Erin occupied a seat in the waiting room as soon as they arrived at the hospital. Kelly remained by her side, displaying a composed demeanor as they eagerly awaited any updates concerning Soifon.
An hour or perhaps more had passed since their arrival, during which time Voight and Al promptly joined them in the waiting room. The two engaged in conversation amongst themselves, periodically glancing with concern in Erin's direction, particularly Voight.
Voight informed Erin that they were awaiting the arrival of the rest of the team. It appeared that they may have obtained a lead in the case and potential whereabouts of Xavier, which brought a glimmer of optimism to Erin. However, she struggled to fully embrace this positivity in the present moment.
Seeking solace, Kelly maintained a comforting touch, his arm enveloping Erin's shoulders. She appreciated his unwavering support, though she acknowledged that she should not rely too heavily on it. Raising her hazel eyes to meet his gentle baby blue gaze, she heard him inquire, 'How are you feeling, Erin?'
Frowning at his inquiry, Erin deliberated on her emotions. She contemplated how she should feel, desiring to maintain composure for the sake of Soifon. However, her concern for the raven-haired woman overshadowed her ability to remain composed.
"I am unsure, Kelly," Erin confessed as she gently disengaged from his embrace, assuming a more upright posture. Although she could discern the firefighter's disappointment from his audible sigh, she disregarded it while pondering what additional sentiments to share with him.
A sense of relief washed over Erin as Antonio and Ashley, accompanied by the rest of the intelligence unit, entered the waiting room.
She welcomed the distraction they provided, diverting her attention from Kelly's presence and, more importantly, alleviating her apprehension and curiosity regarding the delayed updates on Soifon's condition.
Rising from her seat, Erin met the others halfway, leaving Kelly to remain seated in his chair. A small smile involuntarily graced her features as Jay approached and enveloped her in an embrace.
"How are you faring, Erin?" Jay whispered softly in her ear while holding her tightly. "I am doing alright once I gather more information about Soifon," the brunette replied, her voice barely audible as she spoke against his chest. "Soifon will be fine," Jay murmured, his thumb gently tracing along her back.
Erin looked up, meeting Jay's gaze. "How can you be so certain?" she asked, her voice slightly hoarse. "She was shot underneath-" Before she could finish her sentence, Jay placed a finger on her lips. "Don't entertain such thoughts," he cautioned.
Erin's hazel eyes blinked, studying Jay intently. "Soifon will be okay, and you know it," he began, pulling away as he guided her back to the chair where she had been sitting. Kelly, who had been observing their interaction, remained silent but watched them closely.
Jay settled on the other side of Erin, gently clasping her hands in his own. He knew that Erin would likely protest his words; their partnership for several years and two years of dating had enabled him to understand her well. Stealing a glance at Kelly, who leaned forward in his seat, ready to offer support.
Erin couldn't help but release an exasperated sigh. "How can you be so certain?" She demanded, glaring at Jay, who shook his head in understanding. He recognized that Erin was both upset and fatigued, and in this state, she was prone to impulsive thoughts. "I am confident because she has endured far more challenging circumstances than this," he reminded her.
Erin listened to Jay's words with weary eyes half-closed. "Do you remember what you and she went through with Ace and Jack?" he asked, causing the brunette to flinch at the mention of those names. Her hand clenched in his, she pleaded, "Please don't..." Her gaze averted.
The brunette heard Jay let out a sigh. "You know it's true. Soifon is strong, and if she was able to overcome Ace's attack, she can certainly triumph over a mere bullet" he assured her as he patted her back. Erin pressed her lips together, acknowledging that he was right. Kelly, who had been silent for some time, finally spoke up. "Furthermore, stressing and worrying this much cannot be good for the baby," he wisely observed.
Erin rested her hand on her slightly protruding stomach, feeling the small bump. She knew that they were correct. "I suppose you all are right," she conceded.
After the long conversation Erin and Jay turned to what Voight, Antonio, Al, Adam and Ashley was talking about and wondered what they were going to do next" So you think your father knows Xavier might be at?" Voight asked Ashley who sat in a chair with a leg over the other her arms crossed over her chest.
"Yes, I am willing to go and speak with him at this moment if you desire." Ashley offered, expressing her determination to remove this individual from the streets and ensure justice for the victims and their families. With one of her friends having been shot tonight, Erin considered accompanying Ashley but hesitated to leave Soifon.
"No, not tonight," stated Voight, looking at his team. "Let us return home and rest. Tomorrow, you can go speak with your father, Ash." His tone allowed no room for arguments. "Very well," Ashley responded with a sigh, observing everyone except Erin and Serverride depart.
Erin observed as everyone left and Voight approached her to embrace her. "Do not worry about the case, Erin. The team and I will handle it. Stay here and keep us informed about Soifon," he reassured her, planting a kiss on the top of her head.
The brunette attempted to voice her disagreement, but Voight's expression left no room for arguments."I will remain with her until we gather more information," Kelly offered to the sergeant. "That won't be a disadvantage," Voight agreed and departed after patting Erin on the shoulder, leaving the two of them alone.
Erin glanced at Kelly with narrowed hazel eyes. "I truly appreciate your support, Kelly, but I do not need you here. You have waited with me for long enough," the brunette stated with a harsher tone than intended.
"I understand, but I want to stay here with you," Kelly declared, unmoving. This only further irritated the young detective. "Why? You barely know Soifon," she demanded, causing the firefighter to raise his hands in surrender. "I may not know her well enough, but I know you, Erin, and I want to be there for you," he stated with a sigh.
Erin couldn't believe how stubborn Kelly was being. Why couldn't he simply leave? Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she responded, "And besides, Erin, if the situation were reversed, you would be there for me." he began.
Erin directed her gaze towards him as he continued conversing with her. She observed his attempt at displaying patience, though it was clear that his composure was eroding. "You were present for me during Shay's passing, and then aided me in handling my sister," he reflected, locking eyes with her hazel ones. "Not to mention the car accident. Now, it is my duty to offer my support to you." With this declaration, he leaned in to tenderly kiss her forehead.
Erin closed her eyes, attentively absorbing his words. She acknowledged the validity of his points and felt compelled to assist him without hesitation. Exhaling audibly, she expressed her remorse, "I apologize, Kelly." As she opened her eyes, her focus shifted to Will, who was approaching the duo through the double doors.
With Kelly standing beside her, Erin promptly rose from her seat. Maintaining optimism in her voice, she inquired, "Any updates?" Her question carried a glimmer of hope, as she desperately sought reassurance about Soifon's condition. Unable to resist the impulse, she grasped Kelly's hand, feeling his gentle squeeze in return.
Will sighed before addressing them. Fixing his gaze upon Erin, he began, "Soifon will recover just fine. We have successfully removed the bullet." His words lingered in the air, causing Erin and Kelly to absorb their significance. Eagerly, Erin posed another question, "When can she be discharged?"
"In approximately one to two weeks," Will stated as he glanced at his clipboard, "She is currently asleep, but you may enter and see her." Erin couldn't help but exhale with a sigh of relief and smile when Will granted her permission to visit her loved one. "Which room is she in?" she anxiously inquired, eager to be reunited with Soifon.
"She is in room 302. Allow me to escort you there," Will offered as he looked towards Erin. "I must take my leave now, Erin. I will return in the morning to check on you and Soifon," Kelly informed her as he gently patted her shoulder before departing the hospital.
"Goodbye, Kelly. Thank you," Erin expressed her gratitude as the door closed behind him. Once Kelly was gone, Erin followed Will towards Soifon's room. "Erin, do not forget to rest and nourish yourself. Your well-being is crucial for the health of your baby, rather than being stressed," Will advised as he guided the brunette towards the designated room.
After a brief pause to acquire food and drink for Erin, they soon arrived at Soifon's room in a timely manner.