Jay leaned against the window of the SUV, staring out the window at the rolling green hills of Wisconsin. The unit had decided to take a road trip for a change of pace and Jay was all for it. Until the winding roads started to play havoc with his stomach.

Hailey, who was driving, glanced over at him.

"You okay, Jay?"

He tried to muster a smile.

"Yeah, just a little queasy."

Kim Burgess, sitting in the backseat with Adam Ruzek, piped up.

"You know, I've got some ginger candies in my bag. They're supposed to help with motion sickness."

Jay shook his head. "Nah, I'll be fine!"

But as the twists and turns continued, Jay's stomach rebelled. He pressed a hand to his stomach, feeling the familiar churn.

Hailey noticed immediately and pulled the car over to the side of the road.

"Jay, your turning green." she said. "Maybe Kim's ginger candies aren't such a bad idea."

He groaned, leaning back in his seat. "I hate feeling like this."

Hailey climbed out of the driver's side and opened the back door.

"Come on, let's switch seats. Maybe I can drive more smoothly."

Jay stumbled out of SUV, grateful for the fresh air. He moved to the passenger side, and Hailey took the wheel.

As soon as they were back on the road, Hailey reached over and started rubbing Jay's stomach in slow circles.

"Better?" She asked.

Jay closed his eyes, the gentle pressure soothing.

"Yeah, thanks."

Kevin Atwater, riding shotgun, turned round.

"You guys okay back there?"

Jay nodded, still keeping his eyes shut.

"Just car sick, nothing serious."

Adam leaned forward. "You know, my grandma used to swear by this acupuncture on the wrist. Maybe I should-."

"No more remedies!" Jay interrupted. "I just need to ride this out."

Hailey's fingers continued their rhythmic motion on Jay's stomach, and Jay found himself relaxing.

He rested his head on Hailey's knees, the soft fabric of her jeans comforting.

The soft hum of the engine and the warmth of the sun through the window made it almost bearable.

Adam leaned forward, grinning. "Hey, Halstead, Your missing all the beautiful scenery, bro."

Jay cracked an eye open. "I'll take your word for it."

As they continued down the winding road. Jay let himself fall asleep. Hailey's touch was a balm, and he focused on the sound of her breathing, the steady beat of her heart.

Kim whispered to her husband. "Do you think they'll admit they're in love?"

Adam chuckled. "Not a chance. But We'll keep their secret."

As the winding road continued. Jay's stomach churned even more.

He couldn't take it any longer. He opened his eyes and turned to Hailey, who was focused on the road.

Hailey glanced at him, concerned.

"Jay, you okay? You don't look so great. Need me to pull over?"

Jay managed a nod and spoke.

"Yeah, I think I'm gonna-."

Before he could finish. He stumbled out of the truck, barely making it to the side of the road.

Hailey followed, her hand on his back, as he doubled over and emptied the contents of his stomach.

"Easy." she whispered, rubbing his back in soothing circles. "You'll feel better soon."

Jay groaned, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

"This is embarrassing."

Hailey chuckled. "It happens to the best of us. Ruzek once threw up during a stakeout. We all got our moments."

He straightened up feeling weak."Thanks, Hails."

She grinned. "Anytime, partner. Now, let's get you back in the car. Maybe we'll find a smoother road ahead."

As they climbed back into the truck. Jay settled into the passenger seat. Hailey st the wheel. Jay closed his eyes, still feeling uneasy.

But then, as they drove. Jay's thoughts turned darker. He'd been dating Hailey for months now, and things had been good, great even, but lately, he'd notice a shift in Hailey. She was pulling away, and she couldn't figure out why?

Maybe it was the car sickness. Maybe, it was the fact that he cried like a baby by the side of the road. Whatever it was, he knew he had to talk to her.

"Hailey, can we pull over again?" Jay asked.

She glanced at him, concern replacing the teasing.

"Jay, you okay?"

He nodded. "Yeah, physically. But there's something else I need to say."

Hailey found another safe spot and Jay climbed out of the truck. He leaned against the hood, staring at the ground.

Hailey joined him.

"What's going on, Jay?"

He took a deep breath. "I've noticed you pulling away, Hailey. Is it something I did?"

She hesitated. "It's not you. It's me."

He frowned, "That's the oldest breakup line in the book."

Hailey chuckled. "Okay, fine. It's not you, it's us. I've been scared, Jay, scared of losing someone I love."

He reached for her hand, "Hailey, I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to be scared,"

She met his gaze, vulnerability in her eyes, "I know, but sometimes fear doesn't listen to reason."

Jay leaned in, brushing his lips against hers, "Then let's face it together. No more pulling away, deal?"

She smiled, tears brimming, "Deal."

And as they kissed by the side of the road. Jay realised that maybe car sickness wasn't the worse thing in the world. It had brought them here, to this moment, where he could finally tell Hailey how much she meant to him.