Hey, thanks for all your reviews! I love to hear that most of you like the story :) And to the person that was confused: Yes, in this story, hank died 3 years after Erin left intelligence.

"You don't seem like the type to get married." He says sarcastically with a little forced smile and it hits me just like he wanted it too.

I stare at him not knowing what to reply. And guessing from his face he doesn't know what to say after that either. He takes a deep breath and speaks up.

"I'm sorry Erin, that was uncalled for." He says honestly. I feel the urge to run from the situation but I have to wait for David. And if I'm honest I don't want to run anymore.

"No I... I guess I deserved that one." I tell him with an awkward chuckle, not able to hold his gaze.

"No, Erin. You have the right to live your life however you want to. It's just weird for me that's all." He replies and takes the last gulp of his beer.

"Yeah, tell me about it." I breathe out and he looks at me confused so I continue. "I mean... it's different to be with all of you guys but actually not being a part of you. You've always been my partner and it's weird to imagine someone else having your back. That used to be me and now there is this deep life or death bond you have with another person." I tell him honestly and he smiles.

"Is Erin Lindsay jealous?" He teases and I roll my eyes.

"No" I pretend to be annoyed. "I'm just saying that she's pretty lucky to have such a caring person and amazing detective as her partner." I smile and it's for the first time in years that we are able to have a conversation like we used to. He smiles back at me holding my gaze and I notice the little sparkle in his eyes that I haven't seen in so long.

It takes a couple of moments to pass until I can get mine away from his consuming eyes and finish my beer too.

"Soo...detective" I say to move on with the conversation.

"Soo... former detective." He copies me with raised eyebrows.

"Ouch" I pout putting my hand dramatically on my chest and he chuckles.

"I'm sorry." He says with a little giggle and leans forward as he gets up from his chair and puts his hand on mine.

"I'm getting another round do you want another beer?" He asks me with the sweetest smile, his skin burning mine more and more with every second that passes. I'm unable to do anything except looking at him, mouth open trying to find words.

"Not necessary! I already took care of it!" My head spins to the side to see Hayley holding three beers in her hands. Smiling at us. Jay helps her put them on the table and sits back down. I take a much needed sip of my beer after this unexpected moment when Hayley speaks up again.

"Sorry I interrupted your cute moment." She continues and I immediately choke on my beer. She gains a playful 'bro what the fuck' look from Jay at her comment.

"I'm joking" she chuckles "I just think it's cool to see that famous Erin and Jay bond in person for once. We never got the chance to hang out together when you were still in intelligence so it's cool for me to see all of you reunited." She states and we all smile at the same time.

I have missed them. A lot actually, they've always been like a family to me. But everyone also knows that I tend to push the ones closest to me away at times. And I appreciate them not making a big deal about it and accepting the way I handle things sometimes. Just as much as I would always accept whatever they're doing with their lives.

"To family." I smile, raising my glass, and she nods bringing her beer to clink against mine "to family." she repeats.

The conversation continues but I get distracted by my phone's ringtone.

'Waiting outside. Take your time saying bye.'

'OK, I'll be right there.'

"Alright guys." I breathe out. "My ride is here and I think I'm kind of tipsy so wish me luck when the cold air outside hits me like a hammer in a minute." They both laugh and once again I see that sparkle in Jays eyes. I didn't even realize how much I actually missed it.

"You can do this!" I hear Hayley next to me being all motivational. I have to laugh because the second I get up, I know I'm fucked.

"We'll see about that." I giggle and look over at Jay again who is still smiling at me.

He gets up to hug me goodbye "I guess I'll see you around Lindsay." He smiles and it makes me want to cry because I can't stand the thought of not seeing all of them on Monday morning at 8am in the district like I always did. I know they'll be there, but I won't.

I reach up to hug him, his familiar smell hits me like a smack in the face. I haven't smelled his perfume in years. I forgot how good he smelled. It was always a mix of safety and comfort for me. He holds me tight for a few moments and I know that he needed this trip down memory lane just as much as I did. I move around the table to hug Hayley, passing Ruzek and patting his sleeping head gently.

"I missed you, friend" I chuckle, a little moan is the only response I get from him.

I smile and move on to Hayley. After we said our goodbyes and I paid the last round. I wave one last time and make my way out of Molly's. Giving Hermann a simple nod and he smiles at me in return. And just like I thought there's the cold wind waiting for me like a cement wall. I see David coming out of the car and running over to steady me.

"Woah, what the hell happened to my fiancé?" He laughs and I can't hold back my own.

"She's a little tipsy." I confess while trying to stand straight on the thin layer of ice covering the streets.

"Thank you for picking me up." I smile up at him.

David smiles back, kissing the top of my head "Anything for you."

(Jay's POV)

"You know she's gone, right?" Hayley's voice pulls me out of my thoughts. I quickly turn to her trying to pretend like I wasn't thinking about Erin from the moment she showed up at Hank's grave earlier today.

"What? Yeah, I know." I chuckle uncomfortably and look down at the table to see Erin's credit card. She forgot it. "Oh shit, she left her card." I get up and grab the card to run after her, but immediately feel Hayley grabbing my arm to stop me.

"No, stop, Are you crazy? This is perfect!" She says with an excited face, confusing me further.

"What do you mean?" I ask her.

"Dude really? First of all, I saw the way you looked at her all night, alright? Second of all, what the hell was that lingering moment you two had before I interrupted? And the last point on my list ... she looked at you exactly the same way that you looked at her." I feel like someone kicked me in the stomach when I heard her say that. And I can feel a little smile creeping into my face. But I lose it as fast as it showed up.

"No, Hayley. Too much has happened. And I found out that she's engaged tonight so..." And the rage and pure jealousy I felt earlier is back again.

"Shit really!?" She blurts out. "Dammit, I figured that wasn't just a normal ring. But you miss her, don't you?" She asks softly and I nod my head.

"Every day." I admit and I actually hate that I can't lie to Hayley anymore after all these years. She knows me too well now.

"Wouldn't even a friendship be worth the fight then?" She smiles sadly and I just nod again.

"That's what I thought. So, be smart Halstead. You can't just run after her while her boyfriend is sitting in the car next to her. You need time to actually talk to her." She was right. I had to try and be friends with Erin because deep down I know I need her in my life. Hayley and I have another round and I think about heading home after. I need to win Erin Lindsay back, even if that means we're just friends.

For now.

Hey everyone, I wasn't 100% sure about where the ending, but I hope you like this chapter!

Please leave a review and let me know what you think :)