*Request for Benoight Langson*
*This will mention Fire*
Jordan- 14
It was an ordinary day, Hank was in his office and he was on the phone with Olivia Benson of SVU. She had needed Intelligence help with a case. It was a serial murder on the loose in New York. He had been in Chicago for a short period and disappeared. It was a time sensitive case, the guy was holding a young couple hostage. He was using riddles as his source of clues and hints.
Hank had informed Olivia that they all would be on the first flight out. After the call the older man had sighed, what was he gonna do with his daughter? She was too young to stay by herself. Justin and Olive were too far out for her to stay with them. What was he gonna do? A thought had popped into his head.
Leaving his office he went down to Trudy, Jordan was just coming in the district she looked to see her father.
"Hey dad" She smiled.
"Hey sweetheart" He returned the smile. "Jo, why don't you wait upstairs for me, I gotta talk to Trudy"
"Is everything ok dad?"
"Everything's fine honey"
He had gone and buzzed her upstairs, once she was out of sight Hank had gone to his friend.
"Trudy, you got a second?" Hank asked.
"I got all the time in the world for you Hank. What's up" Trudy replied.
"The team and I have to go to New York and help SVU with a case. Is there any way you can watch Jo for a couple of days?"
"Not a problem. I'll call and tell him"
"Thanks Trudy"
"Not a problem"
Hank had gone back upstairs, Trudy had called her husband. Mouch was in the area and stopped off to see her. He walked in dressed in his gear.
"There's my sugar plum," Mouch said, going to kiss her.
She returned the kiss. "Hey you"
"So what's up?"
"Hank and the others have to go to New York for a couple days, help out with a case. He asked if we could watch Jordan for him"
"When did this happen?"
"Just today"
"We'll watch her, how much trouble could she be?"
She kissed him again. "You're amazing"
Mouch had gotten a call and he left. Hank had gone back to the squad, his daughter was in his office with the door closed. Good. She wouldn't hear what was about to be said.
"Listen up," Hank said to his team. "We're going to New York to help SVU with a case. Everyone go home and pack. I'll deal with everything"
The team nodded and left, everyone but Erin had left and she had gone over to the older man.
"Hank with us gone, where's Jo gonna go?"
"She'll be with Trudy and Mouch"
"Does she know yet?"
"Not yet"
The female detective had left, Hank had gone to his office Jordan was at her father's desk twirling in the chair while doing her homework. The older father couldn't help but smile.
"Jo, sweetheart can we talk?" Hank asked his daughter.
"Sure what's up daddy?" The teen replied.
"We have to go to New York for a couple of days, you'll be with Trudy and Mouch"
The teen frowned. "I can't go with you?"
"It's too dangerous and I'll be working the whole time anyway. You'll be fine with Trudy and Mouch, they'll keep you safe"
"I understand daddy"
The older father had gotten up and hugged her then kissed her head. "I love you my sweet girl"
"I love you too daddy. Please be careful, be safe"
"I promise, you be good for Trudy and Mouch".
"I promise"
"That's my girl"
The father and daughter left to go pack, Hank was uneasy about leaving his daughter but he trusted his friends, knowing Trudy she'd have Kim and Sean watch over the teen while she went to school and pick her up.
After he was packed he went to and had the team's plane tickets and stuff ready to go. Jordan had finished packing and she had gone to her father's room.
"Daddy I'm ready"
He looked over and smiled. "Let's go baby girl"
Once the father and daughter had their stuff they left, Trudy was just getting off when Hank walked in with his little girl. Jordan carried her duffle bag on her shoulder.
"I got her Hank you go," Trudy told her friend.
Hank held his daughter for a moment and kissed her head. "Be good and behave, no fighting at school"
"I promise dad" Jordan promised. She kissed his cheek. "I love you"
"I love you too sweetheart"
The older father kissed her head one last time then left to meet his team. Trudy and Jordan had left, the teen looked to her godmother.
"What's the plan for tonight Aunt Trudy?"
"What sounds good for dinner?"
"Pizza"
"Pizza it is then"
"Are we gonna pick up Uncle Mouch?"
"I'll pick him up after I drop you off at school"
"Looks like a girl's night" She smiled.
"Sounds like it kiddo" Trudy returned the smile.
When they got to Trudy's house they went in, Jordan went to the guest room she stayed in and got settled. Trudy had ordered the pizza for dinner. The fourteen-year-old was settled and she quickly changed from her clothes to her pajamas. After she had changed she went downstairs.
The older woman saw her goddaughter. "I ordered the pizza should be here soon"
"Sounds great"
"What should we do while we wait?"
Jordan found a movie for them to watch, Trudy was braiding her goddaughter's hair as they watched. There was a knock at the door and Trudy went to get it, she paid for the pizza and went back. Quickly she ran to the kitchen for some plates and drinks. Jordan chuckled and followed her.
"Need some help Aunt Trudy?"
"I got it sweetheart"
"Let me help"
Jordan grabbed the drinks while Trudy got the plates, they went back out and started to dig into the pizza. After they had eaten, Trudy washed her hands and went to finish har goddaughter's hair.
"You have such beautiful hair Jo"
"You think so?"
"I know so"
"Dad always tells me, I get it from my mom" Her voice lowered. She always had a hard time talking about her mother.
After Trudy was finished she pulled the teen close hugging her. "He's definitely right. You look so much like your mother"
"Did you know her Aunt Trudy?"
"I sure did. She was an amazing woman, she loved your father, she loved your brother, and I know without a doubt, she loved you too. Right after you were born me, Alvin, and Meredith had gone to see you guys. You were the most adorable and precious little baby. Your parents couldn't choose between me, Alvin and Meredith, so they made all three of us you're godparents. Your mom saw how much your dad trusts us and she felt if he trusts us so could she. Your mom was close to me and Meredith, she didn't have her mom or any sisters. Josh is a total ass sorry for the language"
"I've probably heard worse," She chuckled.
"When your dad went back to work and Justin went to work, Anna didn't like staying alone with you. Most first time parents don't, every day after your father and brother left for work she called us and we went over. Meredith and I were best friends with your mother, we let her get sleep and we stayed with you. We took her out for walks, to get lunch, she was always dead nervous about leaving you"
"Really?"
"She was dead nervous. A lot of first time parents are nervous. But I know everything she did, she did for you, your father and your brother"
"I wish I could have known her"
"She would have loved you so much and she'd be so proud of you"
Sniffing back tears she leaned into her godmother. "I miss her so much. I wanna talk to dad about her, but I know it hurts him just as much as it hurts me"
Trudy held the teen a bit tighter, she knew Hank was a mess after Anna's death. It had broken him just like Camille's death had. The only thing that had kept him from going completely off the rails, were his children. If it weren't for them, Hank would have been lost.
"Maybe one day when you both feel up to it you can talk about her, there's nothing wrong with talking about her. If anything it'll help you get the closure you need. You've been hurt by this for years and you never got closure"
Jordan felt something fall from her eyes, tears. Always talking about her mother brought a lot of emotions. "Maybe when he gets home I'll try and talk to him"
"Whenever you're ready"
It was now nearing 10 pm and Trudy saw the time. "Time to get ready for bed honey"
The teen gave her godmother a look and Trudy knew it all too well. "You can call you're father and then bed"
She smiled. "Thanks Aunt Trudy"
Pulling out her phone she called her father as she went up the stars.
-Your supposed to be in bed. Hank answered with a chuckle.
-I wanted to call you before I went to bed. Jordan replied.
-We all got here safe and were about to work the case.
-Please, please be careful daddy. All of you. Be safe.
-We will be sweetheart. I promise.
-I love you daddy.
-I love you too sweet girl. Please behave for Trudy and Mouch.
-I promise daddy and no fights at school.
-That's all I ask.
-I won't let you down daddy.
-I know you won't honey. It's late and you have school tomorrow. You should get some sleep sweetie.
-Good night daddy.
-Good night honey.
Hanging up with her father she went to the guest room and Trudy went in to check on her. The teen was climbing into bed and the older woman tucked her goddaughter in.
"Sleep tight sweetheart" Trudy says softly.
"Good night Aunt Trudy" Jordan muttered.
Trudy kissed her head and left the room going to hers. The next morning Trudy woke up at 6 am, she quickly showered and changed into her uniform. Jordan was awake and fixing her bed. Once the bed was made she grabbed her clothes and headed for the shower.
When Jordan came down Trudy was making breakfast, the teen dropped her backpack.
"Morning Aunt Trudy"
"Morning honey"
"Smells good in here"
"I'm making French toast with eggs and bacon"
"That smells amazing"
"You already for school?"
"Yup and I promise no fights at school"
"It's all your father and I ask"
Just then coming in the front door was Mouch, he dropped his bag down by the door. "Honey, I'm home"
Trudy ran in to see him. "Oh sweetie" She went to hug him. "I was gonna pick you up after you're shift"
"I told Bodin that we have Jordan for a couple days, he didn't mind letting me out a bit early"
She smiled and kissed him, she glanced at the clock. It was nearing 7:10.
"Dammit I'm gonna be late, with Hank gone for a couple day I have to be there early"
"Go on, I'll take Jordan to school"
"You're a lifesaver"
Trudy grabbed her stuff and kissed her goddaughter's head then her husband, she had left out. Jordan put her dishes in the sink and grabbed her bag.
"Ready Uncle Mouch"
"Let's go kid"
Soon the two left, Mouch had always been nervous when it came to being with Jordan. He didn't know about kids. He didn't know how to make a conversation with her. When he and Trudy got married, Jordan soon began calling him uncle. He had barely spent time with her to know her. Mouch wants to change that. He then had an idea.
"So..How's school?" Mouch asked his niece.
"It's good. Learning something new everyday" Jordan replied. "Trying not to get into so many fights"
"What's going on there? Why so many fights?"
"Same stuff, who my dad is and all"
"Sorry kiddo"
"Not your fault. I don't care what they say about my dad or any of the other, I still love him and the others"
"That's all that matters"
"I guess I'm always used to it because my brother went through it and well I am too. Like my dad always told me sticks and stones may break my bones, but words may never hurt me. Now they will make me mad and I may act out. That's different"
"Maybe you shouldn't let words get to you. Words may never hurt you but your actions could get you in trouble. Try to be the bigger person and walk away"
"Dad tells me the same thing. I guess because dad and Justin are so protective of me, I wanna protect them"
"And I'm sure they appreciate it, but I also think they want you not to get into trouble"
Mouch had pulled up to the school, Jordan leaned over and kissed her uncle's cheek.
"Thanks Uncle Mouch, I'll try to remember what you said"
"Any time kiddo, go on before your late"
She hopped out of the car and ran inside. Mouch had called a couple people he could think of to help. Hermann and Bodin. They both have kids, they would know how to help. Hermann had a teenager that would be better help too, Mouch thought.
He told them to meet him at a coffee shop, it was an emergency. Mouch drove to a coffee shop and went in. WIthin 10 minutes Hermann and Bodin both arrived going in and saw their friend sitting down sipping coffee. They went to sit down.
"Mouch when you say you have an emergency, it better be a real one" Hermann said, sitting down.
"It is" Mouch replied, taking a drink of his coffee.
"Everything ok Mouch?" Bodin asked.
Taking a deep breath he looked up to them. "How do you talk to kids? Teenagers specifically"
"You're not serious Mouch" Hermann looked at him with a raised eye. "You talk to them like you would anyone"
Bodin was piecing it together. "Would this have anything to do with Jordan?"
"Yeah" Mouch answered. "Hank and the others were called to New York to help with a case. Jo's staying with us for a couple days till he gets back. I don't know how to make a conversation with her. Not like Trudy does. It's like I have no connection with her. I don't know how to connect with kids"
"You just talk to her Mouch. Ask her how her day was, find out her interests, find out what she likes, what she dislikes, stuff like that"
Hermann eyed his friend, he felt there was more to it. "What else is it Mouch? There's something you're not saying"
The older man sighed. "Ever since Trudy and I got married, she started calling me uncle. I never really got to know her. I go from just a friend at 51 to her uncle and godfather. How can I be her godfather and I don't know anything about her?"
"You get to know her now buddy. She's staying with you right? Get to know her while she's staying with you. You're a part of her family now just like she's a part of yours now. You've been nervous all this time over nothing. Talk to her like you're talking to us"
"Hermann's right Randy, you won't connect with her or bond with her until you find out what she likes, what her interests are, that kind of stuff. Once you find that out it's easy" Bodin went on.
"When you say that, it doesn't sound so hard" Mouch spoke. "Trudy makes it look easy"
"That could be because Trudy has known her, her whole life" Hermann says.
"I just wanna do this right"
"It'll take time, Mouch," Bodin told his friend. "It's not gonna happen over night or in a day but time"
"How much time?"
"As much as it needs"
Another thought had popped, he looked to Bodin, both men knew the look. Hermann looked at him.
"He's thinking. Don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing" Hermann jokes.
"What if I brought Jo to 51 on my next shift?" Mouch asked.
"It's alright with me Mouch, it could actually do some good," Bodin told him.
"Thanks guys"
"Jo's family we'd do anything for her"
The three men had gone there separate ways. Mouch had to run some errands before Jordan had gotten out of school and Trudy got home. He was determined to bond with the young teen.
Before Mouch knew it, the afternoon had come and Jordan was out of school, he had gone to pick her up. Jordan was waiting for her uncle outside, she saw his car pull up and ran over to the car. The teen hopped in.
"Hey Uncle Mouch"
"How was your day sweetie"
"Pretty good, I walked away when kids started to talk about me"
"That's the bright idea kiddo"
They had headed home, Mouch had gotten some stuff to make pizza and cookies. When Jordan saw the stuff she had looked to her uncle.
"What's all this Uncle Mouch?"
"I figured we could make pizza for dinner and cookies for dessert"
"How did you know I like to bake?"
"A little birdy told me" He had called his wife and found out.
"Would that have been Aunt Trudy?" She smiled.
"Pretty much"
She chuckled. "You're funny Uncle Mouch"
They quickly cleaned up and started the pizza, Mouch felt proud he was bonding with his goddaughter. As the teen made hers she glanced at her uncle.
"Do you think we'll finish in time for the game?" She loved watching football with her brother.
"You like sports?"
"Yup. I play basketball, soccer, Antonio teaches me boxing. Justin and I love watching football and basketball together. It's kinda our thing"
"We can so watch the game when were finished"
She smiled. They put the pizzas in the oven to bake. While they baked, Mouch kept an eye on them and Jordan did what homework she needed done. 15 minutes later the pizzas were finished and the teen was finished her homework.
The older man had taken the pizzas out to cool and then they started the cookies, they decided to make chocolate chip. Mouch had playfully flicked flour at the teen and she giggled she flicked some at him back.
After a flour fight they got the cookies in the oven they got to cleaning the kitchen before Trudy got home. The teen gave her uncle a smile.
"This was awesome Uncle Mouch. Thanks for doing this" She hugged him.
"Not a problem honey. Why don't we get ready to see if the game is on"
She ran to the living room and cut the tv on, Mouch had brought their food out. He left his wife's in the microwave. The cookies were just getting done Mouch quickly got them and set them on the table.
Trudy was walking in the front door after a long day at the district, she heard yelling from the living room. She hoped that her husband and goddaughter hadn't got into a fight.
"Touchdown!" Jordan cheered.
"That was beautiful," Mouch agreed.
"What's going on?" Trudy came into the room.
The teen saw her godmother. "Hey Aunt Trudy. Uncle Mouch and I are watching football"
She gave a small laugh. "I thought you guys were fighting"
"No fighting, just watching some football," Mouch told his wife.
"And we made pizza for dinner. Yours is in the microwave" Jordan went on. "We also made chocolate chip cookies for dessert"
"They look amazing, sweetheart" Trudy says with a smile.
"You go get settled and I'll heat up your food sugar plum" Mouch said to his wife.
"You're just as amazing" She kissed him.
Trudy went to get changed while Mouch heated up her food, he quickly went back in to see the game. It was almost finished with Chicago in the lead. The microwaved beeped just as the game finished.
"And Chicago wins!" Jordan cheered.
"That was one great game" Mouch commented.
Jordan had yawned and rubbed her eyes. "I'm gonna go get ready for bed. I'm tired. Today was awesome Uncle Mouch thanks"
"Anytime kiddo"
She hugged him and kissed his cheek. Trudy came down and saw them, she smiled. She knew her husband had some fears and insecurities when it came to Jordan. He didn't know her the way she did, he didn't know a thing about kids. And now he was learning.
He started to clean up and Trudy went to hug him. Mouch wrapped his arms around her. "I missed you too?"
"I'm so proud of you Randal. You're finally getting over your fears and insecurities. You're spending time with Jo and bonding with her. You're not scared of a teenage girl anymore" She chuckled out the last part.
"I was never scared of a teenage girl"
"Sweetie, you were terrified"
The couple ate dinner and cleaned what dishes had to be cleaned, they then went to check on their goddaughter. Jordan was fast asleep, after she got off with her father she changed and went to bed.
Mouch smiled, maybe his wife was right. He was scared of a teenage girl. But he wasn't anymore. He was proud of himself that he got over this fear, the older man was looking forward to more bonding time with his goddaughter.
…..
Author's note: I'm SO sorry I meant to have this up yesterday but got sidetracked. Furthermore, if any of my readers love and enjoy stories with the Halstead brothers. I had put up a couple stories and a new chapter to one of them. They are.
-Emilia
-Baby Halstead
-Luna Halstead.
Hope you all enjoy! Merry late Christmas, Happy Holidays!