A Bullet Did It (Upstead First Kiss)
This is my idea of how Jay and Hailey shared their first ever kiss. I put in a lot of thought and emotion into it. Hope you enjoy. :)
Hailey had found Jay sprawled on the ground in the tunnel when she had arrived. Ruzek was right by her but seeing Jay not moving on the ground had her heart in her throat. She had rushed to his side and seen that he was alive, the first sign and assurance that she could continue breathing because Jay hadn't stopped. Adam was kneeling over Daniel and checking if he had a pulse. What Adam did after that Hailey didn't know or care. Her whole focus was on Jay and she was largely relieved that the bullet had not gone through the vest. This was one reason why she hated Jay, he took cases too personally and ended up in situations like these. Although this case was different since his father was involved. But nonetheless, Jay had gone over the rails and got shot. But what mattered was that he was alive and that she could breathe freely again.
Jay was seated bare chested when Foster was examining him and asking him a few questions. As Foster left Voight approached and he looked really worried. Hailey was talking to a few officers on the side but her attention was on Jay. She heard Voight yell at him and she felt a sense of satisfaction. She was as pissed as him for Jay's recklessness and actions. In a way, she felt as though Jay deserved this, because she could never bring herself to scream at him like Voight. Soon enough, Voight left too, angry and pissed off. She thought this was her chance to approach him and talk to him. She sat next to him and the regret was evident on Jay's face. He felt terrible and she didn't want to make him feel worse. She sat there, just taking in his presence and wishing she could do something to take the burden off of him.
Then suddenly Jay spoke softly, "Hailey, I just couldn't stop myself."
Hearing this Hailey had to use a tremendous amount of control and willpower to not break down. She knew he meant it, he meant it for yelling at her the whole day, for going in without back up and for practically not listening to anyone. She didn't know what to say so she just got up letting him know she would see him soon. As she walked away, Adam approached her and asked her if she was alright. Hailey could no longer hold back her emotions and tears and she broke down, Adam realising this, held her close and mumbled phrases of assurances. All the while Jay was looking at his partner, and after the small hug from Adam he was sure Hailey had let go. He felt worse and didn't know what to do. He had let down his team, he had let down Voight and most importantly he had let down Hailey, the one person whom he trusted with his life. He had to fix this, and he had to do it fast. But right now he was in enough pain and he didn't need to burden himself with more.
Will was home when Jay joined him. They didn't speak as both were dealing with this in their own way. Jay went to his room and sat at his desk not really knowing what he would do next. He pulled open his drawer and took out a box full of pictures. He flipped through them one by one and real tears had started flowing down his cheek now, he broke down crying silently but whole heartedly. The pain he felt in his heart was too much, even though he had a large heart, this pang of pure pain didn't fit in his heart and it overflowed so much that at a point he felt physical pain in his chest. He then picked up a few items that his father and given him or belonged to him and wept again, not knowing what to do. He needed to let it all come out but he didn't know if he would survive after this. He had a sudden impulse and decided to act upon it. He picked up the photos and the few things, packed them in a small bag and headed out.
"Jay, where are you going?" his brother asked, concern and worry written all over his face.
"Don't worry, I'll be back soon," Jay replied picking up his truck keys.
Will nodded, still uncertain of this course of action but being understanding at the same time. He simply said, "Be careful Jay."
Jay nodded and left. Ten minutes later he was knocking on a door and as the door opened he saw the one face that he thought could save him. "Hi," he said, defeated and broken.
"Come on in Jay. What's the matter?" Hailey asked already knowing the answer.
As he entered she could see he had been crying and she tried her best to put up a straight face and be there for him, it was his day and she had to make sure he was alright. Jay sat on the couch and placed the bag he had been carrying on the table in front of him. Hailey joined him silently and she had decided not to speak today, she would only listen. The main reason being that Jay needed to let his emotions out, but the other reason being she didn't trust herself today.
Jay opened the bag slowly and took out the pictures and showed them to Hailey, explaining and pointing towards things in them. Hailey simply nodded and smiled meekly. She noticed Jay's hands were trembling after a point and she held them for a long moment and looked into his eyes assuring him that she was there for as long as he needed her. The moment passed and Jay took out the remaining contents from the bag and began showing them to Hailey. Hailey looked at them with eagerness and reassured Jay at every moment. After he had showed everything Jay wanted to say something but he couldn't. Hailey sensed that and moved closer to him putting a hand on his shoulder and prompting him to speak. That worked and Jay managed in barely a whisper, "I am sorry Hailey."
This she knew he meant only for her and that broke her heart. He had just lost his father but he was worried about her and the way he had treated her that day. That did it and Hailey had to speak now, even if that meant she had to show her vulnerable side. "She whispered, "I thought you were dead," horrified from the sight and thought again.
Jay turned his gaze towards her and saw tears forming in her eyes. He had no idea he had hurt her this much, he was so focused on catching Daniel that he had forgotten that this day and taken a toll on her too. He faced her and repeated his previous words again, but this time they had a double implication. He meant it for before and for what he was about to do now. He placed his hands on her cheeks and leaned down to kiss her. His kiss was so soft that Hailey wondered if a man was capable of being so gentle. For a second she resisted but the next moment she parted her lips and took him in and let him explore her mouth as well. The whole thing about this kiss was so gentle and pure that none of them wanted to separate. As the kiss deepened Hailey placed her arms behind his neck and pulled him ever so slightly towards her. He complied and shifted his hands to her waist. Hailey felt as though her whole body was on fire and she had goose bumps all over her. Jay had made her feel as though she were floating. Jay, on the other hand, had similar reactions. The hair on his neck stood up and her touch paralysed him. The effect she had on him was incalculable. It felt as though they had seen each other's soul in that moment and they saw that the other's soul had their name imprinted on it. Finally they parted wondering if air, if anything was ever needed after this surreal experience. Placing her hand on his chest, Hailey looked down too shy to look him in the eye. But Jay kept looking at her and felt complete for the first time today. Then suddenly Hailey heard his soft voice, "Hailey, your hand is magical but the bullet did hit my heart."
Remembering and realising that Jay had been shot in the chest today, she quickly took off her hands from his chest in embarrassment but still shy and blushing. "I am sorry," she managed unable to control her smile.
Jay smiled for the first time as well and finally they locked eyes again. As bad as this day was Jay knew he had someone in his life who cared for him more than anyone ever had, and he would never forget that. He leaned down to take off his boots and stretched himself on the couch, placing his head on Hailey's lap. She leaned down and pecked him lightly on the forehead and that was all the assurance he needed, to know he was right about all that he thought of her in the past few minutes and the past few years. Hailey caressed his hair and considered herself to be the luckiest girl on the planet. She had someone in her life who would put her first even if she didn't do that herself. For the first time both of them felt complete and protected because they had each other in their very souls.
That concludes it. I am happy that I finally got around to writing this. I am eagerly looking forward to feedback and comments. Thank you!