Hailey couldn't remember how to breathe, let alone speak or form words. She silently got stood all the way upright from her slightly crouched position. Her eyes went from Garrett, back to Jay, then back to Garrett.

She felt air try to reach her throat, but she choked on it, a tiny bit escaping through her nose in short puffs. At the same time, her eyes filled right back up with tears at the truth staring her right in the face. She just couldn't believe it. She didn't want to believe it.

"You…you did this." She went from a whisper to a slightly raised tone, making sure he knew that she was making a statement rather than asking a question. She knew it was true. All her evidence was right there.

Then, Garrett did something neither she nor Jay expected. He admitted it, albeit in a joking manner. He clapped his hands together a couple times, before saying: "Yeah, I did."

"How could you…I…we trusted you!" She asked, furious and confused.

"How? Oh, the how was easy. You being so goddamn trusting made it that much easier for me to go along with it. So, I suppose I owe you a thank you."

"Bastard," Jay muttered under his breath.

Garrett's eyes blazed, fiery and angered. He laid into Jay one more time, but only got one kick in before Hailey threw herself in between the two men.

She fought Garrett off, backing him until his back hit the wall. She just didn't count on his grip being so strong. He had caught her one arm, twisting it painfully behind her back.

She desperately reached with the other hand into the waistband of her jeans, thanking god when her fingers felt the cool metal of the knife. She gripped it tightly, swiping it against his face without a second thought.

It effectively made him let go of her arm, the blow sending him backwards a bit. Hailey still felt the adrenaline pumping through her veins. She knew this wasn't over, but she had to at least free Jay.

She jumped back to where he was, almost reaching his chained arms when his eyes flashed with worry. Before she could even flinch, Garrett had her in his grasp again.

"Get off me!" She screamed, thrashing in his arms.

"Where is it, huh?" Garrett shouted, equally as intense as she did.

"Get," she was cut off as she was shoved against the wall. "Off!" She screamed as his hands made their way underneath her jacket and shirt. It wasn't until she realized he was reaching around the back of her too that she knew what he was actually doing. Checking for a wire.

Her arms were pinned beneath his weight, but she still fought like hell to get a good grip on her knife again. She had it, until the air was knocked out of her when he kicked her in the stomach. Without her hands to block herself, she was vulnerable to it, she knew. But now wasn't the time for self-deprecation. It was about getting Jay out, so that's what she was going to do.

She had sunk to her knees, coughing at the blow really hurt like hell.

"Damn, the two of you are some of the most annoying people I've ever known," Garrett said, shaking his head at Hailey.

She glared at him, before her eyes widened at the gleam of a gun in his pocket. She hadn't seen it before, as it blended in more with his black jeans.

She flicked her eyes over to Jay, praying that their silent communication hadn't lost its touch. She caught his gaze, before quickly moving it to Garrett's pocket, then meeting him back again. He followed her movements, ever so subtly ticking up his brow.

She felt the corners of her mouth mimic the motion, ever so slightly flipping into a saddened grimace. Because that's when it dawned on her: they might not make it out of here. But she was willing to give her life if it meant Jay got to live his. He'd suffered enough.

"Are you both going to listen to me now?" Garrett demanded, and Hailey's head jerked up at the sound of the bullets being locked into place. "Or am I going to have to shoot you both right now?"

"No, no," Hailey said, trying her best to keep the panic out of her voice. "Look, Garrett, I know it's me you're really mad at, alright? So, just let Jay go, and you and me, we can sort this out…"

"Hailey!" Jay's mouth was slightly agape, not believing his ears. She saw the confusion painted on his face. She kept going regardless.

"Please, he's suffered enough. I'm begging you, Garrett. Please," she tried.

She was yanked up and thrown to the ground over by Jay. "You think I'm stupid?" He said, pointing the loaded weapon directly at her forehead.

"No, no, I don't…" she said, unable to make her hands stop shaking when she raised them up defensively. It'd be years since a gun had been pointed right at her, point blank. "I'm sorry," she said meekly, before Jay's harsh tone cut in.

"Point it at me, just point it at me, alright. Just quit…quit pointing it at her." Hailey's eyes caught his once more, and he looked just as sad as she felt.

She knew she had to act fast, and soon, because Garrett was getting angry, and anger plus a gun…well, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the end result.

She also knew that this could very well be the last moment she and Jay had together. She tried to communicate the love she felt for him through her eyes, but all that came were tears. And an "I'm sorry."

It got his attention long enough for him to look at her, to which she mouthed "I love you." That was the last thing she said before she lunged for Garrett's gun. But she was somewhat at peace with it, as at least she told him how she felt. That could be enough if she didn't make it; but would never be enough if she did.

Jay heard the shot. He watched helplessly as both bodies fell to the ground.

"Hailey?!" He cried out, as neither person moved on the floor.

He heard a crackling sound, and realized it was her radio. He heard his sergeant's voice saying "Shots fired, shots fired. Breach, now!"

And before he knew it, the cramped room was filled with the familiar faces of his unit. But the only person he cared about…he couldn't see. And that killed him. Because he didn't know if she was alright.

"Hailey," he said to Ruzek, who was trying to get the chains off him. "Get Hailey!"

He bit the inside of his cheek to keep from completely losing it, as he forced himself to watch as Ruzek and Burgess tended to the situation.

"Is she alright?"

When they didn't immediately answer, his raised voice drew all eyes to him. "Is she okay? Please," he heard his voice break that time, but he didn't care. He only felt relief when Kevin and Vanessa finished unhooking the chains from his arms, so he was free to get to Hailey himself.

He rushed over to her, as she lay next to Garrett, a pool of blood surrounding the two of them. She was face down, he was on his side. Jay hurriedly turned him over, as he didn't care what happened to him. But he knew that if he was one shot, then that meant Hailey was alright.

He had turned Garrett to face him when he heard the greatest sound in the world. "Jay."

Hailey coughed, touching her head with one of her hands, which must've gotten hit on the way down.

"Hailey," Jay breathed, immediately scanning her body for injuries. "You–"

"Blood's his," she barely got out before she coughed again, her half-lidded eyes concerning Jay.

"Okay, we're gonna get you to Med, alright?" Jay said, not even caring that he was injured. He still picked her up like it was the most natural thing in the world. Because for them, it was. He had carried her into the hospital after that night; he was the only one who was going to do it now.

He found the paramedics waiting with a gurney at the entryway, so he gently placed her on it, running behind it as it was lifted up and out. Once she was at the bed of the ambulance, there was an oxygen mask placed over her face.

"I'm going with her," Jay stated, and Voight gave him a pat on the shoulder, as if to say of course. Because it wasn't supposed to be anyone else.

They were stitching up the cut on her head en route, and Jay grabbed one of Hailey's hands, not letting go the whole ride.

They had made it to the hospital, and she was being rolled in when he noticed something. Though she had the mask on over her face, it was clear, so he could still see when her lips curved into a small smile.

"Hey Hails," he breathed happily, letting himself smile at the sight of her bright blue eyes. "You can't…please don't leave me, alright? I just got you back…you've gotta come back to me because I need you to be okay. I…there's so much I want to tell you. Hold on for me, Hailey, please."

She surprised him by putting a tiny bit of pressure on his hand, like she was trying to squeeze it, but just didn't have the strength. What she did next shocked him, as she reached up with her other hand, to take off her mask.

"H–" He began, but was cut off by her smile, beautiful as ever.

"It's just like that song," she whispered. She blinked, trying to clear the tears from her eyes. "Finish the song, Jay. Please?"

He knew if it were anybody else, he'd honestly have no idea what on earth they were talking about. But, this was Hailey. His Hailey, and he knew what she meant.

Can you hear me screaming please don't leave me?
Hold on, I still want you. Come back, I still need you.
Let me take your hand, I'll make it right. I swear to love you all my life.

So, without a second thought, when they had a second alone, amidst all the hustle and bustle of getting her into a room, he took her hand back in his.

"I love you."

24 Hours Later

Jay woke up with a start. He heard beeping, and for a moment, didn't remember where he was. He ran a hand through his hair, embarrassed that he had forgotten he was still at Med. The beeping was from Hailey's heart and blood pressure monitor.

He looked at her, focusing on the littlest of details about her. The smattering of freckles on her nose that, if you looked just at the right angle, you could see peek through her skin. The way her lips didn't part, but instead almost pouted in her sleep. The way her breathing sounded, even and steady, not like someone who had just saved his life.

He didn't want to disturb her, but he still felt this great desire to be closer to her. So, he moved towards her bed, ready to try and slip his hand in with one of hers when she smiled.

"Hi Jay," she said, before her eyes finally popped open.

"How did you…oh hell, nevermind. I don't even wanna know," he admitted sheepishly.

"Cause I know you is why." She smirked slightly, surprising him once again by reaching out to grab his shirt collar, drawing him even closer to her. "And because I could smell mint from here." He was about to roll his eyes at her comment, but she smiled genuinely instead of jokingly at him. "I missed it," she confessed.

His eyes searched hers, as if he was trying to find something in them. Or, maybe make sure everything was still there. Because he didn't know when or if he'd see those eyes again. Hers were all over the place, mapping out every inch of his body, she wanted to remember all of it. Because she didn't know if or when she'd get to be this close to him again.

"I missed you," he whispered, tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear. She grabbed his hand, before interlacing their other ones together too.

"I'm just glad you're back. That you're home, and that you came back to me."

"I wouldn't have been if it wasn't for you. You saved my life, Hailey. I don't know how I could ever repay you."

"Oh, I can think of a few ways," she said, quirking her brow.

He gave her a half smile, but when he looked down, she softened her voice and made him look up.

"Hey," she whispered.

"I just…I know how you must've felt now. Because when I saw you lying there…I thought…"

"Hey," her reassuring tone didn't completely stop the tears from escaping his eyes, but it helped. "I'm right here. I came back to you. And I'm not going anywhere, I promise."

"I love you," he said, a little bolder than before, but it still melted Hailey's heart every time.

"I love you too, Jay." She leaned in, kissing him like it was the first time again, as she was tentative, he noticed.

He cupped her cheek with one of his hands, and she leaned into his touch, his warmth.

She loved that he was slow, just as careful as she was, or maybe careful because of her. Either way, it was sweet.

They were interrupted by a knock at the door, from his brother, no less. They broke apart, both looking at Will.

"Hey guys," he said. "Looks like you're all clear Hailey. Just take it easy for a day, alright?"

"So, I can take her home now?" Jay asked, and Hailey couldn't help but smile at how normal he sounded saying that.

"Yep. Just no gun battles for a while, alright?" Will said, smiling before giving them a quick wave as he exited their room.

Hailey turned to Jay, surprised by his almost hurried like demeanor. She watched as he shoved the few items of clothing and supplies she had in her bag, back into it.

"Come on," he prompted, which earned him a confused glance in return.

She was in the midst of tugging her sweats on when she heard him chuckle. She had tossed on her t-shirt while he was shoving things into her bag.

She narrowed her eyes at him, almost suspicious. She opened her mouth to ask him what was up, when he pulled her close and kissed her, this time not so gentle.

"I can think of a few things we can do that still fit the bill," he grinned at her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

"Oh yeah?" She teased.

"Yep," he replied, popping the 'p.' "You won't even have to move a muscle…"

"Is that right?" She inquired, even though she got a sense of what he was talking about after that passionate kiss.

"Yeah," he said, a bit more serious now, as he dropped his hands from her waist. "Because now that I've told you I love you, I wanna show you how much I love you."

She could feel her cheeks turn pink, but smiled at him anyway. "Well, let's get outta here then."

He grabbed her hand, ready with her bag in the other. He looked back when she didn't move with him.

"You said I wasn't gonna have to move a muscle," she teased, implying that she wanted him to carry her again.

"That I did," he smiled at her, loving the laugh she made as he piggybacked her instead. He wouldn't have it any other way.

Hailey was out of breath when they reached his truck, even though she wasn't the one that did anything. She hadn't laughed that much in a while, even though it was only like 2 minutes from her room to their vehicle.

But that wasn't what she was focused on. She was focused on Jay, and his signature smile he gave her as he kissed her cheek. She wouldn't have that any other way, either.

And as they made their way back home, they both caught each other's eyes once more. Each signaling what the other one already knew: this was real, and this love was theirs. That was all they needed.

A/N: And with that, this story is now complete. Hope ya'll enjoyed it, and thank you SO much for all the wonderful feedback! This has been my most commented story (not to mention the longest I've written!) wow...I had no idea it would be so popular. Thanks sincerely, I appreciate it, especially sticking w/me through the delays in updates. PS: Since I can't get over the roses scene from "Intimate Violence" you best believe I'm writing a one-shot of that. So stay tuned! -K.