Before you read, just clarifying a reader's doubts. English is not my native language, I use the translator, so some things can get a little confusing. And the author's notes that you read are because I usually just copy and paste, as this is not the only platform I use to post this story. That said, happy reading.

Chapter 22: Deadlocked

"You have to own your choices. Choose them completely and don't look back."

- This is us

Lindsay was determined, as much as she was scared to make that decision, it was what her heart was asking her to do and that was exactly what she did.

- I accept...

- Erin... - Hank smiles. - You don't know how happy I am to hear that...

- No... I accept it, but I make the decisions from now on, besides, I have a condition. - She informs you.

- Which? -Usually he would accept anything she said, however, the way she's staring at him doesn't seem good, much less a decision he totally agrees with, so he prefers to listen to see if she agrees or not.

- You will not return to intelligence. - She practically warns him.

- What? Like this? What are you talking about? - Hank asks her in surprise.

- That's enough, Hank. - Erin approaches. - I'm so grateful for everything you've done for me and... - She pauses. - I know that everyone in intelligence is grateful for everything you did for them, for us, for the team and everything in between. - She says. - ... but that's enough, I think it's time for you to give up all that power and control you have over all of us. - She gets even closer. - I know you do what you think is best and you know it's not always right, I know you won't change the way you think and you don't want us to think like you or have the same attitudes. I know you're not a bad person, I never doubted that. - She puts her hand over his. - Listen... I think we're mature now, I feel like you had kids to deal with during those 10 years, turn us into better cops, but look at us? Stagnant. I had to go out of intelligence to grow up. - She pats his hand and sits on the edge of the bed. - I know it's not an easy decision to make, but I'll only agree to stay if you accept giving up your intelligence.

- But, will you take over? Indefinitely? - Voight questions her completely shocked by her request.

- No... intelligence stopped being my place a long time ago. I love everything I went through there, what I learned and the people I met are my family, I will take it with me for the rest of my life and it is for that reason and for them that I decided to stay, but not for long. I want Jay to take over the intelligence. I want him to take the sergeant's exam and take care of the intelligence, I feel like he doesn't have the courage to take the exam so as not to disrespect you or somehow take away your authority, but I know that if you are willing to not go back and tell him who wants him in charge, he'll take it, with a little reluctance of course, but he'll take it. The ivory tower always wanted Jay, they know he doesn't follow you blindly, but he was loyal. They will accept Jay as the head of intelligence. You just need to let go...

- Erin...

- Listen to me... - She asks and when he nods she continues. - I'm going to move here, I'll stay as long as they allow me. You take care of yourself, stay as long as you need here at the hospital. I'll take care of you in that time, you'll take care of yourself so that you don't have any serious sequelae and recover as quickly as possible. I'm not asking you to stop working, you are a good police officer, you can train police officers to be sergeants or command so that the Ivory tower does not have so much power, you may be being persecuted by them, but you also have influence, everyone wants be your pupils to extract the good things you go through...

- I do not know what to say...

- Don't answer me now. I need to talk to Jay, the Ivory Tower and Marshall. After everyone agrees, I'll come back here to talk to you and see your response. I know I'm pushing you in a way, but I think we're at our wit's end, Hank. I can't blindly follow you anymore, I can't say yes every time you decide you need me, it doesn't matter if it hurts me or not, because my life now isn't just me, I have Charlotte to care for and protect as well. , she is the biggest reason for me to say yes. I've been thinking what kind of role model I want to set for her and what kind of relationship I want to have here in Chicago, I want them to know them, I want them to know you.

- That's really good, Erin. I'm proud of you for thinking that way, but I need to think about what you're offering me. - He says.

- I know. The FBI is my home now. Crime against children is where I feel I belong and intelligence needs a radical change. We need to get out of the past, stop looking at it and start focusing on the now. We update. The real world is no longer the one of your time and however much you prefer it, it is not the most ideal, much less healthy. - She caresses the arm of the man she admires so much and stands up. - Think about it, okay? I need to go now. - She takes her things and leaves, Hank was left behind, in silence, totally surprised with the direction this conversation took them.

This was it, Erin needed to take direction and control of her life. She would. She felt it was the right thing to do. She didn't feel like the best role model, but she knew Jay would be, Jay was selfless, honest and loyal. Everyone trusted him and he would take the best path. Erin hoped she was making the right decision.

She was afraid of how he would react to all of this, but she hoped he would agree, she hoped this would be a new beginning for all of them. Maybe this was the new phase they all needed. No more lying, working off the books, being manipulated like puppets. It was time to move on, close some doors so that new ones could be opened.

Leaving the hospital, Erin decides to go to the hotel, she wanted to change clothes, because she called the Ivory Tower and scheduled a meeting with them, but before having this conversation, she would need to have another one before. That was with Marshall Sanchez.

Video call

- I imagine how you must be with your thoughts a thousand... - The man says to her on the other side of the screen.

- Yes, but I know that Nick will take care of my team very well while I'm away, I think it will be good for him to run his own team alone and I think that when I come back, he will have his own team. - Erin warns.

- I know you're scared, but you know I trust you, right? - The older man asks.

- Yes, thank you very much for that.

- It's not about saying thank you, Erin. It's the truth, we need police, officers, detectives and agents who are willing to change the system, it is not and will never be an easy task, it will not change with just one person trying, but with several and little by little, we will get there. You're giving up your security here, to make your old team even better than they already are, to open your eyes to something you saw when you moved here...

- No, that I saw when I met you! - She claims. - You showed me another way of working, you showed me and guided me towards what I knew would be my vocation. I am grateful for all the support you have given me since the first day we met.

- I think I know something good when I see it. - The man says smiling at her. Erin has tears in her eyes. Feeling that he was making the right decision and having the support of one of his greatest mentors in his entire life was a great pleasure and relief.

- Thanks. - It's all she can say, even feeling it will never be enough.

- I hope you get what you're looking for, I'll always be here and I'll wait for you to come back, your team too. - He says.

They exchange a few more words before breaking up. They would also have to resolve more things in the future, but right now, Erin's other problem would be the Ivory Tower, then the rest. Jay would be her biggest challenge and she was getting anxious for what they would have to talk about.

Erin arrives at the headquarters that a short time ago took her badge and was now back, intending to get it again, at least for a while.

She arrived a few minutes early and since she was planning to have a serious talk with Jay, she needed to let Kim know and ask if she could watch Charlotte for a little longer than originally planned. Of course Kim agreed right away without even questioning her motives.

Then she also texted Jay. She asked him to meet her at the hotel in two hours and not to pick up Charlotte.

Jay was curious and anxious, he imagined that the topic of conversation would be Hank and the decision he had made to save intelligence, the detective little knew what was to come.

Just like the last time, Erin walked around the room, detailing, pointing out and focusing on the points of her proposal.

- Jay is one of the best detectives in Chicago and I dare say some states too. - Erin adds. - I know how much you like his work, his dedication and nothing better than him to assume the position of staff sergeant. - Erin counts. - I'll accept what you say, be it cameras, monthly tests, whatever it is to prove that I'm not collaborating with Hank Voight. - She claims.

- Why would we accept your proposal? - One of the commanders ask.

- You may be the Ivory Tower, but I'm from the FBI, I have contacts not only here in the United States but in several other countries. I have CIA contacts and every other public service. I may have important and confidential information. I could have each one of you in the palm of my hand if I wanted to, but that's not how I work, I don't play dirty. - She stares at some who she knows are corrupt. - So I'm offering, clear the name of Hank Voight, he will no longer be under the command of intelligence, if he accepts this proposal of course, but we know that his teachings will be valuable, so he can have a job here too and then we will transform the wit in a Chicago police reference! No longer one of the corrupt and scrutinized teams in Chicago and across the country. - Erin concludes.

They ask her for a few minutes and she waits outside, it wasn't an easy job but she felt it was the right thing to do.

Erin was a few minutes early than the time she asked Jay to meet her at the hotel. She liked having this time to prepare, maybe he didn't like the idea at all. Maybe he doesn't even want to work as a sergeant anymore or he doesn't even want to take on intelligence, maybe she doesn't know him like she used to, but if that's the case, maybe they can think of a better way to resolve the situation.

After the meeting with the Ivory Tower, Erin is waiting for Jay, he had sent a message that he was coming and she was surprised that he didn't ask what the context of the conversation was, maybe he thought it was some idea of Voight, it was something like, he just didn't imagine it would turn in his direction. All Jay asked was if she was okay and she hoped so.

- Hey...

- Hi... - Jay smiles as he enters after Erin gives way. - How are you? - He asks turning to her as she closes the door.

- I'm fine, as far as possible actually. - She says closing the door and turning to him.

- Did something happen? - He asks curious.

- A lot... come on, let's sit down. - Jay accompanies her, but stops.

- I'd rather stand. - He says stopping near the couch and Erin stops and turns to him.

- Okay... - She also stands up.

- Did Voight tell you anything? - Jay gets straight to the point.

- Yes... actually he made a decision. - She stares at Jay.

They're silent for a while, Jay wants to be patient, doesn't want to rush her into saying anything she's not ready to say, but he's eager, dying to know what she has to say, because he knows her, the look in her eyes concern, the way her hands are in her pants pocket indicates that she is either hiding her shaking hands or holding them so they don't shake. The way she bites her lip indicates she's pretty much on the fence, so Jay just wants her to share and tries hard not to ask for it, because ever since they've been honest with each other, it's opening up the wounds. , cleaning them and then closing them so that this time, they can finally heal properly.

"Well... yeah..." Erin bites her lip, looks down at the floor.

She didn't know how to start. What should she say first, so much had happened since she woke up that she really didn't know what the right beginning was to start with, but she just needed to say it and the rest would unfold on its own.

- Voight wants me to take over intelligence...

Erin was completely anxious at home thinking and hoping her daughter was okay, but Charlotte was far from it. Erin called Kim when she got home and spoke to Charlotte, letting her know she would pick her up later and the girl said that everything was fine and that she was happy playing, but not an hour later the girl decided that it wasn't okay.

- Charlie... - Kim was trying for half an hour to make her stop crying. The girl waited for Jay to go get her and when time went by and he didn't arrive, she thought he wasn't coming anymore and there she was, crying and asking for her mother.

- What's going on here? - Adam enters Kim's apartment. - Everything is fine? You can hear the crying from the elevator. - Ruzek says, the elevator was at the end of the hall, so the apartments up there were probably also having a free crying show.

- She thinks Jay won't come get her and now she's like that. - Kim says almost losing her mind.

Kim didn't call Erin because she knew her friend, Erin wouldn't have asked Kim if it wasn't something important, but the woman really didn't know what she was supposed to do. She should call Erin or try Charlotte harder.

- I don't know what else to do. - Kim says and Adam joins her.

The two at first scared the girl, tried to convince her by playing loud music, laughing or talking louder than her crying, which only made the situation worse by making her cry even more and when they were about to give up and call Erin, Kim thought that even if the girl didn't have what she wanted at the time, she could do or at least try something with her.

-Come here babygirl...-Kim pulls her into her arms and sits down with an inconsolable Charlotte on the sofa. It didn't go away immediately, but with some light rocking and whispering the girl finally stopped crying.

Little did Erin know what was going on with her daughter, but she was grateful she wasn't having this conversation with Jay with her daughter in the next room, maybe when she found out about the show her daughter put on she would think of a better way to handle the situation, but no matter how good she tried to be, she would never be perfect, she also has her flaws and no matter how much she makes mistakes, she was always trying her best and thinking about the good of her daughter.

- WHAT? -Jay asks shocked, he doesn't even know if he really heard right what he was told.

- He wants me to take over the intelligence while he's in physical therapy, but...

He heard right, there was a possibility of her going back to Chicago, of them working together again, of him not losing her, nor losing Charlotte, not that he was wanting some kind of relationship back that was more intimate, but as long as Erin came back into his life and Charlotte came into his life, he felt a fear of losing them. His selfish side wanted that, maybe it was some emotional attachment, that even though he wasn't going to be with Erin, or wasn't Charlotte's father, still, somehow he could be part of their lives.

However, as much as his emotional side screamed at him to be selfish, his rational side spoke even louder, he needed to be in control.

- You can not accept. - Jay takes a step towards Erin. - Don't take it, Erin. - Surprisingly Erin was upset to hear that, but Jay continued. - You built a perfect life for you and your daughter out of here, you got out of all the chaos and manipulation and as much as I don't want to get away from you two, somehow I can't be selfish, I can't accept that Voight bring you back under his control! You don't deserve this, you created a life and a family in NY, don't come back...

- Jay...

- No! Wants to know? I'm tired of it... I'm tired of Voight trying to control everything and everyone, that's not how it works, at least it shouldn't be, I'll talk to him... - Jay screams and starts walking towards the door.

- Jay, wait... - Erin holds him. - I already accepted...

-Erin, please ...-his eyes plead with her. - Don't let him drag you into his problems again, no...

- I won't, I promise. I accepted because I have two conditions Jay. One for him and one for you. I cannot accept if you or he are not willing to help me. - She counts.

- What are you talking about, Erin? - Jay turns completely to her, crazy to know or at least understand what she's thinking of doing.

- Look Jay... - She bites her lip, takes a deep breath and starts. - Hank wanted me to go back to intelligence while he recovered, but I didn't accept it... - He gets confused by what she said, a little while ago she said she accepted it and now she's saying she didn't accept it. - ... not on his terms, I won't let him control my life again, I have a daughter and I have to do what I believe is right. - Jay smiles at these words of hers. He was so proud of how much she'd matured in the time he'd been away. -She said she would accept returning on the condition that he would not return to intelligence anymore. - Jay's eyes widen in shock. - I know that he taught us all a lot during these years and I know that he is not ready to stop working, but that it was in another area, not as an intelligence sergeant. - Jay is speechless...

- Do you... do you want to take over intelligence? -He asks, his tone is one of astonishment, but he would be very happy if she took over, even if he is surprised.

- So... that's where you come in. I'll take the intelligence. - Now Jay got even more confused, how would he have to do with it, if Voight won't come back and she will take over? Erin was about to respond. - I took the job, but my condition was to work in intelligence only during the period you study for sergeant exams, I want you to take on intelligence Jay, I know that was what you wanted before and I hope it is still what you want now...

- Erin... - Jay is incredulous.

- But I don't belong to Jay intelligence anymore, I feel that if I can do something to save it, I will, but I need you in this, I need your support. - She asks.

Jay had a lot to process, it was true, he already thought of a thousand ways he could make intelligence work without Voight's management, not because he was better than Voight or anything, but because he knew he would try to be better. The intelligence reached such a deep level of darkness that they no longer knew what they were getting themselves into, and as much as no one had been harmed yet, their future could be uncertain.

- Why are you doing this? - Jay asks, still lost in thought.

- Why do I think it's time to change, without problems, without thinking that we are going to harm ourselves because of some hasty attitude, don't you want that? - She stares at him.

- I want it, I just... I wasn't thinking about it now, I don't even know if I still want it.

- You have every right to think, take your time. I know it's not an easy decision, I was also scared to accept it, for myself and for Charlotte, for everything that Chicago means to me, it wasn't easy to say that it would change my whole life again and if Charlie had bigger and better with friendships, I think maybe I wouldn't make that decision, but I know that no matter where I am, Tess and Nick will continue to be present in her life, they will be her uncles, so that's what I want to do, for me, for her and for you, for our family that we built in intelligence.

Jay just nods, thinking about everything Erin just said. He wasn't thinking too much about accepting a position, since everything that happened between him, Hailey and Voight, Jay seriously thought about leaving intelligence, he didn't want to be under someone he didn't trust anymore, but now that changed , now the opportunity he dreamed of realizing a few years ago is knocking on his door.

Jay would need a long time to think, at least that's what he thought, until he heard Erin's speech, she had a life far beyond hers at stake, she had Charlotte, Erin was willing to go back for everything she left back, five years back, for intelligence to begin a new phase, a phase without Hank Voight at the helm, without manipulations, without being left in the dark, without the risks of being undone or losing their jobs. About a new boss. She was willing as she considered them family and she would do this for them.

Jay didn't know if he would be a good boss, a good Sergeant, but it was what he wanted years ago and now he was willing to do it, he was going to accept it because he saw that Lindsay was willing to risk much more than him, she was putting at the table much more than him and then, he would do the same.

Pacing back and forth as Erin waited to hear what next step he would take, he finally came to a conclusion. He stops walking and turns to her, gaining her full attention before he speaks.

- I'm up... - He smiles. Both going back years ago, when Erin told him that she was in love with him and that she wanted him to move in with her and asked if he would be willing to say these, those words. It wasn't the same context anymore, but Jay wanted to make something very clear to her. - We're in this together, I promised years ago that no matter what happened, you'd always have backup, I'm with you, no matter what. He puts his hand on her shoulder and squeezes gently.

Erin's eyes fill with tears and she smiles at Jay, placing her hand over his, enjoying the comfort.

- Always...

After recovering from the moment they had when Jay accepted, they sat down so that Erin could share her conversation with the Ivory Tower.

- It was not an easy task. Intelligence will be investigated top to bottom and if they don't find anything beyond this case involving you, Upton and Voight, they'll give it a chance. You and I, in addition to being investigated, we will have to deliver reports once a month and we will have to accept a new team member they choose...

- Don't you think this is dangerous? - Jay thinks maybe they're taking too many risks.

- Yes, but only if we were to stay like this forever. I warned you that I would only accept this agreement during the period that you were taking the exams, when you finished everything, when you finally assume the intelligence it will be your command, you will be able to give your opinion on who to hire or not and you will also have the right to decide whether to continue with the person they hire or not. We'll be investigating at this time, but if we follow the rules as the book says, you'll have your own team. - She finishes, Jay is amazed with everything she shared.

- You've thought of everything by the looks of it. - He smiles at her.

- It was actually Voight, he talked to IT and Marshall if I could work, he said they would borrow me for a certain period of time so I could take over intelligence. I just slightly changed his initial plans. - Jay nods.

- And he went along with this dropping his intelligence? - He asks curious.

- No... - She laughs. - Actually he didn't say anything to me, we are waiting for his answer, but now he doesn't have much choice either. It will be in recovery for a minimum of three months, Ivory Tower said that as soon as Voight gives us an answer, we can share with the team the decision we have made, that they will contact us shortly to arrange a meeting with us. - Jay nods.

- And what are you going to do now? How will you stay here? - He asks.

- As I'm a "small hole", until you assume, they will take care of getting me an apartment in that period, I have to start looking, I even have a friend who offered me an offer a few days ago, because I can't spend my savings in a hotel and ordering room service every time. - Erin laughs. "I'm going to look at this apartment and see if it's all right for them to handle the rent in the time I'm here." - Erin explains.

- I'm glad you're staying... - He puts his hand on her leg.

- It will be good... I hope so. I don't want to run anymore, Jay. - They stare at each other.

- I do not want too. -He holds the look he's getting. Both refer to not running away, as they run and lie about their feelings for each other. Unable to allow themselves to feel it again, denying what they feel. - I'm happy for trusting me with this, for telling me the truth, letting me in... - Jay holds her hand and intertwines it in his, knowing that Erin felt she could count on him was one of the best sensations he could ever have. feel after everything they've been through.

- I always trusted you Jay, even then. - She caresses his hand. - We got hurt a lot at that time, but I know that was never your intention... I know that you did what you did, to be better for you and for our relationship. I was upset, but that's in the past now.

- Yes, I don't want to lose our friendship.

- Me neither. - They smile again at each other and whenever they feel that the atmosphere starts to get tense, they change the subject.

- And how are you going to do with your NY things, when are you going to move? - Jay asks.

- I haven't actually thought yet, we need to let the team know and I'll let Nick and Tess know, but first... I need an answer from Hank. I think he was shocked when I said he should drop intelligence. You know, when he's always the one taking the orders, it doesn't seem cool. Erin shrugs. - I just don't know what to do now... - Erin thinks, whether to tell Nick and Tess or wait, but Jay had an idea.

- I don't know about that, but I know about something else. - He speaks.

- What? - Erin asks curiously.

- I promised your daughter that today we would do whatever she dreamed of. - He laughs and Erin nods. - Let's get her.

When Erin and Jay arrived at Kim Charlotte's house, she had already calmed down, but as soon as she saw her mother, she ran into her arms crying again.

- My sweetie, what happened? - Erin welcomes while hugging and kissing her daughter. - Sorry I took so long today. - Erin pulls her into her arms and soon the girl calms down in her mother's arms and lays her little head between Erin's shoulder and neck, which rocks her until she calms down, leaving only a few sniffles.

- When Jay didn't come to pick her up, she got desperate, cried tirelessly and I almost called you, but all I had to do was put her on my lap so she could calm down. Kim counts on a guilty look. - Sorry, I didn't know what to do, but I swear she was laughing until a little while ago after she calmed down. - She explains.

- Okay.. - Erin smiles at her friend. - Thank you for hosting her. It's normal for them to act like that, I found out the hard way, on the first day at daycare she had the same reaction, I felt guilty until the teacher and the psychologist explained the situation to me. They cry because they are exhausted and feel free to express it when they see us. - Erin explains and caresses her daughter's head after calming down Kim... - Hey my sunshine... Kim said you wanted Jay, didn't you? - Erin says slowly causing her to lift her head and face her. With her fingers Erin wipes her daughter's wet face, her eyes bright with tears and huge wet lashes staring at Erin. - He's here, I remember he made you a promise, do you still want it? -Erin asks and the girl looks from her mother to Jay who was right beside her, but she doesn't say anything.

- Hi little princess, I know it's later than usual, but I promised you, didn't I? - He runs his finger to wipe the remnants of tears that Erin did not wipe away.

Kim and Adam observe the whole exchange, but they, in the state they were in, had no right to judge, they just stared at each other.

Charlotte nods and sniffs some more as Jay and Erin prepare to talk to Kim and Adam before they leave.

- Great, then we'll be off in a little while. - Jay says when Adam asks about Voight.

- He agreed to spend the month that his physiotherapist indicated that he should stay in the hospital. - Erin responds.

- How was your day? - Kim asks Erin.

- You have no idea... - Erin takes a deep breath. - Can we talk tomorrow? Today is already a little late. - Erin asks and they nod.

They talk a little about Charlie and Mak's day before they say goodbye to the three and leave.

- How about we have dinner? - Jay offers as soon as they get in the car.

- A great idea. What do you think, baby? - Erin turns around and asks her daughter.

- YUPPPP - She says excitedly the mood from earlier has completely improved now.

- I didn't know about this restaurant... - Erin says as soon as they get out and walk inside.

- They opened about three years ago, I came once and I remember there's a playground... - Jay tickles Charlotte who is between him and Erin, but holding hands with just her mother.

- Yeyyy - Charlie says excitedly and ends up taking Jay's hand to walk together to the restaurant.

- Good night... - The receptionist says as soon as she sees them.

- Good night... - Erin and Jay say together.

- Night night... - Charlotte repeats when she realizes she was the only one who didn't say it.

- Good night, sweetie girl... - The woman smiles giving attention to the child in front of her. - What is your name? - The woman says, but even though the girl said good night excitedly, as soon as she becomes the center of attention she hides behind shy Erin.

- Say her name to her baby. - Erin lets go of Charlotte's hand holding her shoulder as she pulls her from behind her legs encouraging her to speak.

- Charlotte... - She says softly.

- Charlotte? What a beautiful name... how old are you Charlotte? - She asks, this time the girl points three little fingers. - Wow 3 years, what a big you are. Well, how about I take you to your table? Could it be? - The woman offers and Charlotte nods, walking again, with Erin and Jay smiling at the woman's kindness to the girl.

Charlie is shy, so she doesn't give much thought to the playground, but she stares at him in delight. After sitting down at the table, they order what they are going to drink before looking at the option to eat. Erin offered to take the girl on the ride, but she initially declined.

- So Charlie, what did you dream last night for us to do today? - Jay asked, he thought about doing something special with the girl, imagining that she had nothing in mind, but Erin forgot to remember that the girl almost always remembers all the promises that are made to her.

- Will you watch Toy Story with me? - She asks excitedly. Jay is surprised, it was as if she had been waiting all day to say this, but little did he know that was what she wanted to do now, it was what came to her mind, not in a dream of the night before.

- Hm... I love Toy Story. - Jay agrees.

- Mommyy, put it on... - Charlotte asks excitedly.

- Baby, now we're going to make the request and I can take you to the toys. What about? - Erin offers and the girl makes a thoughtful face.

- But Jay said he's going to watch the movie with me. - She informs her mother.

- Yes, but now is not the time. You know it. - Erin says and the girl thinks again.

-MovieNight! - She shouts excitedly and Jay and Erin face each other nervously.

- Okay... movie night if Jay wants... - Erin faces him and shrugs, he promised, so he has to answer.

- Movie night. - Jay smiles and then the waiter arrives taking their order.

Dinner was quiet, Erin took Charlotte to the rides. She asked for Jay, but later managed to be left alone while they talked. Voight hadn't said anything, so they ate dinner talking about random things, ate dinner, and Charlotte got a brownie for dessert.

Erin and Jay agreed that they would do movie night after dinner, but when Jay stopped the car at the hotel, Charlotte was already asleep and for the first time he didn't go upstairs, they talked about what they had to talk about in the restaurant, besides, already it was late, so they agreed that they would reschedule movie night and that they would talk the next day.

Before going to sleep, Erin received a message from Voight, he accepted it. After 10 years working in intelligence, he was going to leave, it was about time. They were entering a new phase from now on.

"You can build a house out of anything, make it as strong as you want. But a home... A home is more fragile than that. A home is made by the people you fill it with. And people can be broken, sure. But any surgeon knows that what's broken can be fixed. What is hurt can be healed. No matter how dark it gets... The sun will rise again."
- Greys Anatomy

A/N: Judge me, I'm not Voight's biggest fan, I know that 10 years is little and that he could stay longer, but for me it's past time for him to let go of his intelligence. This story will focus on rebuilding the unit, but without Voight in charge. Hope you enjoyed this path, with Erin taking over, but hoping Jay will take over in the future.

Well, for those who don't know, the title of this story is inspired by episode 16 of season two, when they decided to take a break. Jay promises they would have each other's backs always and Erin reaffirms, so I brought it up again in this chapter. In addition to being a new beginning for intelligence, it will be a new beginning for their relationship, we will have a long way to go before they get back together, I want them to rebuild their friendship, trust and be better with themselves before they decide to come back, there's a lot to happen yet, so let's eat around the corners.

Ps: As you know, I use the names of the Chicago PD episodes to name my chapters and this one is special. It's the name of the first episode that Jesse Lee Soffer directed after he left Chicago. And it fit perfectly with what I wanted to bring to today's chapter.

As always, thanks for following along and until next time.