This love left a permanent mark
This love is glowing in the dark
One week
It's early morning when Erin stirs awake in Jay's arms. The first thing she feels is the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath her cheek, and she lets herself stay there for a moment, eyes still closed, savoring the sensation. His warmth surrounds her, a familiar comfort she's missed. The sounds of the city waking up outside filter through the window—the faint rumble of cars, the distant hum of voices—but inside this space, everything feels still.
She breathes him in, grounding herself in the fact that it's been a week—a whole week—since they found their way back to each other. Every time she wakes up like this, a part of her still feels like she's dreaming, like he might disappear the moment she opens her eyes. It still feels surreal, yet so right, like this is exactly where she's meant to be.
Jay's arm is draped lazily over her waist, his fingers tracing absent patterns on her skin. It's a subtle touch, but there's an unspoken need in it, like he's making sure she's real, making sure this is real. Erin shifts slightly, angling herself to look at him, and when her eyes flutter open, she finds his already on her, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. His gaze holds that intensity that always made her knees go weak—a mix of warmth, affection, and something deeper that never quite went away.
"Morning," Jay murmurs, his voice low and gravelly with sleep. His hand tightens slightly on her waist, pulling her a little closer, as he dips his head to press a kiss to her temple.
She hums in response, her fingers sliding over his chest before trailing up to his jaw, brushing along the familiar stubble there. She lets her fingers play in his messy hair, something she's always loved. "Morning," she replies softly, her voice still thick with sleep.
For a while, they just lie there, wrapped up in each other, content to let the world outside fade away. There's a peacefulness between them now, a stillness that wasn't there before. The past week has been a whirlwind—between work, between getting used to being together again—but despite the chaos, being in Jay's arms like this feels so right. The more time she spends here, the more she's convinced that this is where she's always belonged.
"You know," Jay says after a few moments, his fingers drifting lazily up her spine, "I could really get used to this."
Erin tilts her head up, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "What? Waking up at five a.m. for work?" she jokes.
He lets out a low chuckle, his lips brushing against her hairline. "No, smartass. This." His hand moves from her waist to her cheek, cupping her face so she's looking directly into his eyes. There's a sincerity in his gaze, one that makes her heart stutter a little. "Waking up with you."
Her breath hitches, her stomach flipping at the way he says it, like it's the simplest, most natural thing in the world. And yet, for them, it's everything. She tries to play it off with a smirk, though her voice softens. "Yeah? You didn't miss my alarm going off every ten minutes?"
Jay grins, his thumb brushing lightly over her cheekbone. "I missed all of it," he murmurs, his voice dropping to that low, husky tone that never fails to send a shiver down her spine. "The alarm, the pillow fights, you stealing all the blankets… Especially that last one."
She can't help but laugh, rolling her eyes at his exaggerated tone. "Right. Stealing blankets is the big romantic gesture you've been missing?"
"Hey, you don't know how cold it gets when you take all the covers," he counters, a playful glint in his eye. "I had to fend for myself."
Erin snorts, shaking her head. "Poor you," she teases, sliding her hand up to the back of his neck, fingers curling into his hair. "But if I remember correctly, you didn't mind so much when you got to pull me closer to warm up."
Jay smirks, his eyes darkening slightly as he shifts above her, pinning her beneath him with his body. "Well, now that you mention it…" His lips brush against hers, and the playful tone slips away, replaced by something heavier, something that's been simmering beneath the surface all week. "You might be right about that."
Erin's breath catches as he kisses her, slow and unhurried, but with a heat that builds steadily. Her hand slides up his back, pulling him closer, her body arching into his. It's been a week since they found their way back to each other, but it feels like no time at all. Every touch, every kiss, still feels electric, still feels like coming home.
When they finally pull apart, both of them are breathing heavily, their foreheads resting together. Jay's hand cups her face, his thumb brushing lightly over her lower lip. "I missed you," he whispers, the words filled with so much raw emotion it makes her chest ache.
"I missed you too," Erin replies, her voice barely above a whisper as she leans up to kiss him again. And for the first time in a long time, it doesn't feel like they're running anymore. It feels like they've stopped, like they've found each other again.
Later that morning, after a shower that lasted longer than either of them had planned (not that either of them is complaining), they're getting dressed for work. Erin pulls on her jeans, her shirt, the familiar routine of their mornings together settling back into place like it never left. As she ties her hair up into a ponytail, she catches Jay watching her from across the room.
"What?" she asks, turning to face him, her eyebrow arched.
Jay shrugs, leaning against the dresser with his arms crossed. "Just… you. Here. Us." He gives her that lopsided grin that never fails to make her heart flutter. "It's been a long time coming, huh?"
Erin pauses, her hands stilling in her hair as the weight of his words sinks in. It has been a long time coming. Too long. But now that they're here, now that they've made it through everything, it feels like they're finally where they're supposed to be.
She steps toward him, her hands sliding up his chest as she rests her head against his. "Yeah," she murmurs, feeling the steady thrum of his heartbeat beneath her palm. "But we're here now."
Jay's arms wrap around her waist, pulling her close, and he presses a kiss to her forehead. "We're gonna be okay, Erin."
She swallows hard, the lump in her throat threatening to choke her. But she nods, because she believes him. For the first time in a long time, she truly believes that they're going to be okay.
At work, the shift in their relationship is subtle, but it doesn't go unnoticed. There's a renewed ease between them, the way they move around each other like a well-rehearsed dance, their steps perfectly in sync. The others on the team don't say anything outright, but Erin can feel their eyes on her, the glances exchanged when they think she's not looking.
Kim is the first to comment, sidling up to Erin during a break with a smirk on her face. "You look… different," she says casually, though her eyes are twinkling with amusement.
Erin raises an eyebrow, her tone dry. "Different how?"
Kim shrugs, but the smile on her face widens. "I don't know… Happier, maybe. More relaxed. Almost like someone who just got back together with their ex-boyfriend and is now in a good mood all the time."
Erin rolls her eyes, though she can't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "You're imagining things, Burgess."
"Uh-huh." Kim grins, giving her a playful nudge. "Well, whatever it is, keep it up. It's a good look on you."
Later in the day, when they're all working on a case together, it's Jay's subtle touches that give them away. His hand brushes against hers as they walk side by side, and when their eyes meet, there's a quiet understanding there. Even Voight seems to notice, though he doesn't say anything. Instead, Erin catches a brief glance he exchanges with Jay, one that speaks volumes without a word being said.
Even Voight seems to sense the shift. He doesn't say anything, but Erin catches the brief look he exchanges with Jay when they pass each other in the hallway—a look of acknowledgment, of acceptance.
That evening, when they finally made it back to Jay's apartment, the exhaustion of the day settled over them. Erin kicked off her boots, collapsing onto the couch with a groan. Jay followed suit, dropping beside her and letting out a heavy sigh.
"Long day," he mutters, rubbing a hand over his face.
"Tell me about it," Erin replies, her head resting against the back of the couch.
They sit in comfortable silence for a while, the only sound the low hum of the TV in the background. It's moments like this—when the world fades away and it's just the two of them—that Erin realizes how much she's missed him. Missed this. The quiet, the ease, the way they just fit together.
Jay reaches over, his hand finding hers, and she squeezes his fingers lightly. It's a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes. They're here. They've made it through the storm, and now they're stronger for it.
"I love you," Jay says quietly, breaking the silence.
Erin turns her head to look at him, her heart swelling at the words. She's heard him say it before—countless times, in countless ways—but this time, it feels different. It feels like a promise. A reminder of everything they've fought for.
"I love you too," she whispers, her voice thick with emotion.
He leans in, presses a soft kiss to her lips,it's simple, quiet, but it's everything she's ever wanted.
As they settle back into each other's arms, Erin knows without a doubt that they're going to be okay.
One month
It's been a month, and the changes in Erin and Jay are impossible to ignore. At work, it's not just the team that's noticed—they've all felt it. The way Jay smiles a little more easily now, the way Erin laughs, really laughs, when Kim tells a joke or when Adam says something ridiculous.
There's a lightness in the air around them, one that wasn't there before.
It's clear to everyone that something between them has shifted for the better, and while no one outright says anything, there are glances exchanged between their colleagues—small, knowing looks that say everything without saying anything at all.
"Looks like they finally figured it out," Kevin mutters under his breath to Kim one afternoon as they watch Erin and Jay discuss a case, their heads bent close together, the conversation quiet but full of the easy familiarity that's always been a part of their relationship.
"About time," Kim replies with a smile. She's happy for them—really, genuinely happy. They deserve this. After everything they've been through, they deserve happiness.
That night at Molly's, the entire Intelligence unit gathers to celebrate closing another tough case. The mood is light, the beer is flowing, and the tension of the last few days has finally dissipated. Erin and Jay sit at the end of the long table, their legs touching beneath the worn wood, their fingers brushing each other's until they are intertwined under the table.
It's been a long week—a hard case, one that hit too close to home for all of the unit. But as Jay and Erin sit here, surrounded by their friends, their family, Erin feels a sense of peace she hasn't felt in a long time. She's been through a lot. They both have. But right now, in this moment, everything feels like it's exactly where it's supposed to be.
Jay leans in close, his breath warm against her ear as he murmurs, "You okay?"
She glances up at him, her heart swelling at the concern in his eyes. He always knows how to read her, even when she doesn't say a word. It's one of the many things she loves about him.
"I'm perfect," she replies with a soft smile, squeezing his hand beneath the table. And she means it. For the first time in a long time,she feels like everything is falling into place.
Jay presses a kiss to her temple, lingering there for a moment longer than necessary, and Erin closes her eyes, letting herself get lost in the simple, sweet affection of the gesture.
Across the table, Kim and Adam exchange another look, this one full of amusement.
"Y'all are disgustingly cute, you know that?" Adam teases, earning a playful glare from Erin.
"Shut up, Ruzek," she shoots back, though there's no real bite to her words. She's too in peace, too content to care about the teasing.
But Adam just grins, raising his beer in their direction. "I'm just saying. It's nice to see you two all… domestic and stuff. Happy. You deserve it."
Kevin nods teasing the couple, "Ruz's right,it was about time you two stopped being so stubborn about it."
Erin rolls her eyes, but there's a warmth spreading through her chest at the words. It's not often she allows herself to think about it—about the happiness, about the fact that she and Jay have finally found their way back to each other. But sitting here, surrounded by her friends, with Jay's hand warm in hers, she can't deny it.
She is happy. So, so happy.
In the midst of the firefighters,doctors and police officers, Will shows up halfway through the evening, sliding into the seat across from Jay with a grin. "There he is. How's the newly reunited couple doing?"
Jay rolls his eyes, but there's a fondness in his voice as he responds. "We're fine, Will. Thanks for the subtlety."
Will raises his beer in mock salute. "Just checking in. Gotta make sure you're keeping her happy."
Erin laughs, shaking her head. "I'm right here, you know."
Will smirks. "Oh, I know. That's why I'm giving him a hard time." He glances at Jay with a knowing look. "I'm just saying, I'm really happy for you guys."
Jay gives his brother a playful glare but can't help the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Thanks, man."
Will leans back, taking a sip of his beer, his gaze softening as he looks between Jay and Erin. There's something genuine in his expression—something that only family can convey, a kind of quiet approval that doesn't need words. For all their differences, Will's always been protective of Jay, and Erin can see that in the way he's looking at them now.
The conversation shifts back to lighter topics, and soon the table is filled with laughter and jokes, the kind of camaraderie that's only shared by people who've been through the trenches together—whether in the field, in the hospital, or on the streets. Erin listens to the familiar banter, her hand still in Jay's under the table, and she finds herself feeling… grateful. Grateful for this moment, for these people, for this life they've built together.
As the night wears on and people start to head out, Erin and Jay linger a little longer, enjoying the quiet that's settled over the bar. The neon lights from the sign outside cast a soft glow through the window, and the hum of the city feels distant now, like it's miles away instead of just outside the door.
Jay turns to her, his hand coming up to brush a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His thumb lingers on her cheek, his eyes holding hers with that familiar, steady intensity. "You ready to head out?" he asks softly.
Erin nods, but doesn't move right away. Instead, she reaches up, covering his hand with hers, holding it there against her cheek. "Thank you," she says quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Jay frowns slightly, confused. "For what?"
"For… everything," she says, her thumb brushing lightly over his knuckles. "For being patient. For not giving up on me. On us."
Jay's frown softens having a flashback of her words,she said it the time they got together, and his expression turns gentle, his eyes searching hers. He leans in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead before resting his against hers. "I was never gonna give up on you, Erin," he murmurs, his breath warm against her skin. "Not then. Not now. Not ever."
Her eyes close as she lets his words sink in, as she feels the weight of them settle deep in her chest.
And in that moment, she knows—really knows—that she doesn't have to keep running. She doesn't have to keep her guard up. Because Jay's always been there, and he always will be.
"I really love you," she whispers as they walk towards the car, her voice thick with emotion, and when she opens her eyes, she finds him looking at her with that same unwavering gaze that always makes her feel like she's the only person in the world.
"I love you too,so much," Jay replies, his voice just as soft, just as full of meaning. He leans down, capturing her lips in a kiss that's slow and tender,as he tries to grab the keys of her car.
"No way Halstead," She teases him, leaning back ready to open the driver door. "Being all cute on me will not earn you the driving privileges.I thought you did understood that long ago." Erin chuckles as and Jay's face falls, mock defeat plastered all over it.
"Come on! I can't believe you're still holding this against me," he grumbles playfully, slumping back in the passenger seat.
"You secretly love it, I know." She looks at him smiling, lightly caressing his jaw and pecking his lips.
Jay doesn't waste time,caressing Erin's hair as he deepened the kiss.
When they finally pull apart, Erin smiles up at him, her heart lighter than it's been in a long time. "Let's go home," she says, and the word home feels right, feels like it belongs to them now.
Jay grins, patting her thigh, "Home does sound really nice."
Erin's heart swells at the words.
It has been worth the wait. Every fight, every tear, every moment of doubt—it's all led them to this, to each other. And now that they're here, now that they're together, she knows without a doubt that it's right. That this is where they're supposed to be.
And as they drive away, Erin knows that no matter what comes next, they'll face it together. Because after everything, they've finally found their way back home.