Please notice the rating change to M! For now it's just for cussing, but sex scenes will be included soon. If that's not your thing, I'm sorry, but I hope you continue the story :) Here is an extra-long chapter for you-needless to say I got bored in class last night! Hope you enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Chicago P.D. or Chicago Fire.

Chapter 4

The next morning Jay awoke to a text from Lindsay. I know I was a little bold last night & probably took you by surprise, but I meant it. I really do like you J & I know I have to wait bc of Emmalyn, but I like you & I want the whole world to know. But its up to you so just wanted to leave you something to think about before work :)

Jay was surprised to see Erin so open. Maybe putting it out there that someone else could be serious about him made her realize what she wanted. Jay didn't bother to respond because he'd be seeing her in less than an hour. Had Emmalyn not shown back up, Jay would still be at square one with Lindsay; now, he was just conflicted tho.

He wanted to hear Em out, but at the same time he had gotten super super close with Erin and he really liked her. He was torn. He went to work with these thoughts running through his head. When he got there he noticed everyone was working on paperwork, so he sat down and found his own paperwork to work on. He could feel Erin's eyes on him so he looked up. She nodded towards the break room and he nodded back. Erin got up and headed into it and Jay followed a few minutes behind her.

Ruzek noticed this and glanced at Antonio. Antonio just shook his head; "Let it go, Ruzek. They're just partners." Ruzek shrugged. "Besides, Gabby told me that Jay left Molly's two nights ago with a woman. Seemed as if they knew each other really well and things were or are serious between them." Ruzek went back to his paperwork.

Erin had poured two cups of coffee when Jay walked in. she handed him a mug. "Did you get my text?" Jay nodded. "Come on Halstead give me something here." Jay gazed at her while she sipped on her coffee. She appeared serious and genuine and he had never seen her look more beautiful.

"I don't know Er. I really really like you, but I feel like I need to hear Emmalyn out. I know we talked when she got back, but there's more to the story then she's telling me." Erin nodded.

"Jay, you have to follow your heart, but just know I was serious when I said I liked you."

"I know you are. I just need time to get my head straight."

"I'll always be here Jay, whatever you decide." And with that she returned to her desk. Jay followed not long after her. When he sat down he sent Emmalyn a text. We need to talk when you're free, but soon. -J.

He also decided to send Erin a text. You look beautiful today ;) I promise I'll figure this out soon. Don't give up on me Er. Just know I'll always like you as more than just my best friend & who knows maybe my heart will win in the end :)

As soon as Jay put his phone up, the whole team, minus Voight, heard Erin's phone go off. Jay didn't even look up from his computer; he completely forgot she rarely turned her phone down. Ruzek shared a look with Antonio who just shrugged. Adam could tell something was up with the partners, he just didn't know what.

Erin smiled as she read the message, but no one saw. She knew she always liked Halstead, but it wasn't until someone else came into the picture, that could really be someone serious for him, did she realize that she didn't want anyone else to have him. But she realized Jay might still pick Emmalyn in the end so she needed to keep her heart in check.

Several hours later, while putting his things in his locker, Jay got a text from Emmalyn. Sorry Jay, things have been busy and I just got your message. I think we said all that needs to be said the other night. After talking with the commander, there is a good chance I will be going under again so something serious between us again probably isn't a good idea. Again, I'm sorry Jay.

Jay couldn't believe this. She up and leaves two years ago and comes back, turns his life upside down, and then tells him they really are done and she's really leaving again. "Un-fucking-believable" say said as he punched his locker.

"Whoa, Whoa, Halstead. I know riding with me all day is stressful, but I thought we were having a good day." Jay sighed as he sank down on the bench between their lockers. "Jay, come on what's wrong? Something's changed in the 5 minutes since we separated." Jay pulled his phone out and pulled up the message from Emmalyn. He gave his phone to Erin to let her read it. He could see her eyes get bigger as she read. "I'm sorry Jay. I know you really wanted to talk to her & see what could've been."

"Yeah, well, maybe this is all I need to know. I should've just followed my heart and let the past be the past."

"You know I'm always here; anytime, night or day."

"Er wait. Come home and have a drink with me."

"Ok, but nothing rash tonight Jay. I don't want to just be a rebound.

"You'll never be that to be Er, never."

Erin nodded and took his hand to lead him out of the locker room. They heard Adam and Kim coming down the stairs so they dropped each other's hands and continued out to their cars. "I'll see you at my apartment."

Erin nodded as she got into her own car and headed to Jay's.

Erin followed Jay upstairs to his apartment. Once inside, Jay threw their jackets over the kitchen chairs. He poured them both some whiskey as they sat down on the couch. "What's on your mind, Jay?"

Jay sat there for a minute staring into his whiskey thinking before he answered. "I really wish she hadn't come back. She messed with my head again when everything was just great without her. I just don't get her. She up and leaves; comes back and wants another chance only to say we're officially done and she's leaving again. I just don't get it."

"Maybe she was just trying to make it easy on you. She didn't know she was going back under when she looked you up. I'm not on her side, just trying to see things objectively," she explained when she saw the confused look on his face. Jay downed his whiskey while he thought about what she said.

"Maybe so. I think I should just forget she returned and move on."

"This doesn't change what I told you Jay. I still admit to my feelings and want to be with you. but I think I need to let you think on all this tonight and clear you're head. Like I said I don't want to be a rebound, and that's how I'd feel if we got together tonight."

Jay nods as Erin sits her undrunk whiskey on the coffee table. "We'll talk in the morning, Jay, and go from there." Jay got up and walked her to the door. He leans down to kiss her and Erin lets him.

"I'll see you in the morning Er. Please let me know you get home safe."

"I will Jay, I will."

Later, Jay gets a text from Erin. Home safe and sound. Sleep on what we talked about tonight J & we'll talk tomorrow. I'll always be here. Sweet dreams & goodnight. Xoxo -E.

So there is chapter 4. I decided to explore Linstead, but my OC is still there. I guess we'll just see where this story takes us because I am surprised at the turns it's taken so far. I hope you're enjoying it and will continue with it. I know I am! Let me know your thoughts and hopefully another update soon!