Kevin was helping OA get wired by attaching a discreet microphone and video monitor as a replacement of the center collar button of his dark blue shirt. The darker the garment was, the easier it was to make the device discreet. Kevin jokingly provoked,

"You know how this works, right bro?"

"You're cute." OA bantered back, unable to believe how nice and easy-going the whole team was.

As a matter of fact, the lack of funding arrangements in addition to the slow process in obtaining any type of valuable information were disconcerting but then, they were organized, smart and combative which was the best cocktail to catch restless pricks on the wrong side of the law.

They kept on making small talk along with a few jokes here and there when it was Hailey's turn to enter the equipment room. She was studying a file in her hands, not paying attention to the boys' talk as she sat down in front of one of the room's computers.

Atwater's back was facing her so he initially did not zero in her presence. He understood something had shifted the mood when OA did not respond to his question regarding his partner in New York and what was going on with her undercover case.

OA had been taken off guard to see Hailey walk in an elegant yet sexy, simple black bodycon dress with high pink heels. Back in New York, she had mentioned she was a casual jeans and t-shirt - or shirts if she wanted to play dress up - kind of girl. Moreover, when she had not been complaining about the pizza tasting like a cracker or a sheet of paper with tomato sauce on it, she had spent most of her time whining about the unofficial though mandatory smart dress code policy of the FBI, not beginning to comprehend why they had to look neat and professional when they were supposed to chase bad guys.

Altogether, stupefaction best described his reception of her sight. Not because she was looking extremely beautiful because anyone with good sight could vouch for Hailey being a natural beauty. However, given her plain approach to fashion and her tomboy penchant, it was nice to see that she could do both: being smart, opinionated and brave as well as feminine, confident and sexy. She did not even look out of her comfort zone in that attire.

Kevin snapped his fingers in front of OA's face as a mean to try and bring him back to reality when he turned around to notice what - or rather who - was having his undivided attention.

"I see." He murmured only for OA to hear, the latter throwing him an unimpressed look. He did not utter a single word but made his point across that he could think the woman was beautiful without feeling any type of desire or non-platonic feelings towards her. Kevin assimilated his unspoken words and added,

"My bad." They both chuckled at his blunder before Kevin's next sentence caught up OA's attention,

"You lucky Jay ain't here though. He wouldn't understand the subtlety of your gazing." OA's head shot up at this information, his alertness going unnoticed by Kevin who was validating if the video was working on the monitor.

To say OA had not taken on Jay continually expressing animosity towards him would prevaricate the truth. It may have been involuntary, awkward or clumsy but he was the only one who had not welcomed him with open arms. He had been silent and distant, making sure he only interacted with him as a last resort. He had been under the impression he was acting differently with Hailey too, who at the same time, served as an intermediary between the two of them. His intuition had been right, though. Jay was ignoring Hailey and he was not happy he was hanging around. Now he got a clue of the reason why.

The irony of this chaotic situation was that he had been looking forward to meeting him the most. He had heard so many great things about his persona, not to mention, he was always delighted to meet another war vet as few people could understand both the camaraderie and horror that you ended up taking from those places. He was still adamant they could share a lot on a professional and personal level but to internalize that it could all be wasted because of some unfounded jealousy was pitiable.

Kevin put a halt to his thought process when he told him he was good to go and decided to acknowledge Hailey by saying,

"You clean up nice, Upton! You sure you're married to this average guy?" Kevin joked, knowing he could tease OA mercilessly without him taking offense as he would eventually give him as good as he got.

Hailey briefly glanced at them, a playful smile gracing her features when she clearly was blushing at the compliment. She responded,

"Come on, Kev! He's alright." She went back to her file and the boys fist bumped as Kevin was exiting the room.

Kim passed her head through the door right after and confirmed they had managed to secure an appointment at the end of the day. They could therefore use that few sparing hours to match their marriage story.

Hailey stood up and walked towards him in order to come up with a plan. She leaned back on the table full of wires and devices as he placed himself before her, arms crossed and legs spread.

"So, who's the cheater?" He began to consult, a smirk perking up on his face.

"I am a respectable woman so of course you are!" Most assuredly, he pointed to himself pretending to look shocked and hurt by her accusation. She laughed as he regained seriousness to wonder,

"What's the story then?" She put her forefinger up, signaling she had already brainstormed this.

"Well, before marrying me, you were dating a girl - your first love - who was studying to work in the fashion industry. When she decided to relocate to Paris, she left you broken-hearted and then you met me. But recently, she decided to return to her roots in Chicago and has even opened a store there. You fell into bed with her and obviously, I have been willing but unable to forgive what you call "the biggest mistake of your life". She finished off, looking rather smug as it could be their best chance her made-up story would tug at the therapist's heartstrings.

"I'm so confused right now Chicago! So you are like every corny girl out there!" He teased and she retaliated with a small punch in his left shoulder, brushing off his sexist yet harmless humor.

"There's more."

"Shoot." He said, following her lead.

"We met around a year after your break-up, in a bar, and we fell in love on the spot. We got married pretty quickly and have been together ever since. We were ready to start a family when I learned of your infidelity and now we've been struggling for the better part of a year. Does that sound okay and plausible?" She wondered nervously, hoping she was not pushing this mascarade too far.

"This is fantastic. We have the broad picture, now let's work on the details." He concluded, poking her in the stomach multiple times as a way of creating a bit of intimacy between them. They had to play years of history in a few hours so no physical nor emotional reserve were permitted. Their couple had to be credible without them having to evidently cross too many lines.

Her laugh was echoing in the small room as Jay was contemplating their interaction. She was trying to squirm out of his reach by slapping his hands away when she sensed another pair of eyes on them. There he was indeed, eyebrows raised, incapable of hiding the glum look the whole situation was inspiring him.

"I've got your wedding rings." He stated blandly, lifting his hand to show off the black velvet case before walking over to them, leaving the box on the table near Hailey. It was obvious he had spoiled the mood as an uncomfortable silence had settled in and the sound of a pin drop could be perceived by any wandering ear.

"Sweet." OA provocatively broke the tension, rubbing his hands together to show his magnified excitement at the idea of being now attached to Hailey.

He could kill two birds with one stone: get back at Jay for being a prick while somehow playing matchmaker. Hailey had never admitted out loud that she had feelings for her partner but what he had proclaimed earlier in the coffee room was no joking matter. She had not been able to stop gushing about him, pointing out to their similarities and implicitly confessing she missed him any occasion she encountered. Resolutely, the feelings were mutual and these two were dancing around something that would end up inevitable. It was time for OA to get work done and enjoy a little fun!

"Congratulations." Jay muttered coldly before taking off. But Hailey called for him to hang around while she asked OA if they could have a few minutes alone before resuming to polishing their made-up couple. The self-evident hostility palpable, OA nodded and left to lend the rest of the team a helping hand.

"What's wrong?" Jay asked when OA was out of sight. Weirdly, his absence brought him some peace of mind as he gave the impression of relaxing a little bit more, appreciative of remaining in her presence only.

That's when he saw her. Blinded by his resentment and anger, he had not measured up to take note of her jaw-dropping outfit. Compiled with a natural make-up, it purely served to enhance what a gorgeous woman she had no notion of being.

Hailey blushed once more as she was getting self-conscious at his contemplation. From the looks of it, he appeared to enjoy what he was observing which seemingly gave her the upper-hand on what was to transpire. Anyway, she had to pull herself together to concentrate as well and not get distracted by his own good looks and charm. The truth was, he had been a jerk for the better part of the day and he had no reason to act accordingly. He was making her feel gruesome too, hence now was the time he would answer to his actions.

"This is a joke, right?" Her bitter tone was like a slap in the face, taking his wandering mind back to reality.

"What is?" He was playing coy, which was not sitting well with her.

"You! I want to know why you've been acting so weird since this morning!" There was no question asked, only bottled feelings out. He had no choice but to serve the truth and satisfy her command.

She was met with silence and it was enraging her even more. She had started pacing back and forth before him, acting short-tempered not really her style. But he had a way of trying her patience, making her feel like a time bomb ready to explode. Whatever emotion was meant for him always ended up too overwhelming. Too passionate. She could undoubtedly refrain from confessing love, but she could never swallow anger. At some point, cards would be disclosed on the table, their partnership and her sanity also depending on honesty.

However, Jay was not voluntarily dismissive, provocative or sly. He had just no valid explanation to offer. At least not one that would make sense and not reduce him to a jealous fool.

"This is not an interrogation room Jay, nothing that you say to me could boomerang." She had stopped moving, her hands on her hips and her eyes trying to see right through him.

"I'm not so sure about that." Jay whispered, having a hard time omitting her perfect feminine and athletic stance to focus on the seriousness of their disagreement.

Yet she had heard him loud and clear and she was getting worried. What had happened that would make such a mess out of him?

"Tell me." She said softly, rationalizing and taming her rage in hopes it would make him open up to her.

What he wanted to say would be out of place for right now, as he only desired to run to her and take her in his arms to never let go. But he thought long and hard about the consequences of such a reckless admission. There was a lot to risk and this was not the right time. So he composed himself to let out the worst lie he could come up with, within that few seconds he had to spare,

"It's just OA. I don't like being around him." He was waiting for the fatal question that did not take long to come,

"Why?" She asked, stunned by his forwardness and lack of personal knowledge about OA to ever reach that conclusion.

"Knowing his background and all," he paused for dramatic effect as he had to pretend being in pain, "he just reminds me a lot of Afghanistan."

Guilt was not even a strong enough word to describe what was animating him right now. He was deliberately lying to her and he felt like the worse human being in the world. That uneasy feeling escalated when she softened at the mere mention of Afghanistan. He wanted to backpedal and retrieve his words because he had a feeling - if the truth was ever to be out - she would have a hard time understanding how he could manipulate her with his worst nightmare ever. He was in too deep, cursing himself as she stepped forward to him, putting a hand on his chest and rubbing it gently.

'I thought you had this under control." He took her hand in his, his turn to rub his thumb over the top as he was obliged to ease her concern.

"I have, I have. He just reminds me a lot of a guy that didn't make it." He was digging a hole which he would have a hard time pulling out of. If he could choke himself up, he definitely would. Where was all of this coming from? He had stooped as low as using fake deaths to save up his ass. On a scale of one to ten on being pathetic and cruel, he had reached one hundred in a millisecond.

"But how so? You haven't even talked to him properly." Her tone was interrogative and her eyes dubious. He should have known she would not be so gullible.

"I've been observant. He's a smart, easy-going and confident dude. He would fit anywhere. Just like my pal." He hoped that would be convincing enough but if she ever doubted his words, she never pushed the matter further. Actually, she took a few steps forward and out of the blue, enveloped him in a tight and intimate hug.

She could not see him but he had closed his eyes to breathe in the floral, sensual and magnetic scent which her skin-imprisoned perfume was emanating. A feeling of peace and heaven overwhelming him.

On the other side, he had no idea she was doing the same thing as well, taking him all in. In fact, that hug had just been an excuse to bring him closer. She was both fascinated and extremely terrified of the affect he had on her: how she could suffocate when he was neglecting her and how deeply she craved his presence and his friendship.

Right now, he seemed to be in anguish. And she could not help but mirror his emotions since he had become an undeniable part of her. Ever since she had returned to Chicago, she had reverted back to thinking she should come clean about her feelings. Like she almost did after he was shot. But every time she had almost risked everything, she had been caught up by common sense: He was not ready. It was complicated. Too much was going on. Maybe the feelings were not reciprocated.

If she was honest with herself, this fast-paced and demanding job was at the center of all her reserve and insecurities.

Or maybe she was just hiding behind every frivolous reason there was in the love book not to engage.

For love was not led by reason and logic.

What they both had been able to admit after the whole New York debacle, was just how much they had missed each other. They had not elaborated on what that statement implied though. Had he missed working with her? Had he missed their conversations? Or had he missed her like she had missed him? Like his heart was continually aching and only her presence could fix it?

Again, too many questions. Too many problems that would inevitably ensue. It seemed like he was the right guy but there would never be a right place or a right time for them.

Hence she did what she did best. She would be a friend, a shoulder to lean on,

"I'm sorry. How can I make this better for you?" She said, reluctantly breaking from the hug.

"I'm just gonna take a step back from all of this but don't you worry about me. You have a job to do and a marriage to work on." He half-smiled, rubbing his thumb briefly on her cheek.

"If you need anything-" He did not let her finish her sentence because he knew. He had heard this so many times before. She had always been on his corner, as a moral compass, and there was no doubt she would keep on lending him a hear endlessly if that was what it would take. But right now, the only thing he needed she could not provide. Instead, he simply acknowledged,

"I know, Hailey." He turned to leave, a sad expression seizing his face. Yet, he was determined to not shut her out like had done the past few hours. It was not fair. He had to find a way to act normal around her while avoid OA at all costs. It was a tough challenge he had to rise to, at least for the next few weeks.

"One more thing," he said, his back still facing her but he had slowed down his pace,

"OA's a lucky guy. You look mesmerizing." He confessed, telling a lie to get at the truth. He had to be sure of where she stood with OA.

"Jay, come on." The disbelief in her tone made him turn around as he was curious to analyse her demeanor. Her body language was disapproving his words so he questioned to clarify,

"What?"

"There is no lucky guy, especially not OA. We have to play pretend, you know the drill." She sighed, out of annoyance. She must have been playing her cards right if he was still oblivious to her attraction to him.

He believed her. For now. But that was exactly what she had told him when he had seen a picture of Garett pinned on the fridge of her fake apartment in the Booth old days. It turned out she had been in love with Garett. So, indeed, he knew the drill. And maybe she was still in denial regarding OA. Just maybe there was something there she would, sooner or later, realize. And all he would be able to do was stand by, watch and cry. But for now, he settled for remarking,

"Relax. I was just messing with you. Aren't you wearing an earpiece or anything?" He asked, concerned about her in the upcoming assignment.

"Yeah, I'll have the earpiece. That dress is so tight I can't fit much but myself." She chuckled and he mimicked her, all the while eyeing her up and down carefully, refraining from responding with something totally inappropriate.

"There's nothing for it but to play the part all the while looking fabulous." She said, not taking herself seriously as she flipped her blonde locks back.

"That you do. Fabulous all day and everyday." He proceeded to wink at her and depart for good this time but not before seeing her tilt her head, mouthing a quick "Thank you" to show appreciation to his compliment.

Thank you for the kind reviews, always. Not so sure about this one as I have taken some liberties regarding the characters. Given their super close bond, I don't really see Jay openly lying to Hailey or ever being that unsure about himself but I need drama! And apart from that crossover with Hailey, I don't really watch FBI so this is how I kind of imagine OA. Hope you still liked it!