Chapter 20

Jay didn't hear anything his brother said after he heard "She's in the ICU, surgery went well. She needs time to rest, and to be monitored closely. But we're expecting a full recovery."

Will sounded like he was underwater, Jay was so distracted. He sighed audibly in relief, sitting down afterwards to lean forward and rest his head in his hands.

He wasn't sure how long he sat there like that, it felt like an eternity. Hailey would later confirm it was only a minute or two.

"When can we see her?" Adam blurted out, waking Jay up from the trance he was in.

"I can take one of you back there now, the rest will need to wait a few more hours until she is more stable", the doctor replied.

The team immediately looked to Adam, he was the obvious, and only choice really that would be going back there. The others didn't even consider it, although they wanted to see Kim too.

Adam was quickly whisked away, back into the unit to see his girl, as the others exhaled a collective deep audible sigh.


Hailey had convinced Jay in the meantime to come home with her so he could shower and rest for a bit.

"Kim's going to be in the hospital the next few days it sounds like, you look like you could use a hot shower and a nap", Hailey gently suggested, Jay replied with a half-smile.

"As much as I don't want to leave…I would love to get out of these clothes and….and clean up", Jay couldn't bring himself to say wash my partner's blood off me, but he assumed Hailey picked up on that much.

"Come on let's go. Anyone else need a ride?" Hailey directed at Kevin, who shook his head, indicating he had his own vehicle dropped off at the hospital by Trudy.

"See you later man", Kevin hugged Jay and gave Hailey's shoulder a squeeze.

"See you Kev", they said their good-byes and made their way to the parking garage for Hailey's vehicle.

Jay was pretty quiet on the way home, Hailey kept glancing over. Smirking a little to see him so obviously trying to keep his eyes open, denying it to her that he was even tired.

"You've been up for the majority of the last three days, I'm sure the adrenaline is starting to wear off", she said.

"Maybe a little", he replied, the sleepiness evident in his voice too.

"You can close your eyes, I know how to get home I promise", Hailey laughed, earning a smile from Jay too. Jay was the ultimate backseat driver with directions, almost as if he forgot Hailey was born and raised here too.

"Okay, wake me up when we get home", Jay said with a yawn, resting his head gently against the seat.

"You got it", Hailey turned down the radio and focused on the road, Jay's soft snores fading into the background.


It was about half an hour before they got home, having to fight through morning rush hour traffic to do so. Hailey parked in their laneway, turning off the engine, giving Jay a few more minutes to sleep. She checked her emails, sending a few work related ones off. She double checked the time; thankful she didn't have to go in for her meetings until the afternoon. She'd get some work done in the office at home to prepare. She hadn't said anything to anyone at work about the last few days, partly because she wasn't sure she was even allowed to. Luckily, her schedule had worked out for today and she was able to be at the hospital this morning, and make sure Jay was taken care of before heading back out this afternoon.

She reached over, gently giving his arm a squeeze. "We're home babe", she whispered as she watched him slowly come to.

He had an indent of the seat belt across his cheek, eyes barely open enough- squinting in the morning sun.

"Home?" Jay asked.

"Yeah let's go inside", Hailey replied.

"Kay", Jay rubbed his face, orienting himself and getting out of the car.

He dragged himself through the front door, immediately feeling the pull to a hot shower. Hailey seemed to read his mind.

"I'll meet you up there", she said.

"I think this needs to be a solo shower", Jay said, motioning to the caked blood on his uniform still.

"I know", Hailey grinned solemnly. There would be time for that later. Jay so desperately wanted to rest she could tell.

He went upstairs and she retreated to the office to catch up on a few things. As soon as she heard the taps shut off about twenty minutes later, she closed her computer, wanting to prioritize Jay.

By the time she met him upstairs, he had just dried himself off, and had slipped into a pair of black boxer briefs. It was hard to ignore his sculpted abs, a few droplets of water still visible on his back. Hailey had to shake herself out of it, she needed to get to work today.

He clearly caught her staring, judging by the boyish grin on his face. "Later", he said cheekily, fighting off another yawn, echoing her later from earlier.

"Later", she grinned in agreement, pulling back the covers to crawl into bed with him.

"Just a little sleep, that's all I need", Jay mumbled, already starting to doze off. She wrapped her arm around his back, pulling him close to her.

Hailey knew he needed more than a little sleep, but she didn't call him on it. "Yeah time for a rest Jay, close your eyes", Hailey whispered in agreement.

She brought her other hand up to run against the side of his neck, that being the final straw to put him at ease. Jay took a sharp inhale of relaxation, and Hailey felt his body weight melt into hers.

He fell asleep on her almost instantly, Hailey fighting to keep her own eyes open, she did have to work today after all. She sat quietly with him, watching his chest rise and fall, mesmerized by each of the freckles on his naked back.


Hailey stayed with him a while longer, dreading having to wiggle out from underneath him. But work was work. She could keep an eye on him for a few more hours before her meetings. Part of her wanted to cancel them all together, keep her afternoon free. Knowing Jay, he would convince her out of that, say he was fine. Judging by how he looked right now, she suspected he'd sleep the whole day away anyways.

So, Hailey cautiously and quietly moved his arms from across her body, and tucked him in under a blanket, making sure he was comfortable. He didn't stir. The door made a small creek as she exited their room, as she held her breath looking back at him. Jay thankfully didn't hear her, only his small snores filled the room.

She made herself a bite to eat for lunch and sat in their office preparing for the rest of her busy day. Mouse was out all day, but Hailey had already texted him to warn him not to wake Jay if he came back.

How's he doing? And any news on Kim? A text came in from Mouse.

He's okay I think, just wiped. He'll probably sleep for a while. Kim's in the ICU for now, they're hoping for a full recovery. Hailey replied.

That's a relief. And Gotcha, I'll bring dinner home from Purple Pig, I'm downtown finishing some errands this afternoon, have a few appointments.

Purple Pig?! Is this a celebration dinner?

Maybe… Mouse sent a wink face. Hailey smirked, she had no idea what it could be, maybe a job offer.

Sounds good, you know what I want

Does it rhyme with schbeef short rib?

Hailey laughed at that; Mouse knew her too well. You've known me a long time Mouse, I'll let you be the judge.

Act surprised! See you guys later

Hailey checked her watch, realizing it was time to head into work. She crept back upstairs to do a final check in on Jay, who was still out like a light.

She let go a sigh of relief, turned all the lights off and left for the day.


Jay shook himself awake around dinner, hearing the voices of Hailey and Mouse in the living room. He rolled over to check their alarm clock, almost gasping at what it read…6:45. PM? He thought to himself, wow. He dragged himself out of bed, feeling disoriented and overtired still, even though he slept the entire day. He couldn't remember the last time he's done that, maybe when he had the flu a few winter's ago, that's probably it.

"Hey bud", Mouse said as he looked up seeing Jay come down the stairs.

"Hey", Jay said still in his gruff, sleepy voice.

"You alright?" Hailey asked gently. He could feel her eyes giving him a once over.

"I'm alright, hungry", Jay said at the sudden realization, his stomach growling in the process.

"Lucky for you Mouse brought Purple Pig home", Hailey smiled, watching Jay's eyes light up. One of their favourite restaurants.

"What do we owe the honour", Jay said both gratefully and suspiciously as Hailey handed him a plate.

"That's what I said", Hailey laughed.

"It's been a tough week, and I wanted to say thank you to you both for welcoming me here and making sure I've been taken care of since I've been home", Mouse replied.

Hailey smiled as she watched Jay walk over to hug Mouse. "You're welcome here as long as you want you know that."

"I know man. Having the three of us here together again, has been really special", Mouse said in a whisper, his voice daring to crack if he went any louder. That almost got Hailey. She would have never suspected of the three of them, for Mouse to be the most sentimental and nostalgic about this arrangement. Money was on herself if she was being honest.

She bit the inner corner of her lip and nodded, wiggling over to make some room on the couch for Jay. Things were different now, on so many levels, but if she closed her eyes for just a second, she saw them as kids. Sitting cross legged by the coffee table, watching Jeopardy, always having a plate of food offered to them. On many levels, things were exactly the same.


"You sure you're okay?" Hailey checked again as they were standing at their sink, getting ready for bed again.

Jay took a deep exhale, fighting the urge to snap and say "I wish people would quit asking me that. My partner almost just died. So yeah not really but I'll get there."

He knew Hailey meant it from a place of love and concern though, and it was wrong of him to take his frustration and anxiety out on her. Old Jay might have let that slip out, but not now.

He shrugged his shoulders, continuing to stare at the counter as he brushed his teeth. Hailey took a seat on the counter so she could be more at eye level with him, waiting for him to spit out the toothpaste.

Jay braced his arms on the countertop, around Hailey's small frame.

"I'm just so relieved, but so…. Upset at the same time", he finally offered.

Hailey nodded, bringing a hand up to rest on the back of his neck. "I can't imagine how the last few days have been for you guys."

"It's been tough, but Kim is strong", Jay replied, now bringing up one of his hands to rest on Hailey's thigh.

She bent forward, planting a kiss on his forehead. He replied by gently placing a kiss on the crook of her neck. The sensation of his breath along her neck alone was enough to get her heart racing.

"Is it later?" She whispered seductively in his ear. She felt him smirk, and pull her hips towards his off the edge of the vanity. Close enough for her to feel every reaction that was going on with him too.

"I've slept all day, I could be up all night", he teased, slowly reaching up in her silk pyjama shorts. Hailey knew he had discovered her secret at the exact moment his breath hitched.

"These are new", he marveled, taking a minute to feel the lace of her lingerie.

"I bought them for you today", she started to feel the excitement build, as Jay ran his thumb over her most sensitive spot.

He paused, knowing that was going to drive her wild. He knew he had her right where he wanted her.

"Jay don't stop", she quietly moaned, arching her back to bring herself as close as possible to the ledge, both literally and figuratively.

He quickly picked her up with one arm, so she was straddling him. He swooped her off the counter and brought her to their bed. He got down on his knees, peeling off layer by layer until she was as naked as he was.

He felt her legs wrap around his shoulders and neck and helped her get to the finish line.

As all of her muscles contracted, Hailey let go, feeling the surge of endorphins flow through her veins. Panting, she ran her fingers through her hair, sat up and said, "your turn." Jay's eyes went wide, as Hailey quickly flipped him over, pinning his right arm above his head.

"That was hot", he said, marvelling at her quick moves.

Hailey giggled; her best moves were yet to come. And so, they did, again and again, switching off the rest of the night.


Jay was thankful they had their fun last night, because he woke up with a raging migraine the next day. Well really it woke him up, he felt the all too familiar throbbing building in his neck and temples around 4 o'clock this morning. But he kept his eyes closed and pretended things would be okay in the morning. Morning was here now, and things were not okay, shocker, he thought.

Hailey was fresh out of the shower, starting to pull clothes on for work when she noticed Jay still in bed.

"Don't you have to go into the district today?" She said, thinking he might have overslept.

"I do. But my head is killing me", he turned to look at her, wincing as the light from their bathroom caught him right in the eyes.

Hailey noticed and quickly shut the bathroom door. "Sorry. I'll go grab you some of your migraine meds."

Jay nodded in appreciation, pulling the covers back over his face, trying to make the room as dark as possible. He was worried this would happen, the lack of sleep, stress over the last few days. But last night he felt good, really good. He got cocky, thinking he was over the worst of it.

Hailey quietly sat on the edge of the bed, handing him a glass of water and a few pills.

He half sat up, Hailey holding the back of his head to support it. She could tell he was struggling.

Jay swallowed the medication, "You know I was really hoping these would go away as an adult."

Hailey grimaced, still holding the side of his head. Gently stroking his left temple.

"I know. I'm sorry, that sucks."

Jay exhaled, and carefully lowered himself back into bed. "Can you text Voight from my phone, tell him I'm not coming in this morning. We were only going to do a half day to get the paperwork for this out of the way anyways."

"Sure", Hailey reached over and sent the message off, knowing the screen and bright light would hurt his head too much.

"I have to go in this morning, but I have a half-day too. Friday perks", Hailey replied, tucking the blanket back over Jay's shoulders.

"Mmm that's nice", Jay mumbled, some of the meds already taking effect.

Hailey made one more trip to the bathroom for a damp washcloth to set over Jay's eyes.

"Get some sleep okay", she whispered, kissing his cheek.

"Kay", was all he could muster. Hoping to sleep the worst of it off so he could make it to the hospital to visit Kim later today.

Hailey found Mouse sitting at the kitchen table eating a bagel and a coffee, reading the newspaper.

"You're up early", he laughed. Mouse was always a crack of dawn kind of guy, even before the military. Hailey, not so much.

"Have to head in early, taking off at lunch today. Jay's in bed with a migraine. I've already given him some meds, hopefully he sleeps it off", Hailey told him.

"Ahh, not good. I'll check on him in a few hours", Mouse replied, understanding what Hailey was going to ask him.

"Thanks Mouse see you at lunch", she hurried out the door, eager to put this week behind her.


All Hailey could think of while typing away at her computer was Jay, and Kim, and changing out of the high heels she was wearing.

"Hailey, you have a minute?" Lisa, one of the other partners at the firm, tapped on her door and asked.

"Sure thing just give me a minute to send this email", Hailey smiled. Lisa was a more senior lawyer than her, but never made her feel that way. Lisa made Hailey feel welcome the second she stepped foot into the Chicago office.

Hailey wandered over to Lisa's office, which had a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.

"Hey Lisa, what's up?"

"Oh, sorry to interrupt but I wanted to catch you before you left for the day."

"No worries, just finishing up some last minute stuff", Hailey said as she sat in one of her armchairs.

"Listen Mike and I are heading out of town this week, last minute, his mom's sick…"

"Oh Lisa, I'm sorry, hopefully everything's okay."

"We'll see, anyways we have tickets to the Bulls for Tuesday night. Thought you and Jay could make good use of them", Lisa said as she pulled out two tickets from her top drawer.

Hailey's mouth dropped open as she saw they were courtside. "Lisa these are too much."

"Don't be silly, Mike gets these from work all the time. Take Jay out for a date night, our treat", Lisa winked and laughed.

"You're the best, he's home in bed with a migraine as we speak so these might actually cheer him up", Hailey blurted out.

"Aww poor thing", Lisa said sympathetically as she checked the clock on her wall. "Just get out of here then, our little Friday secret."

Hailey laughed; a half hour early wouldn't kill anyone. "Okay, but dinner on me when you're back!"

"I'll hold you to it!" Lisa called out as Hailey was rounding the corner.

Hailey was grinning ear to ear, maybe this week could be turned around after all.


"Hey Hails", Mouse greeted her at the front door, taking her bag and umbrella from her so she could hang her coat.

"Thanks", she murmured, making a face as she finally stepped out of her shoes.

"Better?" Mouse laughed; Hailey was never one for high heels. That part of her job killed her for sure, Mouse knew her.

"Much. How's Jay?" Hailey said as she set her keys in the bowl by their front entry.

"He's okay. I checked on him a little while ago, not really sleeping but trying his best. Brought him an ice pack and that seemed to help."

"Good, thanks for doing that Mouse", she gave him a squeeze on the shoulder and made her way up to their bedroom. "Has he been sick?"

"Not that I know of. I'll make lunch while you change okay", he said.

"You're the best", Hailey whispered from the top step.

"Hi bud", Hailey leaned over and peeled the ice pack off Jay's forehead.

"Hmmm", Jay groaned at the coolness disappearing.

"Sorry just checking", Hailey's hand came up to his forehead and cheeks- relieved that she did not find any signs of a fever. Definitely stress to blame for feeling crappy.

"How ya feeling?" Hailey murmured, running her fingers through his hair, smiling at his forehead muscles relaxing as she did it.

"A bit better", Jay replied after evaluating.

"Good, I think Mouse is making lunch, you hungry?" She asked.

"I might be able to eat now", Jay said cautiously, making the move to sit up at the edge of their bed.

Hailey brought over some clothes for him from his dresser, helping him get his shirt on.

"If my nose is correct, my money's on grilled cheese and tomato soup", Hailey offered, knowing that was a Mouse classic, and also a timeless favourite for them all.

"I hope so, that sounds good right now actually", Jay said as he tested the waters and came into a fully vertical position.

Hailey was standing by, close contact just in case. "Alright let's go. We can rest this afternoon and go visit Kim after dinner?"

"Sounds good to me", Jay smiled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder, planting a kiss on the side of her forehead.

They made their way downstairs to find Mouse finishing up with lunch, their hunches correct.

"Hey man, you okay?" Mouse said as he handed Jay a plate.

"I'm good, thanks", he replied, taking a seat at his usual spot at the table. Hailey and Mouse brought over the hot bowls of soup.

The weather was still chilly enough this spring for this to be the perfect meal, the three of them eating quietly before retreating to the living room. They were all in comfortable clothes, spreading out on the couch, passing around enough blankets to get cozy. Jay naturally found his place curled up next to Hailey, who made sure he was comfortably propped on pillows. She knew as well as he did that, he would be asleep shortly into the movie they picked on TV.

"Close your eyes okay, perfect day to rest", she reassured him, opening her arms to allow him to snuggle in.

Mouse surprisingly wasn't far behind on the nap either. Something about the rainy weather and warm blanket lulled him right to sleep.


The three of them woke up several hours later, finding that the TV had long turned off from inactivity. Hailey laughed as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

"Good nap?" Mouse asked, looking like he'd been up for a little while.

"Always a good rainy day nap on this couch", she whispered, after noticing Jay was still snoozing, the full weight of his body pressed into Hailey's.

"He still breathing?" Mouse asked jokingly.

"Can confirm", Hailey grinned after resting a hand on his back. "He's just run down from this week. I know he wants to visit Kim later. Hopefully he can kick the headache with some sleep."

"Hopefully. If he hasn't barfed by now, he might have a chance of kicking it", Mouse said.

Hailey snorted; Mouse was very familiar with Jay's migraine cycle too. "Yeah fair."

"I'll come with you guys to the hospital too if that's okay", Mouse said.

"Of course, Mouse, I'm sure she'd love that."

Hailey caught Mouse staring for another few seconds, with a little smirk on his face.

"What?" Hailey asked suspiciously.

"You know he only sleeps this good with you right?" Mouse teased.

Hailey felt herself blush a little. She did know that. After his deployments Jay became a light sleeper, barely even asleep sometimes if Hailey had to guess. Hailey knew that Mouse knew she would stay the night with Jay so he could sleep when they came home. Jay would later tell Mouse he thinks it saved his sanity.

"Magic touch I guess", she said quietly, sharing a smirk with Mouse.

"Magic touch. Alright I'm getting up, I'll leave you two lovebirds alone", he joked.

Hailey swatted him with a pillow, holding her breath because she felt Jay stir, only to let it go a minute later when he didn't come to all the way. She settled back in, cradling Jay's head against her, taking in the quiet of their afternoon.


Jay finally was back in the land of the living just before dinner. Perfect timing for them all.

Mouse was on salad duty; Hailey was finishing cooking the pasta. Jay stumbled into the kitchen wide eyed and somewhat dazed but was happy to find the dull ache in his skull had finally subsided.

"Well, well, well. Look who decided to join us", Mouse said, catching Hailey's attention, who turned around and smiled. Jay walked over to give her a kiss.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm alive. Thanks for looking after me today guys", he replied.

"Of course babe, dinner should be ready shortly. You hungry?" Hailey asked.

"I could eat", Jay agreed.

"Good, then we can head over to Med. Adam texted me saying Kim was waking up this afternoon. Not completely with it yet, but she's off the vent and breathing on her own", Hailey updated them.

Jay exhaled loudly. "That's great news." The relief flooding through his body made him forget he was in so much pain earlier.

"Come on, let's eat", Hailey said as she ushered the two of them over to the table, and set the food down in the middle.


Mouse and Jay both looked around the ICU, having eery déjà vu from their time spent here. Kim was in a room not far from where they had been all those years ago in recovery. Neither of them spoke of it, but after Mouse looked around, he knew Hailey and Jay were remembering too.

"This is her on the left here", Will's voice interrupted their otherwise quiet thoughts.

Jay's grip around Hailey's fingers tightened, she responded by placing her hand on his lower back. Seeing Kim lying there like that was making him feel nauseous again.

"She's been in and out, Adam just left. Maybe not all of you at once okay?" Will said before he walked away to give them some privacy, the group nodding at him.

Mouse piped up, saying he would be quick. Hailey and Jay hung back and watched.

Mouse held her hand and said a few words to her. She didn't wake up, but he did feel the slightest squeeze when he said he was there with her.

"Get better soon Kim, we're here for you", he ended and left the room. He didn't want to take too much time; he knew Jay was itching to get in there.

"I'll go sit with Kev and Trudy in the caf", Mouse told them, promising them a coffee when he returned.

Hailey gently nudged Jay to step into Kim's room, she could sense he was nervous.

Jay on the other hand, was trying to hold it together. Kim looked peaceful in a way, but so pale. And banged up.

He cautiously made his way to her bedside, kneeling down to grab her hand. "She's so cold", he said, pulling her blankets up over her midsection, careful not to jostle any lines or tubes.

Hailey smiled, gentle, thoughtful, caring Jay.

"Do you want some privacy?" Hailey asked from the doorway.

Jay thought about it for a minute, but ultimately wanted Hailey to be here too.

"No, come on in", Jay gestured for Hailey to join him on the recliner loveseat. Not that it was a good thing to be in the ICU, but they did always have the most comfortable chairs for visitors to rest in. He also suspected Adam had been sleeping here judging on the pile of blankets and pillows in the corner.

Hailey quietly sat, giving Kim's leg a squeeze on the way by.

They settled in, hoping to see the flutter of her eyes opening, but it never came. And that was okay, Hailey decided to herself, and reassured Jay of the same.

She gently nudged him again, this time to sit back with her on the couch, secretly hoping he would close his eyes for a bit again too. She could tell that look on his face spelled anxiety.

He resisted at first but grabbed hold of Hailey's hand and felt the pull to rest his eyes, and head on her shoulder.

"If I had a dollar for every time we napped today…", Hailey joked, trying to break the tension in the room. She felt Jay chuckle a bit at that.

"Just can't keep my eyes open", he yawned.

"I know, it's been a long week for you. She'll still be here when you wake up", Hailey replied.

Jay nodded and slouched a little closer to her. Hailey made herself comfortable too, the two of them were quiet. The only noise was the sound of alarms, beeping, from Kim's room, and the rest of the unit. It was eery yet comforting. It wasn't long until Jay's eyes were closed again.

Hailey wasn't sure how much time had passed, she was running her hand through Jay's hair for what felt like the 20th time since yesterday and was so engrossed in savouring this cuddly version of Jay she had today, that she didn't even notice Kim's eyes open and head turn towards them.


I was going to write about how I accidentally took a summer hiatus...but now I just feel sad JLS is leaving and I don't know what there is to say. I can't wrap my head around it, can't believe after all this time we finally got Upstead only to have them go away :( hang in there friends! Hope everyone is doing well. Maybe this is all just a practical joke?! That's what I keep telling myself. An extra long chapter to help ease the sting of this week - K