Erin and Jay were in the apartment, celebrating Jay's birthday.
"Where's the birthday boy?" Kevin asked.
Erin sighed deeply and took a seat.
"He was a bit upset when he woke up; he's missing Mouse," she explained with another sigh.
The team exchanged understanding looks, while Hank seemed to be concealing a surprise.
Shortly after, Jay descended the stairs, dressed casually in joggers and a hoodie.
"There's the birthday boy!" Adam exclaimed.
Jay responded with a smile and the sound of a fresh case of beer being opened.
"There's already an open case in the fridge," Erin reminded him.
Jay nodded, taking a sip of his beer.
"How about we open a few presents?" Hank suggested with a soft smile.
Jay set down his beer and stood up.
"Yeah, maybe later. I'm just going to rest my eyes for a bit," Jay murmured.
Erin rose and approached Jay.
"Hey, are you alright?" she inquired.
Jay nodded, forcing a smile.
"Yeah, yeah, I just feel a migraine coming on. I'll be okay later," he assured her.
Erin responded with a gentle pat on Jay's back.
Jay then made his way upstairs and shut the bedroom door behind him.
"Does he really have a migraine, or is he just avoiding us?" Adam joked.
Erin sighed before speaking.
"With his pale face and tired eyes..." Erin's voice trailed off.
The team nodded, continuing to sip their beers.
Hank received a message, prompting a smile.
A knock at the door caused Erin to start getting up.
"I'll get it," Hank offered with a nod.
Erin acknowledged and sat back down.
Hank opened the door and discreetly ushered the visitor inside.
"Where's the birthday boy?" the guest inquired.
Hank grinned and led the way into the lounge.
"Go fetch Jay," Hank whispered to Erin.
Erin ascended the stairs, calling out, "Jay?"
Jay was asleep, his arm draped over his eyes.
"Baby, open those green eyes," Erin coaxed softly.
Jay exhaled and revealed his eyes.
"What is it?" Jay inquired.
Erin responded with a gentle tone.
"Hank asked me to bring you downstairs," she said.
Jay grumbled but followed Erin out of the room.
"This had better be worth it," Jay murmured.
Reaching the top of the stairs, Jay stopped in surprise.
Mouse stood by the door, beaming.
"You're kidding..." Jay breathed.
He dashed down the stairs and embraced Mouse.
"Look who's suddenly lively!" Adam commented with a grin.
Jay clung to Mouse, his emotions overflowing.
"There's no need for tears," Mouse soothed.
Sensing Jay's shudder, Mouse realized the issue ran deeper.
"What's wrong?" Mouse pressed gently.
Jay remained silent, holding on tighter.
"Could it be his migraine?" Adam speculated.
Mouse shook his head, concern in his voice.
"It's more than that," Mouse murmured.
He guided Jay to the couch, cradling his head.
"Talk to me, buddy. I know you're not crying because I'm here," Mouse said, trying to offer comfort.
Jay looked up, tears streaming down his face.
"I-I killed that little girl..." he sobbed uncontrollably.
Mouse let out a heavy sigh and pulled Jay into an embrace, resting his friend's head against his chest.
"You had to, buddy. It was the war. I know you wouldn't have done it if you had any other choice," Mouse reassured him with a nod.
Tears streamed down Jay's face as Mouse gently cradled Jay's head in his lap, tenderly stroking his hair to comfort him.
"You're not alone, buddy. I'm here for you, and I'm staying right here," Mouse reassured him with a calm voice.
Continuing his soothing gestures, Mouse ran his hands along Jay's back in a protective manner and affectionately placed a kiss on his forehead, reinforcing their bond.
Jay sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Thank—" he began, but was cut off as Jayden arrived with the strawberry sauce, dousing Jay in it. "Happy Birthday!" Jayden exclaimed cheerfully.
The sight of the red sauce on his skin abruptly took Jay back to his days in the war.
"N-No... I'm sorry..." he stammered.
Mouse quickly helped Jay to his feet and led him to the sink.
"GET IT OFF!" Jay cried out.
Mouse, with a washcloth in hand, gently wiped the sauce away.
"It's off, Buddy. It's all gone," Mouse soothed.
Jay was crying, and Mouse enveloped him in a comforting embrace.
"Let's get you to bed. You need a little nap," Mouse murmured softly.
Together, they moved toward the stairs and ascended to the bedroom.
"Is Jay really alright?" Adam asked.
Erin, while gently cleaning Jayden's arms, nodded affirmatively.
"Yes, Mouse has a knack for calming Jay down. It usually results in a nap," she explained.
Adam nodded, taking a sip of his beer.
Upstairs, Mouse was gently rocking Jay in his arms.
Jay was gradually calming down, nearly asleep.
"There you go, kiddo," Mouse whispered softly.
He laid Jay down and carefully unlaced his shoes.
"Happy Birthday, Halstead," Mouse murmured.