he replied cheekily. He could smell it already; he knew it was.
"If you mean my kitchen, then yes", Hailey knelt down to him now to feel his forehead. She frowned a little, he felt a bit feverish.
"That is my favourite restaurant", Jay confirmed with a grin. He felt a quick burst of energy and happiness that Hailey cooked for him.
"Good. Come on then, let's go lie on the couch", Hailey said softly as she steadied him as he stood next to her.
"You okay?" She said as she turned her back to go into the kitchen and get things ready.
"Cold", he said as he pulled the blankets up over his shoulders.
"You might have a bit of a fever", Hailey said as she sat back down next to him with a bowl of soup.
"I know", Jay groaned.
'Here try a bit of soup okay, then you can rest", Hailey nudged him and he complied. Also feeling a bit better after something in his stomach.
Jay yawned and closed his eyes, bringing his head down to the pillow, his feet resting against Hailey's legs.
It didn't take long for him to fall asleep, letting out a few soft snores every once in a while.
Hailey took this as her opportunity to change his sheets and throw the current ones in the wash. Jay was still out cold.
She was reading her book when she felt him jolt awake. He sat up suddenly, clutching his chest.
"What's wrong? You gonna be sick?" She asked, setting a hand on his back. He felt sweaty again, his heart racing.
Jay shook his head and looked around, taking a few long deep breaths. "No. Just a bad dream", he said a bit sheepishly.
Hailey clued in, nodding. Jay's anxiety always got a little worse when he was sick, especially if he was feeling too warm. "It's okay. You're safe", she reassured him, without skipping a beat- rubbing his back quietly for a few minutes until she felt his heart rate come down.
"I forgot it was New Years'", Jay said, breaking the silence of the moment.
"Don't think we'll be skating tonight", Hailey said.
"I don't think that's in the cards this year. Maybe we can go tomorrow?" Jay said, secretly not wanting to break their tradition. He knew Hailey didn't want to either.
"That would be nice", she agreed.
"Mind over matter. I won't be sick then. Tonight's the last night", Jay said firmly.
Hailey laughed at his confidence. "Hopefully not. And if you are, maybe some fresh air might do you good."
He smiled, then looked at the clock. It was only 8:30 but Jay felt exhausted. Hailey seemed to read his mind.
"We can pretend midnight is at 9 o'clock this year?" She suggested.
"Sounds like a plan to me", he said.
He stood up cautiously, making his way to the bathroom. He decided he needed a quick shower before getting back into a freshly made bed.
The shower woke him up a little bit, and he felt refreshed after. He changed into pyjamas and was pleasantly surprised to find Hailey waiting up for him. She still wasn't 100 percent after this week either, he thought she might have fallen asleep.
"Feeling better?" She asked, he didn't look as pale after his shower.
"A little", he replied as he got under the blankets with her.
"Want me to rub your back?" She asked.
He nodded at her with his eyes closed, turning on his stomach with his head facing her.
"Sorry I ruined our first New Year's Eve as a couple", Jay murmured after Hailey was done giving him a nice massage.
She snorted, "More like I ruined it first. It's okay Jay, we have many more to come."
He liked the sound of the answer. "Yes, we will."
She leaned over to give him a kiss on the forehead, "Happy New Year, get some sleep."
"You too", he whispered, grabbing a hold of her hand.
Jay got at least a few hours of uninterrupted sleep before waking up again after another bad dream. He felt himself flinch, and then felt a cool hand on his back.
"You're okay, you're okay", he heard Hailey whisper softly.
"I need to take this off", Jay said about his shirt. He could feel himself overheating.
Hailey helped him sit up quickly and turned on the lamp on her side of his bed.
Jay sat up for a few minutes, trying to keep his eyes open, his bedhead out in full swing.
Hailey went into his bathroom to grab a cool washcloth.
"Here, lie back. I got you", she said as she stacked a few pillows, so he'd be more upright. When he was comfortable, she set the washcloth across his forehead, hearing an audible sigh from his mouth. She could tell he was calming down now.
"Sorry", Jay whispered.
"You don't have to apologize. It's okay, it happens", she reassured him, squeezing his hand.
He felt a lot of things when he was with her, but one of the most important ones was that he felt safe. They sat like that for a few minutes, Jay lifting the cloth to check his phone, it was just before midnight for real this time.
"Looks like I made it to midnight after all", he chuckled, making light of the situation.
"I wonder if everyone is still at Molly's", Hailey replied.
"Probably. We should send them a picture of us to really throw them off", Jay laughed.
"Like this?!" Hailey chuckled.
"Kim knows, she forced it out of me the other day when you were home sick", Jay confessed.
"They all know. They're just too chicken to come out and say it", Hailey laughed. "You should have seen Ruzek this morning. I basically called him on it, set him up for the perfect time to ask, and he blew it. He was so nervous"; Hailey had the giggles.
"True", Jay agreed, letting out a small laugh too. "Well, maybe it's time we announce it."
Hailey reached over to grab her phone, motioning that she'd take a selfie of them in bed. Jay was shirtless, had a washcloth over his face, but she still thought he looked hot.
He nodded, giving a thumbs up as Hailey snapped a picture.
Happy New Year friends! Hope Molly's is bumping, have a drink (or many) for us!
Hailey pressed send and waited for the chaos to unfold. It didn't take long. They had replies back in their group chat within minutes.
I AM SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW! – Kim
Whoa, it's about time. Happy New Year Upstead – Kevin
OMG Pics of the new year's kiss or it didn't happen – Adam
Oh, now you have the confidence to call us out- Hailey
Haha yeah yeah whatever Upton. You caught me off guard this morning. You guys had to know we know you're doing it right?
Doing it? Jay joined in on the chat, silently laughing to himself at the messages unfolding in this chat.
Yeah doing it. Where are your clothes Jay?! – Kim
I have a fever Kim – Jay
But this isn't the first time I've been in bed shirtless with Hailey – Jay
Hailey laughed out loud. They were really doing it now.
Love to hear it – Kim
I told Stella and Kelly don't be mad -Kim
Her message was accompanied by a picture, of her Kelly and Stella all looking fake surprised at the Hailey and Jay in bed photo.
Well I should hope they would know we went for dinner with them a few weeks ago – Hailey
Hahahahaha you got played Burgess – Kevin
Yeah, yeah what else is new – Kim
Hope you're feeling better though for real we'll grab beers next week – Kim
Thanks guys good night! – Jay
"Well that went well", Hailey laughed.
"It did. I'm kind of glad it's out in the open now. I mean let's get real, they did know. Now it's just normal", Jay said.
"This is very normal", Hailey said with a yawn.
"Back to bed?" Jay suggested.
"Mhmm", Hailey agreed and shut the lamp off. Both of them sleeping soundly until morning.
Jay woke up feeling much better, he was glad as sick as he was the last 24 hours it moved quickly. He joined Hailey in the kitchen and helped her make some eggs, toast and coffee.
"You want to head down to the bean?" Jay asked, feeling the urge to leave his apartment for some fresh air. He peeked out the window it was sunny and looked like a semi nice day.
"That sounds nice. To skate there?" Hailey asked.
"Yeah. I mean it's probably full of tourists, but it's a nice spot."
"Sounds good, I'll go get ready", Hailey replied.
They took Jay's truck downtown, scored a great parking spot and were surprised the rink wasn't too busy.
"Everyone's probably too hungover to skate", Jay pointed out.
"Excellent point Detective", Hailey said slyly.
"I think last night's confessions means we can hold hands in public now too", Jay smirked.
He held out his hand after Hailey finished up tying her skates. "Oh, does it now."
He nodded, and she happily accepted.
They skated a few laps together, and then separate, taking in the sights of downtown Chicago.
As he looked down at his hand intertwined with Hailey's he realized this is the happiest he's been in a long time. They had an amazing first Christmas together as boyfriend and girlfriend, despite a minor stomach flu interrupting their traditional New Year's plans.
Jay loved this city, and he loved the views; the skyscrapers, the bean, Lake Michigan. But most importantly he loved Hailey; and the sound of her laughter, the feeling of her small hand in his, her blonde hair sprawled across his pillows in the morning.
He wanted this view for the rest of his life.
Was thinking of splitting this chapter in two, but decided on an extra long chapter to make up for my absence this week! I wrote the biggest exam of my career, and life just got in the way. Took a technology break! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend, things are beginning to feel like they're looking up soon. I'm cautiously optimistic. Thank you for your continued love and support on this story! Stay safe and healthy! -K