B = Broken

Hailey and Jay were at their apartment, unwinding after a particularly stressful case.

"Babe? Do you want chilli powder?" Jay asked from the kitchen.

Hailey, snuggled on the couch in Jay's oversized hoodie, replied, "Yes please!"

As Jay added the chilli powder, he accidentally knocked a glass bowl off the counter. The sound of shattering glass filled the room, instantly transporting Jay back to a painful memory of breaking his dad's beer bottle.

Jay froze, his heart racing. "Jay? What was that?" Hailey called out, concern in her voice.

She walked into the kitchen to find Jay standing amidst the broken glass, dinner ruined. Jay's face was pale, his hands trembling. "I'm so sorry, Hailey. I didn't mean to… I'm so sorry," he stammered, his voice breaking.

Hailey immediately understood. She gently approached him, wrapping her arms around his shaking frame. "Jay, it's okay. It's just a bowl. We can order takeout," she reassured him softly.

Jay's sobs grew louder as he continued to apologize, the weight of his childhood abuse pressing down on him. "I'm so sorry… I'm so sorry…"

Hailey held him tighter, her voice soothing. "It's okay, Jay. You're safe now. We'll get through this together." She stayed with him, offering comfort and understanding, knowing that together, they could face anything.

Hailey continued to hold Jay, feeling his body tremble against hers. She gently guided him to sit on the floor, away from the broken glass. "Jay, look at me," she said softly, lifting his chin so their eyes met. "It's just a bowl. We can replace it. What matters is that you're okay."

Jay's eyes were filled with tears, his breaths coming in short, shaky gasps. "I… I just… I didn't mean to mess everything up," he whispered, his voice cracking.

Hailey brushed a tear from his cheek. "You didn't mess anything up. Accidents happen. It's not your fault," she reassured him, her voice steady and calm. "Let's clean this up together, and then we'll order something delicious for dinner. How does that sound?"

Jay nodded slowly, still struggling to calm down. "Okay," he murmured, his voice barely audible.

Hailey helped him to his feet and together they carefully cleaned up the broken glass. She made sure to keep talking to him, her words a constant stream of comfort and support. Once the kitchen was safe again, she led him back to the couch.

"How about we order from that new Thai place you wanted to try?" Hailey suggested, hoping to distract him with something positive.

Jay managed a small smile, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Yeah, that sounds good," he agreed.

Hailey pulled out her phone and placed the order, then snuggled up next to Jay on the couch. "We're a team, Jay. We'll always get through things together," she said, kissing his temple.

Jay leaned into her, feeling the warmth of her love and support. "Thank you, Hailey," he whispered, finally starting to believe her words. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'll never have to find out," Hailey replied, holding him close. "I'm here, always."

After their takeout arrived, Hailey and Jay settled back on the couch, enjoying the delicious Thai food. The comforting flavors and Hailey's presence helped Jay relax further. They chatted about lighter topics, slowly easing away from the earlier tension.

Once they finished eating, Hailey cleared the containers and returned to find Jay lying on the couch, his head resting in her lap. She gently ran her fingers through his hair, soothing him with her touch. Jay closed his eyes, feeling a sense of peace wash over him.

"Feeling better?" Hailey asked softly.

Jay nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, much better. Thanks to you."

Hailey smiled back, leaning down to kiss his forehead. "I'm glad. Ready to head up to bed?"

Jay sighed contentedly. "Yeah, that sounds good."

They made their way upstairs, hand in hand. Once in their bedroom, Hailey helped Jay change into his pajamas, her movements tender and caring. They climbed into bed, Jay pulling Hailey close.

"Thank you for being here for me," Jay whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.

"Always," Hailey replied, wrapping her arms around him. "I love you, Jay."

"I love you too," Jay murmured, feeling safe and loved in her embrace.

As they drifted off to sleep, Jay knew that no matter what challenges they faced. They'd always have each other.