Eeek I was writing a ton and then had a work crisis so I didn't get this one up as quickly as I had hoped buuuuut I hope you like it!

When Jay pulled open his apartment door, he was not expecting to see a very out of breath Erin in very tight running attire. "I was running in the park," she managed, "And I got really thirsty. And your place was closer."

He chuckled and gestured for her to enter, "And here I thought you'd actually listen to the doctor's orders and take it slow."

"It's been a week," she argued, leaning heavily against the counter while Jay filled a glass. "I also forgot what August in Chicago feels like." Erin let out a huff and gratefully accepted the cold water from Jay as he snickered, "I'm melting."

Jay had to agree. After getting back from Wisconsin where it was at least fifteen degrees cooler, Chicago felt like a sauna. Erin had gone back to work, and Jay went back to the case while the state pursued Irving for assaulting Erin and his connection to the drug network, as well as the involvement of Frank Hill, who was recovering in the hospital after killing his son. The fact that the guy was alive made Jay's blood boil, but he knew that in bringing all the offenders in, he'd get justice for the little boy, and for Piper too.

In the three days since returning, they'd slipped back into a routine of Erin coming over for dinner but retreating to her apartment in the evening. While he was always disappointed to see her go, he knew that Piper needed routine and stability to help her feel safe, and if that meant he didn't get to sleep as well because Erin was two buildings away, he was fine with that, though he had to admit he thought Piper missed her sister just the same.

"Well, you were the one who went for a run in the mid morning sun," Jay quipped, "I had the good sense to finish my workout before it hit 90 degrees."

Erin rolled her eyes. "I couldn't focus on anything," she replied after taking a long sip, "Supposed to hear from the judge on overnight visitation soon."

"Right," Jay nodded. He'd honestly tried to forget about it. Spending a night without Piper after six weeks of having her felt impossible. She was still under protective custody, so until the offenders were caught, she'd officially remain with him, but it didn't stop the court from moving along with Erin's petition for guardianship.

And while the judge had been relatively willing to allow for visitation with Erin, Erin's lawyer did inform her that there was reluctance to dissolve Bunny's parental rights. Unfortunately, Jay wasn't surprised. In all his research, he knew that the first goal of every child who is removed from a home is reunification with the biological parent. If that is no longer an option, kinship adoption, or Erin, is the next best choice. And then, if all familial options are deemed unfit, then the child can be placed for adoption. He knew Erin would be the best choice, but it didn't stop him from thinking about the what if.

"Wait. Where is she?" Erin glanced around the apartment and couldn't locate her little sister.

"Jenna picked her up like a half hour ago-"

"Did I forget?" Erin stammered, nearly dropping the glass to the kitchen floor as she fumbled with her phone, "I could have sworn I was still waiting-"

"No, no, it's a DCFS interview. They do them every couple weeks to make sure she's staying safe." He smiled when Erin visibly relaxed, "You're fine, don't worry. Jenna's taking Piper out for breakfast, because she's good at her job. I wish the other social workers had done the same thing."

Erin let out another breath, "You scared me. I thought I forgot about a visit."

"I've got your back," Jay reminded her, "Trust me. Don't want Piper going to Bunny."

"You can say that again," Erin nodded in agreement, "I um, I know I just met her, but I don't know what I'd do without her."

Jay smiled softly. He felt the exact same way, but knew that he couldn't let that thought pass through his lips. "She'll be back in an hour or so I think. Sorry I didn't give you the heads up, I didn't think you'd stop by before lunch."

Heat rose in Erin's cheeks. She'd been running in the park, the first time since her concussion a week before, and it was hard. Her place was literally just down the street, but his was closer, and housed her little sister and Jay, so she took a chance and showed up unannounced. "It's fine," she managed, "Thanks for the drink, I um, needed it. I'll get out of your hair."

"I was just about to make breakfast," Jay reasoned, gesturing to the carton of eggs and assorted vegetables on his counter, "You want to stay for an omelet?"

She glanced to the counter, then back to Jay. She really wanted to stay. "I'm all sweaty though," she said lamely, "And gross."

"I've seen you sweaty before, Er," he reminded her, "C'mon, you know you're not going to get a better breakfast in town. And if I know you, you're gonna take a long shower and then you'll just wait until lunch, and by then you'll be starving and complaining of a headache."

Erin narrowed her gaze. He literally knew her like the back of his hand. "Is bacon included?"

"Of course." Jay flashed a grin, "Halstead omelet breakfast isn't complete without bacon."

She chuckled. "Okay fine, you won me over. What kind of omelets are you making?"

"Found this recipe online," Jay said, returning to chopping his vegetables. He paused, remembering that he still had a head of broccoli in the fridge, and that Erin was recovering from a concussion. "I don't know, sounded good." He pulled out the broccoli and began to chop.

"You totally made that up." Erin couldn't help but roll her eyes. She may be in the FBI, but she was a detective at heart, and she knew her partner as well. She could practically see the wheels turning in his head when he remembered his concussion research. After the time she was hit by a bike in New York, Jay brought her several home cooked meals, all of which involved broccoli. "Jay Halstead doesn't follow recipes."

He grinned playfully and dropped the onion into a pan. "You caught me."

"You don't need to worry about me," she tried, but stopped when he put his hands on his hips.

"Says the woman we picked up from an urgicare last week for at least the third concussion that I know about." He shook his head and continued to cut the broccoli, "I'm always gonna worry about you, Er."

A smile played on her lips. "I know. You keep a first aid kit in the kitchen because you're so paranoid."

"I'm not paranoid," he shot back before dropping the broccoli into the pan, "I am cautious, thank you very much."

"Mm, so cautious that you're letting the bacon get burned to a crisp?"

"Ugh," Jay groaned, realizing he'd left the bacon in the oven far too long, "This is why I need a dog."

"Please, you're still going to eat it," she quipped, chuckling softly as he examined the bacon that was definitely crispy, "Rubbery pizza, burned bacon, orange flavored Gatorade, you don't let anything go to waste."

Jay was about to defend his honor when he bumped his arm into the sizzling tray. "Fuck," he hissed, immediately bringing his arm into his chest, "Your kitchen clumsiness is rubbin' off on me."

"Here, let me take a look," Erin insisted, quickly rounding the kitchen counter, "Oh man, you got yourself good there."

"It's fine," he insisted as she quickly ran a paper towel under the tap and brought it to his arm, "Just a small burn."

Erin examined his arm carefully before pressing her lips beside the slightly pink skin. "Your kisses always made everything feel better," she said huskily when he met her gaze yet again, "Thought I'd return the favor."

Jay paused. He wanted so badly to kiss her. When he first saw her standing in front of the district almost a month ago, he just wanted to hold her. Then when he slept next to her, he just wanted to feel his skin on hers. Then when he first caught saw her in the urgicare, he wanted to feel her skin under his lips. But when she'd burned her fingers in Wisconsin, he wanted to kiss her. Not just gently, but passionately, hungrily. He'd restrained himself because he didn't want to push her away.

But this time, Erin's lips crashed onto his, and it felt like time stopped.

"What was that for?" he mumbled cheekily when she pulled back, "Don't remember burning my lips."

"For always worrying about me," she replied breathlessly, "And for keeping my sister safe."

Jay searched her eyes before kissing her again. "W-what was that for?" she stammered.

"Because I wanted to kiss you," he said simply, switching the burner off beside him with a grin when she pressed her body against his, maneuvering their bodies toward the couch.

"Do we need to talk about this?" Jay asked as he threaded his fingers through Erin's still-sweaty hair. She was laying on top of him on the couch after their unexpected and passionate reconnection. He was overwhelmed by just how much he'd missed everything about her. She was soft and gentle, yet so strong and unbelievably sexy. Erin Lindsay was a series of beautiful contradictions, and he loved each and every one of them.

"Can we not and say we did?" she mumbled against his neck, "I-I don't want to think."

He chuckled softly. He didn't want to think either. He just wanted to memorize what it felt like to have his girl back in his arms.

A knock came at the door, and Jay immediately blanched. Piper. "Shit, shit," Erin scrambled.

"Jump in the shower," he instructed as he quickly fastened the button on his jeans, "I'll tell her the hot water ran out at your place or something." Jay donned his shirt before doing a quick once over in the hallway mirror. Erin had scampered into the bathroom, and he let out an exhale. "Hey, kiddo." He flashed a smile to his little friend as she stood next to the social worker, "Did you have a nice breakfast?"

Piper managed a small nod and immediately stepped into the apartment to stand beside Jay. "We had a good time," Jenna confirmed, "It was really nice to chat with you, Piper."

She smiled shyly in response, but also gripped the material on Jay's jeans as if fearing that the woman would be taking her away. He placed a hand on top of her head. "I missed you, Pipes. What did you have for breakfast?"

"Some granola," she whispered, "Thank you. For taking me." Piper glanced up at the social worker.

"You're very welcome," Jenna replied, "Do you mind if I chat with Jay really quick?"

Piper looked up to Jay nervously. "I'll just be a minute," he promised, "And actually, Erin's here. She's in the shower. Turns out they turned the hot water off in her building, but she'll be out in a bit, and I thought it would be fun for us to take a trip to the taco place down by the beach." He grinned when Piper smiled. He loved that smile.

"I'll read another chapter," she decided, slowly releasing her grip on Jay's jeans, "You'll still be here?"

"Yep," he confirmed, and leaned down to kiss the top of her head, "Glad to have you back, kiddo."

"See you soon, Piper," Jenna waved at the little girl before turning back to Jay. "It's amazing how much she trusts you."

Jay nodded gratefully. "I'm trying," he said humbly, "I um, don't want to take it for granted."

She nodded. "Piper's come a long way, so all credit to you for keeping her trust. She uh, didn't eat that much though."

Jay grimaced. "Working on that," he sighed, "When she's anxious, she doesn't eat. I don't want to force her or anything but-"

"You're doing it right," Jenna assured him, "I just wanted you to know that she might be hungry. We also should be hearing about overnights with her sister soon." She paused, "There um, there is a chance her mother will get visitation rights again, that may also continue even if Ms. Lindsay is awarded custody."

Jay frowned. He knew that another visit with Bunny would absolutely traumatize his little friend. "I know about reunification being the goal of foster care but her mother is not fit to take care of her," he said, attempting to keep his voice low, "She was high last time she met Piper, and showed up at my boss's house uninvited. Piper was so traumatized, it took hours to calm her down, and days for things to get better."

"I know," she nodded, "These cases, they aren't easy. And you've done a good job, Jay, you have. She knows that she's safe with you. That's huge for a kid coming from place like Piper did."

He nodded, "Is there, uh, any timeline?"

"My best guess is at least another month," Jenna said honestly, "Until there's any definitive decision made. She is still in protective custody and I know you mentioned things were getting close, so if after that you want to transition her to a foster home-"

"No way," Jay shook his head adamantly, "Sorry. I um, I'd like to keep her with me, if possible. She uh, really needs some stability."

Jenna nodded, "I agree. I'll just get you some additional paperwork to confirm everything is by the book, but it should be seamless given she's already been with you for six weeks. Also, you might need to start looking into some schools in the area-"

"I um, I have one," Jay interrupted, "I know the headmaster at St. James, he said they could take Piper if she needed it."

Jenna smiled, "I'll be in touch when I hear anything. Thanks again for doing this, Jay."

Jay shook her hand before she turned down the hall, passing his brother as she headed for the elevator. "Who's that?" Will asked as he glanced at Jenna, "Hot date?"

"That's Piper's social worker," Jay said, issuing an apologetic look to Jenna, "Please excuse my idiot brother."

"He's forgiven," Jenna smiled and stepped into the elevator, "Talk soon."

Jay turned to his brother, "Really, man? What are you doing here?"

"I had a day off," he shrugged, "And since you've been avoiding me for like six weeks, I figured a drop in would have to suffice for some quality brother time."

"Not a great time," Jay said, "Piper just got back from a visit with her social worker, and Erin's in the shower and-"

"Erin's in the shower?" Will raised his eyebrows, "As in, Erin Lindsay? I mean, I heard she was back in town through the grapevine but Jay Halstead, you backsliding-"

"Shut up," Jay shoved him playfully, "The hot water's out in her building."

"Yeah, right," Will scoffed, "Well, are you going to introduce me to the kid you've been hanging out with instead of your brother?"

"If you stop being an ass," Jay hissed, "I'm serious man, she's super skittish, been through a lot."

Will nodded solemnly. "I'll be on my best behavior."

"Alright, I'm going to get her. You wait here," Jay gestured to the kitchen, "I'll be right back."

Jay knocked lightly on Piper's door, "Hey kiddo, can I come in?"

"Uh-huh," Piper confirmed, "I'm just readin'." She gave a small smile when she saw Jay from her spot atop the comforter, "I already got through one chapter."

"Awesome," Jay praised. After learning that Piper had missed a good amount of school due to bouncing around foster homes and then with Donny and the Marsh's, he was concerned that she'd feel behind when she eventually went back. He took it upon himself to procure a few age appropriate chapter books to gauge Piper's reading ability, and was pleased that while she wasn't exactly where a fourth grader should be, she was well on her way. "Did you have a good time with Ms. O'Donnell?"

Piper nodded slowly and closed her book. "Did…did she give you bad news?"

"No, no," Jay assured her, "No bad news." He took a tentative seat on the edge of Piper's bed, "Are you feeling okay? She said you didn't eat too much."

She cast her eyes down, "I'm okay, I-I just got nervous, and I wasn't hungry."

Jay exhaled in relief. He was right, and he'd just have to make sure he gave her a good lunch. "I'm sorry you were nervous," he said gently, reaching out to put his hand on her bent knee, "You're safe here."

"I know," Piper gave a small smile, "I just…I just worried she was gonna take me away. 'cause that's what usually happens." She paused, "She asked me if I liked livin' here. And I said yes."

He smiled, "And I love having you." Jay swallowed, "And um, even after we catch Donny and the Marsh's, I talked to Ms. O'Donnell today, and she said until things are squared away with you, you can stay here, with me. If that's alright with you."

Piper nodded fervently and scrambled forward to hug Jay. "Thank you," she whispered as he held her close, "I-I don't wanna go."

"I know," he said thickly, stroking her back and trying to remind himself to be present. Piper was here now, and he didn't need to think about what was going to happen later down the line with her. And with Erin. "Um, my brother Will actually stopped by while Ms. O'Donnell was leaving."

"The doctor?" Piper scrunched her nose as she tried to remember what Jay had told her, "The one with red hair? Who works with Dr. Manning?"

"That's right," Jay confirmed, "And uh, he's outside, and he's a good guy. I wanted to tell you before you saw him."

Piper nodded slowly. "Is he with Erin?"

Jay nodded, and then felt like kicking himself. Erin was going to get out of the shower and see his uninvited brother.

"Hey Jay, I grabbed this shirt, I hope that's okay-"

Erin stopped in her tracks as she exited the bathroom, damp hair dripping down the back of the shirt she'd borrowed from Jay. Will Halstead was standing in the kitchen, arms folded against his chest. "Will," she breathed, "I um, I didn't hear you come in."

"I didn't realize you would be here either," Will replied coolly, "What are you doing here, Erin?"

Erin steeled her gaze. "The hot water is out at my apartment. Jay was nice enough to let me come over and take a shower-"

"I already got that bullshit from him," Will waved his hand flippantly, "I mean, what are you doing here? In Chicago. I mean I heard you were back in passing but-"

"Piper's my sister," Erin hissed, wishing she was wearing something more professional and flattering than a large t shirt and a pair of shorts she'd luckily left at Jay's by mistake. He was always making fun of her for leaving her stuff everywhere. "I didn't know about her until Hank called me a few weeks back."

She watched as Will's face immediately changed. Suddenly, it was evident that Jay hadn't informed his brother about her relation to the little girl he was taking care of, nor that she'd been spending so much time with them.

Will blew out a breath. "Well, apparently my brother doesn't tell me anything," he scoffed, "I didn't realize the little girl was your sister."

"Yeah," Erin nodded curtly, "She is, and Jay's been really great with her. I um, I'm trying to get custody, keep her away from my mom, outta foster care, and Jay stepped in to bring her into protective custody before he even knew we were related."

Will nodded as he processed. His brother was such a good guy. "This wasn't planned," Erin continued, "I know I'm not your favorite person these days, I mean, I got your voicemails."

His cheeks darkened. After Erin had left his brother, he left a few unbecoming voicemails for his would-be-sister-in-law. "Sorry about those," he managed, "You didn't deserve that."

"I did." Erin nodded, "But we um, we're okay now." She managed a small smile, "For Piper."

He nodded again, and turned his head to see his brother emerging from the bedroom holding the hand of a little girl who was a miniature version of the woman in front of him. "Pipes, this is my brother Will," Jay said, "Will, this is Piper, Erin's sister."

Will looked from Erin, to Jay and back to the child. "Hi," he said, smiling widely, "Nice to meet you, Piper. My brother isn't being too much of a pain is he? Because as his brother, I can tell him off."

Piper looked nervously up at Jay. "He's kidding," Jay assured her, "Will's a bit of a goofball."

"I am kidding," Will said, "He's a good guy."

She nodded in agreement. "Nice to meet you." Piper was about to look back up at Jay when she caught sight of her sister. "Erin!"

"Hey, Noodle," Erin greeted. She would never get tired of that smile. Piper maintained her grip on Jay's hand as she glanced from Erin to Will, still skeptical of the new person in the room.

"Are you gonna come with us to get tacos?" Piper asked.

"You bet," Erin nodded, still smiling that Piper was excited to see her, "I just gotta run home and change and uh, see if they fixed the hot water."

"We'll pick you up," Jay said. He glanced down at Piper, then over to his brother. "Will, you want to join us?"

Will looked surprised that the invitation was extended. "Sure," he said, "Haven't seen you in weeks, it'll give us a chance to chat."

When Piper had gone to put her shoes on, Jay quickly informed his brother that the little girl still didn't know about Erin's living arrangements, or any of the nitty gritty details of why they broke up. Will had chastised him for not actually informing him that Piper was related to Erin, but Jay brushed it off. He didn't need his brother telling him it was a bad idea.

"You sure you know what you're doing, man?" Will asked, "I mean, this is Erin's sister."

"I know," Jay replied, "We're fine. Appreciate you looking out, but I'm not worried."

"If you say so," Will exhaled. He smiled when he saw the little girl again. "Jay told me all about how great you are, Piper," he said kindly, "How's your head feeling?"

Piper winkled her brow. "My head?"

"Yeah, Jay said you had a concussion." Will looked at Jay curiously.

"That's Erin," Piper informed him softly, "She got her head hurt by a bad guy."

"But we caught him," Jay reminded her, "And both of you are safe."

Piper nodded and slipped her hand into Jay's as Will looked surprised. "You were talking about Erin?" he asked, "All three of you went up to the cabin?"

Jay nodded, "We did. And we had a great time, didn't we Pipes?"

Piper nodded again, "We went on a really long hike."

"You took her on the 10 miler?" Will's jaw dropped, "That's like, barely doable for an adult."

Jay chuckled and rubbed Piper's little hand with this thumb, "I honestly forgot how hard it was. But we made it up."

"Damn," Will mused, "You're an impressive kid." He flashed a grin at Piper, who smiled softly, "Alrighty, so I heard something about tacos?"

"We're gonna bring Erin too, right?" Piper looked up at Jay urgently, "She said she wanted to come."

"Absolutely," Jay nodded, grabbing his wallet and keys off the counter, along with a bottle of sunscreen, "You got everything, kiddo?"

I hope it was worth the wait! Excited for y'all to see what's next and let me know what you think!