Disclaimer: I do not, nor do I claim to, own anything (or one) from Chicago PD. All who you might recognize are likely from the show, I only own my original characters.

The couple sat comfortably at the table, as comfortably as Lauren could with a gauze covered hand, the metal of their forks clinking against the plates. With each twirling of silverware Lauren felt the amounting pressure of telling Justin of her deal with his father, but ultimately refused- not ready to sever the pleasant company they shared. She crunched into a piece of garlic bread, chewing as quietly as possible, and glanced to Justin.

The spaghetti had been burned slightly on the bottom, but Justin assured her as much as possible that it was still the best meal he'd had in years. With the way he'd been piling food into his mouth she began to believe it. His head was hung low as he piled mountains of spaghetti in his awaiting mouth. She swallowed down a laugh and shook her head, reaching for the glass of red wine Justin insisted on pouring.

Justin dodged around the end tables with ease, holding a glass between his long fingers. Lauren raised an eyebrow at him, watching with every step he took. "After I bandage your hand we'll get some wine down you."

She shook her head quickly, holding her hands out in response. "I don't drink."

"It'll help with the pain," he reasoned. "Trust me."

"Justin-"

"I promise," he nodded. "One glass, that's all. I won't bug you anymore, if you just drink a glass. That's all you gotta do."

She sat on the sofa, arguing with him from a room away. Letting her head fall back onto the the couch she agreed with a sigh, "Fine."

"That's more like it," she heard him mumble from the wine cooler.

Lauren a rolled her eyes and downed a generous sip. She'd never admit it to him, or anyone else for that matter, but the wine actually did help with the pain. Justin said something about the inflammation as well, but she could care less about her hand swelling.

"Where'd you learn to cook?" Justin broke her thoughts with ease. "I know you didn't just pick this up."

She laughed lightly, sitting her fork down into the plate. "My Nana taught me."

"God bless your Nana," he smiled after chewing a mouthful of food.

"She was pretty great," Lauren agreed. "Taught me everything I know."

Justin slowed his eating and tossed her a sympathetic smile, "Sorry."

"It's fine," she assured. "Really. It was a long time ago."

"You were close with her?"

She nodded, "Very. She raised me and Ella," she said quietly. "My sister."

They sat in silence, both set of eyes locked in a steady gaze. Lauren began to pick up her fork again, but was promptly cut off by Justin's whisper. "We lost Mom," he admitted. "A couple years ago."

"I'm sorry, Justin."

So that's why Hank's been so overbearing. He's afraid to lose his son.

A swell of affection grew in her heart for the man after Justin made his confession. His compassion and love for Justin astounded her, for she seen him as the tough, rugged cop. She glanced back to Justin, her eyes softening as he wiped his mouth with the napkin roughly in an attempt to hide his emotions. She reach across the table, grasping his hand with her good one, effectively pulling him from his memory.

"Hey," she questioned. "You alright?"

He gave a curt nod and gruffly responded. "Yeah."

"I know how it feels to lose someone, Justin." She rubbed his hand tenderly, "If you ever need to talk," she offered, pointing to herself with a nod, "about anything."

He let out a shuddered breath, "Thank you."

"Now," she grinned faintly and slapped his hand jokingly, "eat up. I've got a banana split pie in the fridge."

A chuckle escaped him, "Yes ma'am."

Lauren spoke into the phone to her nephew softly. "Ryder," she greeted, "how are you, buddy?"

"I miss you, Aunt Rory. Katie misses you, too."

She smiled greatly, "I miss you guys, too. Have you been mindin' your Mama?"

"Yeah," he said quietly. "Daddy's been real mad. Sometimes I hear Mama cryin' in her bedroom."

"You do?" Lauren questioned to boy gently, "Do you ever hear what she says?"

She heard the cloth of his shirt rub against the receiver, "No. But I asked her one day. She just said she misses you."

"Oh," she drawled. "You ever hear her say anything about Daddy you tell me, alright bud?"

"'Kay, Rory."

"I love you, Ryder. Tell your Mama and Katie I love them, too."

Justin lay in his room, listening to the girl across the room's soft voice. She was definitely growing on him, that was obvious even to him, but the speed of how it happen frighted onto him. He hadn't felt this way about a girl ever, and now, in the matter of days, he felt his life turn completely upside down- or maybe it turned right side up.

He felt like a different person around her. Like he wanted to do good for her, to not disappoint her with his childish antics he'd grown so used to doing. He didn't feel the need to hang out with his old friends or acquaintances anymore, he only wanted her company. He sighed, rubbing his hands over his face lightly.

It's just the wine talking.

He closed his eyes and burrowed his head into his favorite pillow, waiting for sleep to pass over him.

Oh my gosh, almost ten chapters in less than a week! Lauren and Justin are really getting close, and quick! Hopefully Hank comes to his senses and allows them to be the happy little couple we want to see. What did you think of this chapter? Too much of a good thing or just enough fluff?