"You're gonna have to let yourself in."

Jay glanced down at his phone while stopped at a red light. He was currently making his way to Hailey's house after a long day working a difficult case which he suspects has affected Hailey greater than she lets on. Rojas taking Jay's spot as Hailey's partner has made it more difficult for him to check up on her at work.

The text worried him but he was thankful for the fact that Vanessa finally moved out of Hailey's house. It made it easier for them to spend time alone together with Will living with Jay.

Jay entered Hailey's passcode and slowly entered the house. There was an eerie quietness around the house with no sign of Hailey in the kitchen or living room.

'Hailey?' Jay called out softly.

With no answer Jay made his way up the stairs and saw a soft light coming from underneath the door to the bathroom.'Hails?' Jay questioned while gently rapping on the door. He entered the bathroom after Hailey's approval and was met with the sight of her having a bubble bath with her hair in a high bun. 'You had me worried there for a minute Hailey.' Jay lightly chuckled.

'I just needed to relax after today, long day and all.'

The sight of Hailey made his heart ache, she looked exhausted and sad. He did the only thing he could think of at the moment.

'I guess you're joining me then?' Hailey questioned with her eyebrows raised. He ignored her comment and continued to undress, leaving his clothes on the floor before hopping in the bath the opposite side of her. Jay reached under the water and grabbed her hands, bringing them to his mouth and lightly kissing the back of them.

'Talk to me babe, what's wrong?'

There was a moment of silence between the pair. Jay released her hands from his and brushed a stray piece of hair behind her ear. Hailey looked down and started drawing shapes in the water. 'This case hit close to home and dug up some memories. It's just taking some time to deal with.'

Jay thought back to the drunken night where Hailey confessed about her past to Jay. It was hard to listen to what her father made her family endure. He just wished she'd told him during that case last year. He hates that he couldn't be there for her during that time.

'You know you're not alone in dealing with this, right? I'm here for you Hailey, always.'

It was now Hailey's turn to make contact with Jay. She reached her hands to his shoulders before softly caressing his face. 'Hey, I know you're always there for me and I'm sorry if it seems like I'm shutting you out, but honestly Jay, I'm fine.'

These words brought Jay back to their conversation after the case with Booth. Hailey definitely wasn't fine then and he didn't think she was now. He let it slide for now, wanting to enjoy this moment with her without pushing her to speak to him. There'd be time for that later. 'So, who's gonna be the chair?' Jay questioned a while later, amused.

'I... what?'

'Are you coming over here or am I coming over there?'

Hailey chuckled, understanding what he means before making her way over to his side. A few minutes of rearranging led to Hailey laying with her back against Jay's chest, her head resting on his shoulder. 'I love you.' Jay whispered against her temple. 'And I'm here for you whenever you want to talk.'

Hailey titled her head, locking lips with Jay before becoming breathless. 'I love you too.'

This development happened a month ago. High tensions due to repressed feelings burst after Hailey put herself in harms way. She couldn't understand why Jay was so angered by it til he confessed his feelings to her. Hailey showed that his feeling were reciprocated and they began dating behind the backs of their unit. They both have bad experience with dating co-workers and simply want to enjoy some time together before coming clean to the unit.

Twenty minutes later and in significantly colder water, Hailey pushes herself off Jay's chest and makes her way out of the bath. Jay watches her dry herself and pull on underwear and his T-shirt before exiting the bath himself. He's pulling up his jeans when he feels a text come through on his phone. Checking his phone he sees a text from Will.

Hey man I left my keys in your flat, are you gonna be home to let me in after my shift?

'Dammit Will.' Tonight is not a night he wants to leave Hailey on her own.

'What's up?' Hailey asks, peaking around the corner. Her hair is now out of the bun and cascading in blond curls down her back. Jay takes a moment to stare at her, questioning how he got so lucky. Her looks are really something but what made him fall so hard is her unwavering trust in him. She never left his side and Jay, as a man who has been abandoned by so many, really appreciates that.

'Uh.. that was Will, he left his keys at home and needs me to be there tonight to let him in.' Jay followed Hailey into her bedroom, eyeing her from the doorway. 'Personally though I think he could manage to stay at a hotel tonight and I could spend my night with you.' Jay says slyly while making his way over to Hailey and gripping the edges of his T-shirt she's wearing. He tugs her towards him and attaches his lips to the base of her neck.

'Mmm as much as I want that to happen you can't leave him Jay. Besides I can be all yours tomorrow night. And the night after that, or any other.' Hailey combed her fingers through his hair and gently guided his face so it was in front of hers. 'I'm yours. Everyday, and I'll always be here for you.' Hailey pressed her lips against his in a slow passionate kiss, pouring her feelings into it.

Jay pulled away from the kiss, slightly out of breath and leant his forehead against Hailey's. 'Sounds good to me.' He replied, beaming. 'And hey Will isn't done for another couple of hours and I do need to get my shirt off of you somehow.' Jay winked at Hailey while slowly raising his T-shirt off of her. Hailey's laugh was muffled by Jay's lips being reattached to hers. They gladly found a way to occupy each other for an hour.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An hour and a half later Hailey was watching Jay tie the laces of his shoes at the edge of her bed. He turned around to her with a pout on his face.

'Spit it out Jay.'

Jay marvelled for a moment at how she was always able to read him before saying what he wanted to say.

'How about I come back after Will's asleep and stay here with you? I don't like you being alone tonight.'

Jay was concerned for her which she appreciated but honestly, it was starting to get on her nerves a bit.

'Jesus Jay I'm a big girl, I can manage by myself.' She could tell by the look on his face he wasn't doubting her, he was just looking out for her. She softened and assured him, 'Jay I appreciate your concern but I'm good.'

'I know you're good Hailey but this case affected you. I just want to be here for you tonight and help you sleep.'

Hailey smirked, 'Trust me Jay after that last hour you've definitely helped me.' Jay stared at her knowing she knows that's not what he meant. She crawled to the edge of the bed beside him and took his hands in hers. 'Please Jay I know you just want to be here for me but I'm fine. You have been here for me. You coming over tonight, it honestly helped.'

Jay nodded before grasping her face in his hands and softly kissing her. Hailey held the kiss for a couple of moments before pushing Jay away. 'Now go before Will gets home. Text me when you're home safely.' Jay nodded and picked his jacket off the floor, making his way towards the door.

'And Jay,' Hailey waited for him to turn around before continuing, 'I love you.'.

Jay held her gaze before replying with a 'I love you too'.

Twenty minutes later Hailey received a text from Jay.

Home safe and sound! I'll see you bright and early in the morning with coffee. Love you xx.

Hailey smiled to herself, replying with heart emojis before closing her eyes and dreaming of her future with Jay Halstead.