Hailey and Jay were at the district, finishing up some paperwork. It was "Denim Day," an unofficial tradition in the unit where everyone wore jeans instead of their usual uniforms.
"I can't believe Voight let us wear jeans," Kim said, looking down at her Levi's. "I feel like I'm in high school again."
"I know," Kevin agreed, stretching out his legs in his jeans. "It's like a breath of fresh air. My legs don't feel like they're being strangled."
"Speak for yourself," Adam said, pulling at the waistband of his jeans. "These damn things are tighter than my uniform."
"Maybe you should've sized up," Jay teased, looking at Adam's obviously too-small jeans.
As they talked, the unit took notice of Hailey's outfit. She was wearing a blue jumper that everyone immediately recognized as Jay's, paired with the same jeans she wore to work almost every day. The sight of Hailey in her husband's clothes didn't go unnoticed, and a few of the guys raised eyebrows and shot sly glances her way.
"Hey, is that Jay's jumper?" Kevin asked, smirking.
"Yeah, it is," Adam chimed in, looking at Hailey with a grin. "Looks like someone forgot to do laundry."
Hailey laughed.
"Zoey tried wearing Jay's jumper, she tripped over her tiny legs."
The team chuckled and nodded, imagining Zoey trying to waddle around in Jay's oversized clothes. It was no secret that Hailey and Jay shared a lot of their clothes, and Zoey often ended up trying to claim them as her own too.
It was later in the evening, and the unit had all gathered at Molly's. They were lounging at a booth by the bar, chatting and having drinks while watching the TV.
Suddenly, Adam spoke up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, Halstead, why don't you come on a boys-only weekend out with us?"
Jay, who was nursing a beer, rolled his eyes. "No way, man. Why do you always try to drag me out on these things?"
"Because you always say no!" Adam exclaimed. "Come on, it'll be fun. Just a few days of drinking and relaxing, no women allowed."
Jay rubbed his forehead, already feeling a headache coming on. "You always end up getting plastered and making fools out of yourselves. Last time you guys went out, you almost got arrested for public intoxication."
"Hey, that was all Ruzek's fault!" Kevin protested, nodding to Adam. "He was the one swinging from the streetlight. I swear he's a monkey in a past life."
Adam playfully shoved Kevin. "Hey, don't blame me. You're the one who thought it would be a good idea to sing karaoke at three in the damn morning."
Jay nodded.
"Yeah, this where I go to the bar…"
"Coward," Adam called out, as Jay got up from the booth and sauntered over to the bar.
The unit continued to chat and drink, while Jay leaned against the countertop, ordering another beer.
It was late when Hailey arrived home, after a long shift at work. As she opened the front door, she was immediately greeted with the sound of loud laughter and stumbling footsteps.
"Jay?" she called out, flipping on the light and finding herself face to face with her husband, flanked by Adam and Kevin, both of them just as drunk as he was.
"Hails!" Jay slurred, a goofy grin on his face as he stumbled over to her.
Adam and Kevin weren't much better off. They were leaning heavily on each other, their eyes half-lidded and their speech garbled.
Hailey rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile at the sight. "You guys are pathetic," she said, helping Jay sit down on the couch.
Jay sat on the couch, still swaying from all the alcohol he'd consumed. He looked up at Hailey with a goofy smile, his words slurring together.
"Hails," he said, trying to focus his vision on her. "I'm…I'm goin' on a trip."
"Oh really?" she replied, trying not to laugh as she sat down beside him. "And where are you going, exactly?"
"A boys weekend," Jay said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Just me and the guys...no girls allowed!"
"I see," Hailey nodded, hiding her annoyance at having to deal with a drunk husband and his rowdy friends. "And when is this little trip happening?"
"Tomorrow..." Jay muttered, closing his eyes and leaning his head back against the couch. "We're leavin' in the morning…"
"And how long will you be gone?" Hailey asked, sighing deeply. She had a feeling she was in for a long weekend alone.
"Just a few days..." Jay mumbled, his eyes slowly closing. "I'll be back before you know it..."
Zoey toddled into the living room, her blonde hair messy and her favorite stuffed bunny clutched in her hands.
"Mama!" she exclaimed, spotting Hailey on the couch.
Hailey smiled at her daughter, her heart melting at the sight of her messy hair and tired eyes.
"Hey, baby," she said, scooping Zoey up and placing her on her lap.
Zoey snuggled closer to her mother, burying her face in Hailey's chest.
"Daddy?" she mumbled, looking over at Jay, who was slumped against the armrest of the couch.
Jay's eyes fluttered open again, and he offered Zoey a lopsided smile.
"Hey, Zooms," he said, trying to sit up straighter.
Zoey reached out a tiny hand towards him, wanting to be picked up.
"Up," she whined, her bottom lip sticking out in a pout.
Jay reached to hold her, but jumped up.
"One sec…"
He covered his mouth and ran towards the bathroom.
As he stumbled towards the bathroom, Hailey could Hear him retching. It seemed like the alcohol was finally getting to him.
She looked down at Zoey, who had begun to look worried.
"Don't worry, sweetie," Hailey said, patting Zoey's blonde hair. "Daddy's just not feeling well. He'll be okay."
Zoey nodded, still looking concerned. She snuggled closer to Hailey, seeking comfort in her mother's arms.
The Boys Weekend is going to go….well?
