Erin and Justin entered Station 51 in search of Shay. Justin inquired, "Are you certain you do not wish to go to the hospital for a check-up?" Erin, visibly annoyed, reiterated her decision, having been questioned by Justin multiple times already.
Justin pointed out that Shay would likely agree with Erin's choice. Despite Erin's eye-rolling response, she approached Gabby, who was replenishing medical supplies at the ambulance.
Gabby acknowledged their presence, setting down a box of gloves upon seeing them approaching. "Hello, Erin," greeted Gabby as she walked over to Erin and Justin, casting a cautious glance at Justin. Although Justin sensed Gabby's lingering distrust, mirroring Casey's attitude, he chose to disregard it.
"Greetings, Gabby," Erin responded with a smile. "What assistance do you require?" inquired Gabby as she ushered them into the station. Erin scanned the area for Shay and asked, "May we speak with you and Shay?"
Erin smiled as Shay approached them upon noticing their presence. 'Oh, hey, girlie,' Shay greeted with a smile. 'What are you doing here?' she asked, enveloping the brunette in a hug.
'I came back to see if you and Gabby could look at something,' Erin explained, casting a disapproving look at Justin who attempted to speak but was disregarded. 'We came by to see if you could examine her ribcage, as she refuses to go to the hospital,' Justin clarified.
Erin frowned momentarily and shook her head, grateful that Justin did not disclose that she had been attacked, knowing that Gabby might inform Antonio, and subsequently, Voight. 'Of course, we can check it,' Shay replied, looking at Erin with concern. 'What happened?' she inquired, moving closer to the brunette to inspect. 'I'm fine, I just fell in the bathroom,' Erin said, offering an excuse.
Erin disregarded the expression Justin was giving her. 'Alright, let's go to the ambulance and get you checked out there,' Shay said, leading Erin and Justin back to the ambulance with Gabby following behind. 'I think it's best if Justin stays out,' Erin said, aware that they shouldn't appear too close.
'But—' Justin began, sporting a frown, before he saw Erin mouth 'We have to act normal when we're not alone.' Justin nodded, understanding Erin's unspoken message regarding Gabby possibly discovering their romantic relationship and informing Antonio. 'Oh, okay,' he mouthed.
Shay observed the interactions between Erin and Justin and pondered the content of their conversation. She dismissed her thoughts. 'Alright, let's get a look at you,' she said, assisting Erin into the ambulance.
Gabby suggested, 'I'll stay out here with Justin,' to which Shay agreed, 'That'll be a good idea. We do not need a fight to break out between Casey and him,' she said in a joking manner, earning a glare from Justin.
Erin chuckled at the remark, adding, 'I don't think that'll happen,' as Shay closed the ambulance door to provide some privacy. 'I need you to take your shirt off so I can get a better look,' Shay instructed.
The brunette carefully removed her shirt, fighting dizziness and biting her lip to suppress any cries of pain. With Shay's assistance, she managed to take off her shirt.
'Easy,' Shay reassured as she closely monitored Erin, noticing her slight wobbliness. Observing her friend's stomach and ribcage closely, Shay gently placed her fingers against Erin's ribcage and down her stomach, asking, 'What the hell happened?' Her voice filled with concern.
Erin uttered while feeling pain due to Shay's increased pressure on her ribs. Shay responded, 'I have doubts about that explanation, but I won't press further.' Shay, examining Erin's now discolored ribcage, initiated, 'Let's discuss what transpired between you and Justin.'
Erin, trying to stay alert, inquired with a raised eyebrow, 'What do you mean?' Shay remarked discreetly, 'You and Justin come off as more than just siblings by adoption,' making sure not to be overheard by Gabby and Justin.
'I don't understand what you're implying,' Erin mumbled, blushing as she averted her eyes, prompting Shay to chuckle. 'I'm not critiquing you, Erin. After all, you are not biologically related,' Shay reassured her.
Reflecting on Shay's words, Erin acknowledged that she was correct. 'If you are content with Justin, then it shouldn't matter what others think.'
Erin inquired as Shay inspected her bruise, 'How do you deduce that?' Shay replied with confidence, 'It's quite evident when you two are making eye contact, and I can perceive the concerned expression in Justin's eyes.' Erin acknowledged silently and reclined on the stretcher, her thoughts swirling.
'And rest assured, I shall keep this incident confidential, even from Gabby, as it appears to be a secret. However, we shall indeed meet for a drink tonight, and you shall recount how it transpired,' Shay declared with a grin. 'I assumed you would suggest that, and I am willing to join you for a drink,' Erin responded with a smile before closing her eyes, tuning out Shay's words, which sounded muffled to her ears.
Shay smiled in agreement at the plan to have a drink later, and she glanced up upon noticing the brunette's silence, though she could hear her breathing heavily. 'Erin, do not drift off to sleep,' Shay whispered as she gently tapped her on the cheek.
Shay whispered urgently as she attempted to awaken Erin, however, the brunette remained unresponsive, only emitting wheezing sounds. Shay expressed frustration as she assessed Erin's weak pulse. After confirming this, Shay proceeded to the door and opened it, stating to Dawson the immediate need to depart.
This prompted the attention of Gabby and Justin, with Justin inquiring about the situation as he entered the ambulance. Shay explained the situation, indicating that Erin had fainted during their conversation and that they needed to leave promptly, suspecting a possible punctured lung.
As Gabby assumed the driver's seat and informed the others of their destination, Justin closed the door and seated himself next to Shay, inquiring about Erin's condition as he observed her pale complexion.
Shay instructed the team to expedite their journey to the hospital as she swiftly set up monitoring equipment on Erin's chest to track her vital signs. She reacted with concern when Erin began coughing and struggling to breathe deeply. 'Gabby, please expedite your pace,' Shay urged as she helped Erin stabilize.
'We are approximately five minutes away,' Gabby confirmed as she navigated through traffic toward the medical facility. Justin refrained from overt displays of affection, opting instead to reassure Erin verbally, 'You will recover, Erin,' he reassured her while observing Shay's efforts to make her comfortable.
The determined man contemplated the circumstances that led to Erin's condition, his hand involuntarily tightening with resolve to seek justice against the perpetrator responsible for attacking his girlfriend.
He acknowledged the necessity of informing his father about the situation, though he hesitated, uncertain of his father's potential reaction upon learning about Erin's assault and the lack of prior notification.
Upon arriving at Med, they swiftly entered the hospital as expeditiously as possible. Maggie inquired, 'What do we have?' as she approached Rhodes. Shay proceeded to elucidate the issue, 'She was stable during my assessment, but I suspect she may have a fractured rib causing a possible lung injury,' as they transported her to a room. Concerned, Maggie questioned, 'How long has she been unconscious?' as she connected Erin to medical devices, visibly alarmed by the condition of the detective's ribcage and abdomen. 'That's concerning,' she remarked.
Justin, anxious, inquired about the situation, 'What's concerning? What's happening?' as he attempted to reach Erin, being hindered by Rhodes.
'You should not be in here, Justin,' the male doctor advised as he gently escorted him out. Justin persisted, 'What's going on? What's concerning?' observing Maggie placing an oxygen mask on Erin's face. 'We will update you once we conclude the treatment, I assure you,' Rhodes reassured.
Shay expressed concern about the situation and guided Justin out of the room to the waiting area, reassuring him by saying, 'Let them do their work, Justin. Erin is in good hands.' Following Shay, Justin commented, 'I knew I should have taken her to the hospital,' as he leaned against the wall and covered his face with his hands.
Gabby then inquired, 'Have you spoken to Voight?' as she emerged from the room. Justin replied, 'No, she advised me not to, but I will inform him because he needs to know what's happening.' He then moved away to contact his father.
Once away from the women, Justin retrieved his phone to call his father, contemplating how to explain the situation involving Erin and himself. Despite the challenge, he believed it wouldn't be difficult, as Erin was meant to keep an eye on him.
Placing the phone against his ear, he dialed Voight's number and exhaled as his father answered, 'Justin?' Voight inquired, prompting Justin to pause before responding. 'Dad, I am afraid I will come to regret informing you, but Erin is in the hospital,' Justin explained, wincing at the sound of Voight's concerned voice inquiring, 'What happened?'
Justin hesitated, debating whether to disclose the details of the attack, ultimately deciding it was Erin's responsibility to share. 'I am unsure; she mentioned a fall, but I have my doubts,' Justin relayed.
'I am en route,' Voight assured from the other end of the line before Justin concluded the call with, 'Very well, I shall await your arrival.' Hanging up, Shay approached and inquired, 'What did he say?' 'He is coming,' Justin responded, pocketing his phone and taking a seat, with Shay joining him. 'I will accompany you; Gabby needs to return to the station,' Shay offered supportively, patting his shoulder.
Justin acknowledged Shay's words with a nod and a lean in his seat. "Thank you, Shay," he replied as he perceived her movement and felt her hand rest on his shoulder. "She'll be fine," Shay reassured him, emphasizing the woman's strength. "I believe so," Justin agreed, gazing into Shay's blue eyes. Prompted by Shay's inquiry, he contemplated revealing the truth about the incident.
"She didn't fall in the bathroom, did she?" Shay probed, her expression serious. Justin met her gaze with a raised eyebrow. "That's what she claimed," he hesitated, uncertain about divulging the details of the attack he had discovered on her neck.
Acknowledging the seriousness in Shay's eyes, he admitted, "I'm hesitant to share this, as she will probably be displeased when she regains consciousness, but someone assaulted her in her apartment." Shay's questioning gaze prompted Justin to disclose the information. "What?" she inquired, her concern evident.
"Erin informed me that she was attacked, which is why she initially reached out to you instead of coming here first. She also mentioned that she was almost assaulted. Did she reveal the identity of the attacker?" Shay inquired.
Justin responded, "No, she only mentioned that it was a stranger, but I managed to call her in time to prevent any harm. However, I wish I could have been physically present to assist." Justin expressed a sense of self-blame.
Shay reassured him by placing her hand on his shoulder and stating, "It's not your fault. You acted promptly, thereby preventing a worse outcome. But if you ever hurt her, be prepared for consequences." Justin looked surprised and asked, "Are you implying something?" He wondered if Erin had divulged information about their relationship to Shay.
Upon hearing Shay's laughter, he realized Shay's reference and questioned, "About Erin and me being together? She didn't tell you, did she? I deduced it from observing your interactions and Erin's visible blush." Shay playfully revealed her realization to Justin.
In the midst of laughter, Justin remarked to Shay, 'I didn't think it was that obvious.' She assured them both, 'I won't disclose it; the responsibility lies with you two.' Justin expressed gratitude with a smile, 'Thank you, Shay,' to which she nodded in response.
Shay then issued a warning to Justin, 'If you hurt Erin, I will hurt you, understand?' Justin made a promise, 'Got it. I would never hurt Erin.' As they conversed, Voight entered the emergency room, his expression filled with concern.
Shay stood up and informed Justin, 'I have to leave; I will see you and Erin later.' She patted Justin's shoulder, adding, 'Call me when you have any updates, and the three of us can go out for a drink, maybe along with my girlfriend.' Justin, with a grin, suggested, 'We can meet at Erin's apartment,' being discreet to avoid questioning. Shay agreed, 'Sounds good, I will get the necessary items; I have a key to let myself in.' With a wink, Shay departed.
( Let me your thoughts about Erin and Shays Friendship:3 and What should i name my oc that will be with Shay?)