Chapter 8-We Can't Hide Out in this Bubble Forever

Hank reluctantly took his doctor-ordered week off of work. Jenna closed her bakery for the week, knowing that her constant presence in his home would be the only thing keeping him from sneaking back to the office. It gave them some really good uninterrupted time together, time for them to learn more about each other and to grow together. Aside from a couple of disagreements when Hank tried to do things he shouldn't, they came out of this time stronger and closer than ever.

Hank was happy to finally get back to work, but after only a couple of hours back at the district, he was already missing Jenna.

"So when do I get to meet this girl?" Al asked, leaning against the doorframe of Hank's office, interrupting his thoughts.

Hank looked up at Al. "You've met her."

"I've met her as a victim, I met her again briefly when you got shot, but I haven't spent time getting to know her, not as your girl."

Hank sighed. "I don't know, Al. I'm not sure I'm ready to share her yet. We've been living in our own perfect little world for awhile now, and I don't want to mess it up."

"But you've got to live in the real world if you're going to make this work. You might as well start simple with me. I'm not going to give her the third degree like Lindsay will."

Hank groaned. "Man, I don't know if I want Erin to ever spend time with her. I'm going to have to marry her first so Erin won't scare her off."

"Marry her? You thinking about marrying her?" Al asked.

Hank shrugged. "We're not even close to being ready for that yet, but for the first time since...Camille, there's something real here, Al."

"So let me meet her. Bring her over for dinner. I'm sure Meredith would love to meet her too."

"I'll talk to her and let you know."

"Talk to her tonight. Let's make plans for this weekend."

"Ok. I'll let you know."

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That evening, while Hank and Jenna were relaxing together on Jenna's couch, he decided to bring up Al's suggestion that they meet.

"Do you have plans for this weekend?" Hank asked.

"Well, I hoped that I would be spending the weekend with you," she said, snuggling up closer to him. "Did you have something in mind?"

Hank gently twirled a piece of Jenna's hair between his fingers. "How would you feel about meeting some friends of mine?"

Jenna sat up to look at him. "Really?"

"Yeah. Would you be ok with that?"

Jenna smiled up at him. "Of course! I'd love to meet your friends."

"You don't think it's too soon?" Hank questioned.

"I don't think so. Do you?"

Hank sighed. "I don't think it's too soon. I'm just not sure I'm ready to share you with the world yet. I like having you all to myself," he said, pulling her closer.

"We can't hide out in this bubble forever. We need to be able to share our lives with each other, and I think meeting your friends would be a great start."

"Ok. Al wants to have us over to meet him and his wife Meredith."

"Then let's do it."

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"Please calm down," Jenna said, as they walked hand in hand up to Al and Meredith's house.

"I'm calm."

Jenna stopped him, making him look at her. "This will be fine. Stop worrying." She kissed him and squeezed his hand. He gave her a small smile, and they walked up to the door.

"Hank, Jenna, please come in," Al said, opening the door.

"Thanks Al," Hank said, shaking his hand.

"It's really nice to officially meet you," Jenna said as she hugged him.

"You too, Jenna. It's time this guy brought you out of hiding."

Hank laughed. "Yeah, I suppose we can't stay cooped up forever."

Just then, Meredith walked up to them. "Jenna, this is my wife Meredith," Al said.

"Hi Meredith," Jenna said, extending her hand.

"Hi," Meredith said, reluctantly shaking Jenna's hand, cutting her eyes at Hank.

"Good to see you Meredith," Hank said. Meredith nodded to him, saying nothing.

Jenna looked back and forth between Hank and Meredith. She knew they didn't have an easy history together, but she wasn't expecting the coldness she was feeling from Meredith. But this dinner was important to Hank, so she would put up with the awkwardness for a couple of hours if that's what Hank needed her to do.

When the guys were outside tending to the grill, Meredith pulled Jenna into the kitchen. "I wanted to talk to you alone, but we'll have to be quick. I don't know how much you know about Voight, but he's bad news. You need to run as fast as you can away from him."

Jenna stared at her, shocked. "What?!"

"He's a criminal, and he has been for years. He stole money, he spent time in prison, and he's murdered people. He completely screwed Al up. If you know what's good for you, run."

Jenna let out a frustrated sigh, a little surprised and a little angry to hear Meredith's words. "Listen, I know you're not Hank's biggest fan, but he's been honest with me, about everything, since we started seeing each other. I know about his past mistakes, I know about prison, and I know about a lot of the questionable choices he made."

Meredith looked at her, a disgusted look on her face. "Hank Voight hasn't been honest a day in his life. He may have told you some things, but not everything."

"I trust him, Meredith. He's given me no reason to think otherwise."

"Ok, well, when things blow up, don't say you weren't warned. If you're not smart enough to leave him, then maybe you two deserve each other." Meredith pushed away from the table and walked upstairs, just as the guys came back in.

"Everything ok?" Hank asked, kissing the top of Jenna's head.

"Where's Meredith?" Al asked.

"She's upstairs. I know you both meant well, but I don't think she and I are going to be friends. Al, I appreciate you having us over, and I'm glad to finally get to meet you, but Hank and I need to be going," Jenna said, getting up from the barstool. "We should meet for lunch or dinner or something next week. I really do want to get to know you, but I can't be here right now. I'm so sorry."

She looked up at Hank, who had a confused expression on his face. "Let's go." She gave Al a quick hug and headed to the car.

Hank shook Al's hand. "I'll find out and let you know."

"Me too."

Jenna's hands were shaking as they got in the car. "You wanna tell me what that was about, Jen?" Hank asked.

"Let's just go. We'll talk when we get home."

"Your place or mine?"

"Mine."

They drove in silence to Jenna's apartment, both lost in thought. Jenna couldn't help the tears that fell down her face, tears of anger and frustration. How dare Meredith come at her like that! Meredith may have known Hank longer but that didn't mean that she knew him better than Jenna. She and Hank spent an evening early in their relationship discussing his past, his time in prison, and the difficult choices he made, some he'd take back, and some he'd do over again. Meredith had no right to involve herself.

Hank squeezed Jenna's hand. He could tell something went terribly wrong while he and Al were outside, and he was angry with Meredith for whatever it was. He knew how Meredith felt about him, but he hoped that she would keep her feelings to herself and be friendly to Jenna.

When they got to Jenna's house, Hank followed her to her couch. She leaned over, putting her head in her hands as she tried to stop her tears. He softly stroked her back, longing to scoop her up in his arms but knowing he needed to give her time. Finally she sat up to look at him. He wiped at her tears. "What happened babe?"

"She was awful," Jenna said softly.

"What did she say?"

Jenna took his hand as she rested her forehead against his. "She told me that I needed to run and that you're a criminal, and that if I wasn't smart enough to leave, then we deserve each other." Jenna stopped, trying to choke down sobs. "She said you're bad news, and you screwed up Al. She was just…awful."

Hank gently kissed her forehead before pulling her into his arms. "I'm sorry. I hoped she would be civil tonight."

"It just…it wasn't fair. Those conversations took place between us, and we're already way past all of that. It wasn't her place to bring that up, especially today. She doesn't even know me. She didn't even try to get to know me. I just…I'm sorry, I'm just really upset."

"It's ok. I can take it. She doesn't like me, and she'd love nothing more than for me to disappear. I've known that for a long time. I appreciate you looking out for me though," he said, gently stroking her back.

Jenna wiped at her tears, looking up at him and kissing him, forcing a tiny smile. "I've always got your back, babe. Always."

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The following Friday, Erin gave a quick knock before stepping into Hank's office. "Hey. I'm going to head out in a few minutes."

"Ok," he said, trying to finish his paperwork.

"Any weekend plans?" she asked, trying to hide her smile.

Hank looked up at her. "Say what you're trying to say."

Erin sat down in a chair in front of his desk. "It's been a few weeks, and I haven't heard how things are going with Jenna. Any news for me?"

He rolled his eyes. "Erin, it's-"

"If you say it's none of my business, I'm going to knock you out," she said, leaning on the desk in front of her.

Hank gave Erin an annoyed look. "Yeah, I'm headed there tonight, and we'll spend the weekend together, but I'm not sure what we're going to do yet."

"Why don't you two meet Jay and me for breakfast in the morning?"

Hank sighed. "I don't know. It's...quick."

"Quick? It's been, what, three months that you've been seeing her?"

"Something like that."

"So it's serious? It's more than just a little fling? She really means something to you?"

"She does, Erin. She means more to me than anyone has…in a very long time."

"So let me meet her, Hank. From what I've seen, I think I could really like her. It's obvious that she really cares about you, and it's time that you let us get to know each other. Please."

Hank sighed. "I'll ask Jenna tonight and let you know."

"Perfect. Talk to you soon."

Hank watched after Erin as she walked out of the bullpen. He knew she was right, that she needed to meet Jenna. Jenna had quickly become one of the two most important people in his life, and he'd kept them apart as long as he could, but it wasn't fair to either of them to delay their first official meeting any longer.

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Later that evening, Hank and Jenna were on her couch watching a movie, Jenna's head resting on Hank's lap.

Hank sent Erin a quick text. 'Breakfast in the morning? Our usual?'

'Works for me,' Erin replied.

'Great. See you then'

'Wait, Jenna is coming, right? And I can invite Jay?'

'Sure'

'Perfect. See you both tomorrow'

"Well, it's done," Hank said, putting his phone down.

"What's done?" Jenna asked.

"We are officially on for breakfast with Erin and Jay in the morning." He ran his fingers through Jenna's hair, lightly massaging her head.

"That'll be great! I'm excited to spend time with them."

"I hope so."

Jenna sat up to look at him. "Why are you pushing against this so hard? Why don't you want me to meet her?"

Hank sighed. "I just want her to be on her best behavior."

"Hank, every interaction I've had with her has been perfectly fine, and I don't anticipate this being any different. Why are you worried?"

"She's…protective of me. When I lost Camille, she really stepped up to help me and Justin. She's still very overprotective, and I think she's ok with this, but I don't know."

"So if she isn't, what does that mean for us?"

Hank pulled her closer. "Erin's feelings about my life have never dictated the way I do anything, and I don't expect that to change. I care about you, and I'm in this with you, regardless of how she feels, but of course I want her to be ok with this."

"I don't know if you know this, but when you were shot, she's the one who called me, and she's the one who comforted me when I was a mess with worry about you. She didn't have to do any of that, but she said she knew you would want me there. It's going to be ok Hank, really. Stop worrying," she said as she leaned in and kissed him.

"You really want to do this? After the way last weekend at Al's went?" Hank questioned.

Jenna rolled her eyes. "Erin and I have met, and everything was fine. She's your daughter, and I really want to do this. It'll be great."

"I hope you're right."

"I know I am," she said teasingly as she kissed him again.

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Hank and Jenna arrived at the restaurant before Erin and Jay, so they went in and got a table at the back. They made small talk while they waited, Jenna trying to calm Hank down.

"Calm down," Jenna said.

"I'm trying, Jen."

"You're doing a terrible job at it," she said as she leaned in and kissed him.

"We shouldn't be doing this. Last weekend was Al and Meredith, and that blew up in our faces."

Jenna grabbed his chin, making him look at her. "Stop. Worrying." She let go of his face and put her arm around his neck, pulling him close as she kissed him.

As they kissed, they didn't notice Erin and Jay walking in.

Jay elbowed Erin when he saw them. "Looks like things are going well here," he said under his breath.

"Shut up and be nice," Erin said, elbowing him back as they walked up to the table. When they got to the table, Jenna and Hank didn't notice, too lost in each other to be aware of their surroundings. Finally, Erin loudly cleared her throat. Hank and Jenna, jumped, quickly breaking apart.

"Good morning, kiddo," Hank said as he and Jenna stood up.

"Good morning," Erin said as she hugged him.

Hank reached over and took Jenna's hand. "Erin, I'd like you to officially meet Jenna Richards."

"Hi! I'm so happy we're finally doing this," Jenna said, as she hugged Erin.

"Me too! I'm so annoyed he's made us wait so long. This is Jay Halstead," she said, pulling Jay over.

"Nice to meet you again," Jay said, giving Jenna a quick hug.

"You too, Jay."

Jay looked over uncomfortably at Hank. "Sarge," he said, extending his hand.

"Halstead," Hank said, shaking Jay's hand.

They sat down together, ordered food, and started getting to know each other better.

"So how long have you two been together?" Jenna asked.

Erin and Jay looked at each other uncomfortably. "Uh…" Erin started.

Hank leaned forward in his chair, a smirk on his face. "I'd like to hear the answer to this question myself. Exactly how long have the two of you been together?"

After a few moments of uncomfortable silence, Erin said, "Jenna, that…is…something you and I can discuss at another time. For Jay's safety."

Jenna looked back and forth between all three of them. Hank's expression was daring them to answer, Erin was determined to stand her ground, and Jay looked like he was ready to crawl under the table.

"Ok, what am I missing?" Jenna asked.

"I don't allow couples in my unit," Hank said.

"Oh dear," Jenna said under her breath.

Hank put his arm around Jenna, gesturing between Erin and Jay with his other hand. "These two ignored my rules and snuck around behind my back, probably for much longer than I know about. Fortunately for them, they work really well as a team, and they manage to keep their hands off of each other while we're at work, and those are the only reasons why I haven't had Halstead transferred."

"You couldn't say anything about me and Jay since you offered Intelligence to Burgess while she was dating Ruzek," Erin said.

"Yes I could," Hank said.

"Oh really?" Erin challenged.

Hank put his arm around Erin, pulling her close. "My unit, my rules," he said as he kissed the top of her head.

"Yeah yeah," Erin said, playfully shoving him.

Jenna couldn't help but smile as she watched Hank and Erin's exchange. She had wondered what he was like as a father, and she loved seeing this side of him. She loved seeing how playful they were with each other, and she could tell Hank meant as much to Erin as she did to him.

They spent the next couple of hours sharing more about their lives, discussing Jenna's family, Erin's time with Hank, and Jay's military experience. As nervous as Hank had been about this meeting, especially after the disastrous meal at Al's, he couldn't have asked for a better morning. Jenna and Erin seemed to click effortlessly, and he hoped their relationship would continue to grow. For the first time since they lost Justin, he felt like he had a real family again.

As they said their goodbyes in front of the restaurant, Erin held Hank close for a few extra moments. "Hang onto her. She's amazing," Erin said softly.

"I'm glad you like her."

"I do. She's so good for you. I love seeing you this happy."

"Thanks kiddo," he said, kissing the top of her head.

Erin turned to Jenna, hugging her too. "I'm so glad we finally met."

"Me too, Sweetie. This was wonderful."

"We'll get together soon?" Erin asked.

"Oh absolutely."

As the girls were talking, Jay shook Hank's hand. "She's a good one, Sarge."

"Thanks Halstead. She's pretty incredible. Not sure what she's doing with a guy like me."

"She really cares about you. It's pretty obvious."

Hank gave him a small smile as the girls pulled away. Jenna slipped her arm around Hank's waist, his arm going around her shoulders as they waved goodbye to Erin and Jay. They slowly walked together to Hank's truck.

"Well that went significantly better than last weekend," Jenna said.

"I thought it couldn't have gone any better. Erin loved you."

"Did she really?"

Hank squeezed her a little tighter. "She told me that you're amazing, and I need to hang onto you."

"Wow. I'm glad she feels that way. She's such a sweet girl. I loved seeing you two together like this. I can tell how much you love each other."

"She's a great kid. I wish you'd seen her at fifteen, to really see how far she's come. I couldn't be prouder."

"Thank you for letting me meet her. I know it was hard for you, but it means a lot to me to get to see this part of your life."

Hank kissed her softly. "Thank you for wanting to meet her. Seeing you two together…it felt really good."

"For me too, babe."

Before they even got home, Jenna received a text from Erin, asking to meet for dinner next week. Jenna smiled as she texted Erin back, grateful that Erin genuinely wanted a relationship with her too. She looked over at Hank for a moment, feeling even more connected to him than she had before. She loved this life they were building together, and she was excited for what was on the horizon.