The next morning, Jay was hunched over the toilet, his face pale and sweaty.
Kim knelt beside him, gently rubbing his back. "Don't fight it," she whispered soothingly, trying to comfort him as he retched.
Just then, there was a knock at the door. Kim placed the bucket in Jay's lap and kissed his head softly. "I'll get it," she said, standing up and heading downstairs.
When she opened the door, she was greeted by the sight of the entire Intelligence Unit, holding beers and wearing hockey shirts, clearly ready for a fun day.
Kim's eyes widened in surprise and frustration. "Seriously, guys?" she snapped.
The unit members immediately looked sheepish. "Sorry, Kim," Kevin said, holding up his hands in apology. "We didn't know."
Kim sighed, her expression softening. "It's fine. Just… come in quietly, okay?"
Jay slowly made his way downstairs, clutching the bucket tightly. He nearly tumbled on the last step, causing the unit to look up in concern. "Whoa, easy there, Halstead," Kevin called out.
Adam, nudged by Kevin, reluctantly got up to help. "Hey, man, what's going on?" he asked, steadying Jay.
Jay grimaced, his face still pale. "Stomach bug," he muttered weakly.
As soon as Adam heard the words "stomach bug," he instinctively let go of Jay and backed away quickly. "Oh, man, no way!" he exclaimed, rushing over to the other side of the room.
The rest of the unit glared at Adam, clearly unimpressed. "Seriously, Ruzek?" Kim snapped, moving to help Jay herself.
Kevin and Antonio quickly joined in, each taking one of Jay's arms to support him. "We've got you, Jay," Antonio said reassuringly.
Jay managed a weak smile, grateful for their help. "Thanks, guys," he said, his voice hoarse.
The unit guided Jay to the couch, making sure he was comfortable. Kim handed him the bucket and sat beside him, still rubbing his back gently. "Just rest, okay?" she said softly.
The rest of the team settled in, their earlier excitement subdued by concern for their friend.
Kim was at the grocery store, picking up some essentials for Jay. She moved quickly through the aisles, hoping to get back before he woke up.
Back at the house, Jay stirred and slowly opened his eyes. He looked around, disoriented, and noticed Kim was gone.
Panic set in as he struggled to sit up. "Kim?" he called out weakly.
Ruzek, Voight, Dawson, Atwater, and Lindsay were in the living room, watching the game.
Hearing Jay, they quickly gathered around him. "Hey, Jay, it's okay," Voight said, trying to reassure him. "Kim just went to the store. She'll be back soon."
Jay shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. "Kim," he sobbed, his voice breaking.
He leaned over the bucket, retching again.
Lindsay knelt beside him, rubbing his back gently. "She's just getting some things for you, Jay. She'll be back any minute now."
The rest of the unit exchanged worried glances, feeling helpless. "Hang in there, man," Dawson said softly. "We're here for you."
Just then, the front door opened, and Kim walked in, carrying bags of groceries. She saw the scene and quickly rushed over.
"Jay, I'm here," she said, dropping the bags and kneeling beside him.
Jay looked up at her, relief flooding his face. "Kim," he whispered, reaching out for her hand.
Kim took his hand and squeezed it gently. "I'm right here. You're going to be okay," she said, her voice soothing.
Kim began unpacking the groceries, pulling out popsicles, ginger ale, and other items to help Jay feel better.
She placed them on the counter, organizing everything neatly.
Adam, still keeping a cautious distance, watched her with a hopeful expression. "Hey, Kim, did you get anything for us?" he asked, trying to lighten the mood.
Kim glanced over her shoulder, raising an eyebrow. "Oh, absolutely, Ruzek," she said sarcastically. "I made sure to get a special stash of popsicles just for you guys. Because clearly, you're the ones who need them the most."
The rest of the unit chuckled at her response. "Nice try, Adam," Kevin said, shaking his head.
Adam grinned, taking the teasing in stride. "Can't blame a guy for trying," he said, shrugging.
Kim rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "You guys are hopeless," she said, turning back to finish unpacking.
Jay, still lying on the couch, managed a weak smile at the exchange.
The lighthearted banter among his friends was a welcome distraction from how awful he felt. "Thanks, Kim," he said softly, appreciating her efforts.
Kim walked over and handed him a popsicle. "Here, this should help," she said gently. "Just take it easy, okay?"
Jay nodded, grateful for her care. "Thanks," he repeated, taking the popsicle and leaning back, feeling a bit more at ease with his friends around him.
Sent by Copilot:
An hour had passed, and Kim decided it was time to try and get some food into Jay. She gently shook his shoulder. "Jay, wake up. I made some soup for you," she said softly.
Jay mumbled, barely opening his eyes. "M'sleeping," he protested weakly.
Kim smiled, continuing to coax him awake. "I know, but you need to eat something. Just a little bit, okay?"
The rest of the unit watched the interaction, each offering their own comments. "Come on, Halstead, listen to Kim," Kevin said encouragingly.
"Yeah, she's got that magic touch," Adam added with a grin.
Kim rolled her eyes at their remarks but focused on Jay. She grabbed the bowl of soup and carefully helped him sit up. "Here, just a few sips," she said, holding the spoon to his lips.
Jay tried to take a few spoonfuls, but his stomach rebelled almost immediately. He gagged and retched, leaning over the bucket again.
Kim rubbed his back, her expression full of concern. "It's okay, Jay. Just take it slow," she said soothingly.
The unit members exchanged worried glances but stayed back, giving Kim space to care for Jay. "Hang in there, buddy," Antonio said softly.
Jay nodded weakly, grateful for their support but feeling frustrated with his own body. "Thanks, guys," he managed to say between breaths.
Kim continued to comfort him, determined to help him through this rough patch. "We'll get through this, Jay. Just rest for now," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring.
Kim picked up her phone, her fingers quickly dialing Will's number. As the phone rang, Jay noticed and weakly protested. "No, Kim, don't," he said, his voice strained.
The unit members exchanged glances, unsure of what to do. "Maybe it's a good idea to call Will," Voight suggested gently.
Jay shook his head, tears streaming down his face. "I want Mama," he sobbed, his voice breaking.
Kim's heart ached at his words. She pouted slightly, then gently brought his head to her chest, cradling him tenderly. "Shh, it's okay, Jay," she whispered, her voice full of compassion. She held the phone to her ear, waiting for Will to pick up.
The unit watched the scene unfold, their earlier lightheartedness replaced by deep concern for their friend. "He's really struggling," Lindsay said softly, her eyes filled with worry.
Kevin nodded, his expression serious. "Yeah, but he's got us. We'll get him through this."
As the phone continued to ring, Kim stroked Jay's hair, trying to soothe him. "We're here, Jay. You're not alone," she whispered, hoping Will would answer soon and provide some much-needed help.
After a few rings, Natalie answered the phone. "Hey, Kim. What's up?"
"Hi, Natalie. Is Will there?" Kim asked, her voice tense with urgency.
Natalie could hear the worry in Kim's voice. "He's here. Do you need me to help with something?"
Kim shook her head, even though Natalie couldn't see her. "It's urgent, Natalie. I really need to speak with Will."
"Okay, hold on," Natalie said, understanding the gravity of the situation. She quickly handed the phone to Will.
"Kim, what's going on?" Will's concerned voice came through the line.
Kim took a deep breath, still holding Jay close. "It's Jay. He's really sick, and I'm not sure what to do. Can you come over?"
Will didn't hesitate. "I'll be there as soon as I can. Hang in there, Kim."
Kim sighed in relief. "Thank you, Will. See you soon."
She ended the call and looked down at Jay, who was still resting against her.
"Will's on his way," she said softly, hoping it would bring him some comfort.
The unit members, who had been watching quietly, nodded in approval. "Good call, Kim," Voight said, his voice reassuring.
A few minutes later, there was a knock at the door. Kim quickly got up to answer it, letting Will in.
He walked through the living room, his expression filled with concern as he saw Jay's condition.
"Hey, buddy," Will said softly, approaching Jay. He knelt down beside the couch, placing a comforting hand on Jay's shoulder.
Jay looked up at his brother, tears streaming down his face. "Mama," he sobbed, his voice filled with pain and longing.
Will's heart broke at the sight.
He gently pulled Jay into a hug, holding him close. "I know, Jay. I'm here now," he whispered, trying to provide some comfort.
Kim stood nearby, watching the brothers with a mix of relief and sadness.
The rest of the unit gave them some space, their expressions somber.
"Thanks for coming, Will," Kim said quietly, her voice filled with gratitude.
Will nodded, still holding Jay. "Of course. Let's get him feeling better," he said, his voice determined.
Will finished checking Jay over, his expression thoughtful but reassuring. "Alright, Jay, it looks like you've got a nasty stomach bug. Nothing too serious, but you need to rest and stay hydrated."
Jay nodded weakly, still leaning against the couch. "Thanks, Will," he murmured.
Will smiled gently. "Why don't you settle in bed? I'll come up and we'll watch some penguins. Sound good?"
Jay managed a small smile at the mention of their favorite nature documentary. "Yeah, that sounds good," he said softly.
Kim helped Jay to his feet, supporting him as they made their way upstairs.
The rest of the unit watched, relieved that Jay was in good hands.
"Take it easy, Halstead," Kevin called out, offering a supportive smile.
"Yeah, get some rest," Adam added, his earlier nervousness replaced by genuine concern.
Once Jay was settled in bed, Will brought up a laptop and set it up on the bedside table.
He pulled up their favorite penguin documentary and sat beside Jay, ready to keep him company.
Kim stood in the doorway, watching the brothers with a warm smile. "I'll be downstairs if you need anything," she said softly.
Jay nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Kim. And thanks, Will."
Will patted his shoulder. "Anytime, Jay. Now, let's watch some penguins."
As the documentary started, Jay began to relax, comforted by the familiar sounds and the presence of his brother.
As the unit settled back into the living room, Adam couldn't help but voice the question that had been on his mind. "Hey, Hank, what happened to Will and Jay's mom? Why was Jay crying for her?"
Hank sighed, his expression turning somber. "Their mom passed away when they were young. Jay was especially close to her. She was his rock, and losing her hit him hard."
The room fell silent as the team absorbed Hank's words. "That explains a lot," Kevin said quietly, his voice filled with empathy.
Adam nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for not knowing sooner. "I didn't realize. Poor Jay."
Hank nodded, his gaze distant as he remembered. "Yeah, it was tough on both of them. But Jay's strong. He's got a lot of people who care about him now."
Kim, who had just come back downstairs, joined the conversation. "And we'll make sure he knows that," she said firmly, her eyes filled with determination.
As the penguin documentary played, Jay lay back against the pillows, his eyes fixed on the screen but his mind elsewhere. After a few minutes, he turned to Will, his voice barely above a whisper. "Will, why did Mom have to go?"
Will paused the video, his heart aching at the question. He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "Jay, sometimes life isn't fair. Mom got sick, and there wasn't anything anyone could do to stop it. But she loved us so much, and she wouldn't want us to be sad forever."
Jay's eyes filled with tears. "I miss her so much."
Will nodded, his own eyes misting over. "I know, Jay. I miss her too. But we have to remember the good times we had with her and keep her memory alive in our hearts."
Jay sniffled, wiping his eyes. "It's just hard sometimes."
Will reached out and squeezed Jay's hand. "I know it is. But you've got me, and you've got all your friends downstairs. We're all here for you."
Jay managed a small smile, feeling a bit of comfort from his brother's words. "Thanks, Will."
Will smiled back, giving Jay's hand another reassuring squeeze. "Anytime, Jay. Now, how about we get back to those penguins?"
Jay nodded, and Will resumed the documentary. As the soothing images and sounds filled the room, Jay began to relax again, feeling a little more at peace knowing he wasn't alone.