A/N: Here's a one-shot requested by LoveSprinkledCupcakes :) It's set toward the beginning of Season 7.
Jay stood and grabbed his jacket, "Want to come over for a beer?"
Hailey yawned and shook her head, "Sorry, I should get home and go to bed."
"You sure?" Jay leaned against her desk.
Hailey nodded and stood, "I'm fine. Figured I should spend some time with Vanessa too."
Jay started walking out with her, "That was really nice of you to let her live with you."
Hailey smiled slightly, "I know what it's like to try and adjust back to real life. Plus, I'd be lying if I said a roommate would help me get a nicer place."
"So you're really thinking about moving?" Jay asked.
"Yeah," Hailey sighed, "My rent's up soon and I could use a new place. Things are breaking and I'm just not in the mood to fix it."
Jay chuckled, "You know I could help you out with all that."
Hailey shrugged, "It's more fun to just leave."
Jay shook his head and laughed, "Whatever. See you tomorrow?"
"Of course," Hailey set a hand on his arm before getting in her car. She waved at Jay, but he still remained standing outside her car. She rolled the window down, "What?"
"Lock your doors," Jay put his hands in his pockets.
Hailey smirked and nodded, clicking the lock button, "Good?"
Jay smiled, "Yeah, see you tomorrow." He watched Hailey roll her window back up before walking to his own car.
Hailey grabbed her phone and called Vanessa.
"Hello?" Vanessa answered.
"Hey! I'm leaving the district now, want me to pick us up something for dinner?" Hailey asked.
"I actually already had some, I'm sorry," Vanessa said.
"Not a problem," Hailey shook her head, "See you soon."
"Drive safe," Vanessa said as she ended the call.
Hailey sighed and started her car. She ran a hand through her hair, "Well that's a bummer," she breathed.
She drove in the direction of her house until she spotted a pizza diner she'd never gone to before. She parked in front of the restaurant and hurried inside to buy a small pizza for herself.
Vanessa woke in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. She rubbed her eyes and walked down the hall, but stopped at the close door. She sighed and was about to walk downstairs to the other bathroom when she heard a loud retching on the other side. She blinked her eyes and stepped back to the door.
The noise came louder and Vanessa winced.
"Hailey?" she lightly knocked on the door.
On the other side of the door, Hailey coughed and said, "I'm fine."
"You sound sick," Vanessa tried the doorknob but it was locked, "Do you need help?"
"Please go away," Hailey whimpered.
Vanessa bit her lip and stepped away, "Are you sure? I can get you some water or crackers."
Hailey started throwing up again and Vanessa bounced on the balls of her feet trying to think of what to do.
Hailey finished and asked, "Are you still there?"
"Yeah, I am," Vanessa set her hand on the door, "What do you need?"
"N-Nothing, you can go back to bed," Hailey said, "You don't have to see me like this. We've just started living together."
"It really is okay, Hailey, I want to help," Vanessa leaned her head against the door.
Hailey coughed and started throwing up again, so Vanessa decided to walk back to her room to give her privacy. She sat on her bed and tried thinking of what to do. Hailey did mention that they didn't know each other for long, so maybe if she called someone who did know her, she'd let them help.
Vanessa looked through her phone. She didn't have Hailey's family's phone numbers, but she did have some numbers from Intelligence already.
She wasn't sure how close Hailey was to Kim and Hailey had mentioned that she dated Adam, but that could be awkward.
She bit her lip as her thumb ghosted over Jay's name. She heard a particular loud yell from Hailey in the bathroom and decided to go for it.
Vanessa looked around the room, remembering why she'd woken up at 1:15am in the first place. She shifted on the bed and wished for Jay to pick up quickly.
The phone finally stopped ringing and Jay yawned before saying, "Wha's goin' on?"
"Jay? Jay Halstead?" Vanessa asked.
"Yeah," Jay answered, "Rojas?"
"You and Hailey are pretty close, right?" Vanessa said quietly.
"What's going on?" Jay repeated.
"She's pretty sick right now and she doesn't want my help," Vanessa whispered as if Hailey would be able to hear her, "Could you maybe come here?"
There was silence on the other side of the phone until Jay said, "I'll be there in ten."
"Thank you," Vanessa said quickly and clicked the end button.
She hurried out of her bedroom and down the stairs to the spare bathroom. After going to the bathroom, she sat on the step in the entryway to wait for Jay.
She was shocked when she heard a key in the front door. She stood and watched Jay walk into their house.
"Hey," Jay said and turned to lock the door back up, "Where's she at?" he kicked his shoes off and hung his coat in the front closet.
"Upstairs bathroom," Vanessa nodded toward the stairs.
Jay nodded, "Thanks."
Vanessa knew Hailey and Jay were close, but as he hurried up the stairs in sweatpants and a t-shirt, she realized she didn't actually know how close they were until this moment. She didn't know many – if any – guys that would willingly go toward a puking girl that they weren't dating.
Jay knocked on the bathroom door, "Hailey."
Hailey coughed, "Jay? Is that you?"
"Yeah," Jay tried the doorknob, "Hails, what's going on?"
"I think it's food poisoning," Hailey whimpered.
Jay nodded, "All right," he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, "Are we talking top or bottom?"
"What?" Hailey breathed and thought for a minute before sighing and saying, "Top."
"Good," Jay said, "Well…not good, but…"
"I know," Hailey weakly laughed.
"Think you can open the door?" Jay asked, "I don't want to break your house." He heard a soft noise on the floor and then the door was unlocked.
"O-One second," Hailey whispered.
Jay nodded and gave Hailey a few seconds before pushing the door open, "How's it going?"
Hailey looked up from the ground, "Not good."
Jay sighed and took in her sweaty, pale face from her spot against the tub. He knelt next to her and gently set a hand on her side, "What'd you eat for dinner?"
Hailey swallowed and breathed, "Pizza from that place down the street."
Jay raised his eyebrows, "That hole in the wall?"
"I know it wasn't the best choice, but please don't shove it in my face," Hailey whimpered.
"I won't," Jay glanced to the toilet, "How long have you been in here?" he tried not to make his face obvious as he scrunched his nose against the smell and flushed it.
"I don't know, like half an hour?" Hailey slowly laid down on the cool tile and closed her eyes.
Jay nodded and stood. He grabbed a ponytail holder from the counter and found a washcloth in the cabinets. After dampening the washcloth, he knelt back down and wiped Hailey's face.
"Why are you here?" Hailey whispered.
"Vanessa called," Jay said and gently lifted Hailey into his lap to hold the washcloth to the back of her neck.
Hailey shivered and closed her eyes, "You didn't have to come."
"I clearly did," Jay chuckled, "Think you can put your own hair up or should I try?"
"Can you even do that?" Hailey mumbled.
"Well, now I want to try," Jay smirked and shifted her in his lap.
"Oh no," Hailey gripped her stomach, "Don't. Don't move me."
"Okay," Jay said softly and rubbed her side, "We'll sit still for a minute."
Hailey slowly breathed and coughed, covering her mouth quickly.
"I've got you," Jay whispered and moved with her closer to the toilet.
Hailey whimpered, "I-I c-can't with you-"
"I'm not going to judge you," Jay shook his head, "Go for it, you'll feel better."
Hailey started crying as she grabbed the toilet and started throwing up again.
Jay held her hair back and tried to tie the ponytail in it, "You're good. Don't think about it."
Hailey coughed and fell back against him.
"I've got you," Jay breathed and wiped her face again with the washcloth, "Deep breaths."
"I'm disgusting," Hailey sniffled.
"You're just sick," Jay said and cradled her in his lap, "I'm not grossed out by you."
Hailey shook her head, "I hate when you lie."
Jay rolled his eyes, "I'm not lying."
Hailey blinked her eyes quickly and wiped her face.
Jay glanced down at her and rubbed his thumb over her arm, "Want to camp out in here or want to go back to bed?"
"Bed," Hailey breathed.
Jay nodded and set her on the floor to stand. She was about to protest when he bent down and easily lifted her in his arms. "Did you really think I was going to leave you?" he whispered.
Hailey blushed and shook her head.
Jay smiled softly and carried her to her bed. He silently thanked Vanessa when he spotted the bottle of water and sleeve of saltine crackers on the nightstand. He set Hailey on the bed and wrapped her covers around her.
"Are you leaving?" Hailey asked.
"Not at all," Jay sat next to her and grabbed the water. He opened it and held it to her lips.
Hailey happily drank the water until she pulled away and sighed, "Thank you."
Jay nodded and put the cap back on the bottle, "I'll sleep on the floor."
Hailey rolled her eyes and shook her head, "Don't be stupid."
Jay chuckled, "What if you throw up on me?"
"I'd throw up on you if you slept on the ground," Hailey said.
"All right, all right," Jay walked around the bed and got in on the other side, "Want me to hold you or leave you be?"
Hailey shivered and whispered, "Hold me."
"You got it," Jay scooted closer to her and gently pulled her against him.
Hailey whimpered in pain and gasped for breath.
"Sorry, sorry," Jay breathed.
"Everything hurts," Hailey said quietly.
Jay nodded, "You were really going for it."
Hailey rolled her eyes, "I couldn't help it."
"I know," Jay chuckled and rubbed her back where her skin was showing.
Hailey jumped and pulled away.
"I am so sorry," Jay sat up, "That was too far."
Hailey sniffled and shook her head, "I just wasn't expecting it." She glanced behind her, "Why are you so far away?"
"I…I felt bad for scaring you," Jay said quietly.
Hailey shook her head and reached her hand out, "It felt good."
Jay raised his eyebrows, "You sure?"
Hailey nodded, "Please."
Jay smiled a little and laid back down with her, "Want me to do it again?"
"Yeah," Hailey closed her eyes, "I feel so sore."
"All right," Jay set his hand on her back again and rubbed small circles.
Hailey sighed and relaxed against him, "Thank you."
Jay nodded and whispered, "You're welcome."
Jay was startled awake when Hailey started dry heaving next to him. He rubbed his face, "What's wrong?"
Hailey coughed and reached back for his hand.
Jay sat up and squeezed her hand, "Relax. Breathe."
Hailey shook her head and wrapped her arm around her stomach as she gagged.
"Okay," Jay said and jumped out of bed. He quickly carried her to the bathroom just in time for her to start throwing up again.
When Hailey finished, she swallowed and whispered, "I'm sorry."
"Don't be," Jay rubbed her back.
Hailey slumped back against him and huffed, "I want to stay here."
"We can do that," Jay said held her in his lap as he scooted backwards to lean against the bathtub.
There was a soft knock at the door before Vanessa said, "Jay, Hailey, everything good? I'm going to leave in a few minutes, do either of you need anything?"
Hailey's eyes widened, "Oh no," she tried getting up, but a wave of nausea came over her and she stumbled to lean over the toilet.
"Can you tell Voight we're both taking the day off?" Jay asked.
"Of course," Vanessa said through the door.
"N-No," Hailey shook her head, "You should go to work."
Jay raised his eyebrows, "I am not leaving you here alone."
"I agree," Vanessa called as she walked away.
Hailey sighed, "You don't have to babysit me."
"Think of it as me playing hooky with you," Jay smiled.
Hailey bit her lip, "Are you sure?"
"No place I'd rather be," Jay winked.
Hailey laughed, "Sure."
Jay chuckled and stood. He grabbed a small cup off her counter and filled it with water before passing it to her.
"Thanks," Hailey breathed and used the water to rinse out her mouth.
"Mhmm," Jay sat back down on the ground, "What time does Vanessa leave for work?"
"Usually 7:30am or so," Hailey shrugged and moved to lay down on the tile.
"Wow, this is the latest I've slept in forever," Jay laughed. He reached over Hailey to grab a few towels from the cabinet. "Head up," he said softly.
"What?" Hailey breathed and looked up at him.
Jay folded one of the towels and tucked it under her head. He used the other two towels to cover Hailey like blankets.
"Thank you," Hailey closed her eyes.
"You're welcome," Jay situated himself against the wall and kept a hand on her shoulder as he tried to fall back asleep.
He was just about asleep when Hailey started crying. She tried to hide it in the towels, but it was still loud enough for Jay to recognize.
He sat up and whispered, "Hailey."
"I'm fine," she whimpered.
"No, don't lie," Jay set his hand on her shoulder, "Look at me."
Hailey lowered the towel from her face, "It hurts."
"I bet," Jay looked around the room, "Want to take a bath?"
Hailey raised her eyebrows, "You really think I'm a bath person?"
Jay smirked, "I don't know, it was just a suggestion."
Hailey sniffled and wiped her face, "It might not feel horrible."
"See, I know something," Jay turned to the bathtub and started it.
Hailey sat up, "Can you leave though?"
"Yeah," Jay looked through the bottles along the sides of the tub, "You two have everything but bubble bath."
Hailey laughed softly, "You don't need to put bubbles in it."
Jay shook his head, "If you don't put bubbles in it, then you're just cooking yourself like an egg." He took the lid off one of the body washes and tipped the soap under the faucet.
"You're ridiculous," Hailey smiled.
"That smells really good," Jay put the body wash back on the side, "Okay," he stood, "Two rules: door stays unlocked and you do not puke into the bath."
Hailey shook her head, but still laughed softly, "Fine."
"Need help?" Jay asked.
"No, I think I've got it," Hailey said, "Thank you for all of this."
"No problem," Jay ran his hand over Hailey's hair then walked out of the room.
Jay was finishing washing the pan he'd use to make scrambled eggs when Hailey walked into the kitchen. He turned and smiled, "Hey, you survived! I'll make you some toast."
Hailey weakly laughed and sat at the island. She folded her arms and rested her head on them.
Jay's smile faded, "Did you get sick again?"
"Yeah," Hailey mumbled.
"Crap," Jay breathed and walked around to stand next to her, "Let's get you back to bed."
"No, no," Hailey sat up, "I want to stay down here."
"Hails, I don't know," Jay set a hand on her back, "You're not looking great."
"Then I'll sleep on the couch, please," Hailey begged, "I just want to watch TV and feel normal again."
"Okay," Jay nodded, "Lean back into me, I'll carry you."
"You don't have to keep doing this," Hailey said quietly.
"I want to," Jay rubbed his thumb over her back.
"You're too damn nice," Hailey breathed, but still leaned back and let Jay lift her in his arms.
"Sorry, I kind of like you," Jay chuckled and carried her to the couch.
Hailey blushed, "Wh-What?"
"You're my best friend," Jay winked and pulled a blanket over her.
"Right," Hailey nodded and looked down.
"You want that comforter you like?" Jay asked.
"Uh, no, no, this is okay," Hailey shook her head.
"All right," Jay straightened up, "I'll get you some toast and water."
Hailey nodded and watched him go back into the kitchen.
"I'm going to miss this place," Jay said while putting bread in the toaster.
"Want to help me and Vanessa find a new place?" Hailey asked.
"I'm not really a fan of house hunting," Jay smirked and leaned against the island, "But count me in for helping you move."
"Moving's the worst," Hailey tilted her head back.
"Then stay here," Jay said.
Hailey sighed, "No, we need another bathroom anyways."
"That is true," Jay nodded.
Hailey turned on the TV and flipped through the channels, "There is nothing on during the day."
"This is why we work," Jay chuckled.
Hailey rolled her eyes, "Yeah, the only reason."
Jay smirked, "Why do you work then?"
"To help people," Hailey automatically answered.
"Boring answer," Jay opened the fridge and grabbed the butter.
"It's the truth!" Hailey said.
"Obviously, but come on, Hailey," Jay took out a knife.
Hailey sighed, "Platt."
"Excuse me?" Jay set the toast on a plate and started buttering it.
"When I was younger, there was an armed robbery at my dad's restaurant," Hailey said softly, "Platt let me stay with her all night until they found the person. She inspired me to become a cop and then go into Robbery-Homicide."
Jay nodded and filled a glass with water before walking over with the toast, "How come you've never told that story before?"
Hailey shrugged and sat up, "We never really talked about it."
Jay sat next to her and passed her the plate, "Fair."
Hailey's stomach grumbled and she set the plate on the coffee table, "I don't think I can."
"I want you to try," Jay grabbed a piece of toast and held it in front of her mouth, "Open."
Hailey laughed, "Stop."
Jay smirked, "Come on, you need something."
"Just a bite," Hailey said as she took the bread from him. She took a small bite, "Happy?"
"No, keep going," Jay leaned back on the couch, "I want you to drink this whole glass too."
Hailey shook her head and slowly ate her toast.
Jay watched her more than he watched the TV. She was still pale, but she wasn't shivering anymore and she'd stopped sweating. He gently set the back of her hand on her forehead.
Hailey swallowed, "You really are like your brother."
Jay rolled his eyes, "Just checking," he rested his arm on the back of the couch.
"It is useful right now," Hailey brushed her hands off, "Happy?"
Jay held the glass of water out.
Hailey sighed, but took it. She took a sip and then shook her head and set the water next to the plate.
"Too much?" Jay asked softly.
Hailey nodded and closed her eyes.
"All right," Jay lightly touched the back of her head, "At least you have some food in you."
Hailey groaned and put her head in her hands.
"Come here," Jay said and helped her lay down with her head in his lap.
Hailey blushed and bit her lip, but it felt good to be taken care of for once, so she let him run his fingers through her hair and rub her back. They've been getting closer and closer the past few months and this just confirmed that maybe he was starting to feel the same as her.
Vanessa wasn't sure what to expect when she walked in the house that night, but she didn't think she'd see something so cute.
Jay was laying on the couch asleep and Hailey was on top of him, her head resting on his chest, with a blanket over them.
Vanessa walked over quietly and noticed Hailey was awake, "Hey," she whispered.
Hailey looked up and smiled sleepily, "Hi."
"Feeling better?" Vanessa lightly sat on the edge of the coffee table.
"A little," Hailey yawned and curled closer to Jay.
"What'd you two do?" Vanessa smirked.
Hailey blushed, "Mostly this. Get your mind out of the gutter though, I slept the majority of the day."
"Okay," Vanessa laughed and put her hands up, "Fine."
Jay stirred and put a hand on Hailey's back. He sighed in his sleep and turned his face into the couch cushions.
Hailey smiled softly and rubbed her thumb over his shirt.
"Just friends," Vanessa nodded and stood, "Cute friends though."
Hailey shook her head, "Whatever."
Vanessa was about to leave when she noticed a pile of clothes on the chair, "What's this?"
"His clothes from last night," Hailey answered, "He changed into some of the pajamas he keeps here."
"Say that again then try to convince me you two aren't dating," Vanessa crossed her arms.
"Shut up," Hailey hissed.
Vanessa smirked, "Need anything from me?"
"We're – I-I'm fine," Hailey sighed.
"Mhmm," Vanessa walked into the kitchen. She turned once at the fridge and smiled back at the living room. Hailey had settled back on Jay and her eyes were closed again. Vanessa had no regrets in calling Jay last night.
A month later, Kim and Jay walked back into the district after talking with a suspect and Jay ran toward the locker room. Kim shook her head and walked up the stairs to the bullpen.
"Hailey," she said, "Go get your man."
Hailey looked up from her conversation with Vanessa, "What?"
"Jay's sick and it's nasty and I need to go bathe in hand sanitizer," Kim shook her head and stood at her desk. She quickly started cleaning herself off.
"He's not my man," Hailey said.
Kim rolled her eyes, "Sure."
Vanessa held back a laugh and breathed, "I told you so."
"What happened?" Hailey put her hands in her pockets.
"Flu or food poisoning, no idea," Kim said, "He couldn't even drive. I had to take over on the way back."
Hailey shook her head and walked downstairs to the locker room. The door was closed so she knocked before walking in, "Jay?"
He coughed and said, "I'm fine. Be up in a minute."
"No, I'm gonna take you home," Hailey walked further in and stepped around the lockers.
Jay shook his head and looked up in the mirror to see her reflection, "I'm staying."
"You look awful," Hailey said.
"Way to make me feel good about myself," Jay said and started gagging again.
Hailey hurried over and set a hand on his back, "You're sure about that?"
Jay threw up in the sink and breathed, "I hate you."
"Back at you," Hailey smirked.
Jay stumbled back and sat on the bench, "Fine, I'll go home. I've earned it anyways," he wiped his mouth and tried smirking at Hailey.
"Oh really?" Hailey laughed and easily opened his locker to grab the hoodie she knew he kept inside.
"Yeah, this is what gas station chicken wings do to you," Jay said and gripped his stomach, "I was just so hungry after that stakeout last night."
"Food poisoning?" Hailey guessed.
"I'm assuming," Jay winced.
"All right," Hailey passed him the hoodie, "Put this on and I'll drive you to your apartment."
"Are you going to stay?" Jay asked as he slipped the hoodie on.
"Of course," Hailey smiled and grabbed her keys. She helped Jay stand, "Are you going to be okay in the car?"
"No idea," Jay said and slowly walked out with her.
"You better or else you're paying for the cleaning," Hailey joked.
"Your car's usually dirty anyways," Jay stopped to catch his breath and leaned against the wall.
"You should stop talking," Hailey rolled her eyes.
Jay chuckled and rubbed his stomach, "And why would I do that?"
"Because I'm your escape for the day," Hailey said and set a hand on his back, "Come on, almost there."
Jay nodded and followed her to the parking lot. He groaned as he finally was able to slip into Hailey's passenger seat.
Hailey got in as well and turned the air on high before adjusting the radio.
Jay quickly locked the doors, "Why is this never first on your list of things to do when you get in the car?"
Hailey glanced at him, "What do you mean?" She made sure the vents were pointed at Jay and started driving toward his apartment.
"That it's not safe to sit in your car with the doors unlocked while you mess around with the radio and air," Jay leaned his head back.
"I have my gun," Hailey said.
"You're still a woman," Jay closed his eyes.
Hailey reached over and lightly punched his arm.
Jay barely flinched, "Cop or not, there are crazy people out there and I'd rather you not have to shoot someone when they try to rob you in your car."
Hailey sighed, "Fine, you have a point."
Jay nodded and rubbed his face.
Hailey glanced at him, "Keep breathing. You'll be okay."
"Can you just drop me off at Will's?" Jay asked quietly, "You don't need to see me like this."
"Not an option," Hailey said, "I know he's at work."
"Hails," Jay begged.
Hailey reached over and grabbed his hand, "You hung out with me while I puked my guts out in my tiny bathroom. I'm staying with you."
"Fine," Jay coughed again and sat up.
Hailey squeezed his hand, "You're doing a good job."
"At not dying right now?" Jay weakly laughed.
"At not destroying my car," Hailey smiled.
Jay was about to reply when he turned a shade of green, "Pull over."
"We're almost there," Hailey said, "One minute."
"Hailey, now," Jay unbuckled his seatbelt.
Hailey sighed and quickly pulled to the side of the road near a trashcan.
Jay jumped out of the car and ran toward the trashcan to empty his stomach.
Hailey bit her lip and looked through her console for her mints.
Jay finally came back in the car and refused to look at her.
"Here," Hailey said softly and held out her bag of lifesavers.
"Thanks," Jay mumbled and took one.
"You okay?" Hailey asked.
"Just drive," Jay whispered and rested his head against the window.
Hailey lightly squeezed his leg and started the car again. Once she parked the car, she got out and opened the passenger side, "Give me your hand."
Jay blushed and took her hand. He shakily stepped out and stared at the ground.
"Come on," Hailey said softly and led him inside and up to his apartment.
Once his door was open, Jay hurried into the bathroom and shut that door fast.
Hailey sighed and winced as she heard him throw up again. She filled a glass with water and looked throw his cupboards for crackers. She didn't find any saltines, but she grabbed a bag of pretzels and went to the bathroom. She knocked on the door before opening it.
"'M fine," Jay mumbled, not looking up from the toilet.
"Don't be so proud, I really don't mind," Hailey set the pretzels and water on the counter before leaving and going into Jay's room. She quickly found her own sweatpants and t-shirt to change in to, then brought clean clothes to Jay.
He finally looked up, "You changed."
"Just wanted to be comfortable," Hailey smiled softly and knelt behind him, "Do you have a minute?"
"Yeah," Jay scooted back. He took his clothes from her and quickly pulled his shirt and hoodie off, "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Hailey said.
Jay undid his belt and looked at Hailey, "I guess we're way past seeing each other in our underwear now."
Hailey laughed and shook her head, "I wouldn't say way past, but yeah, we're past that point in our friendship."
Jay smiled and slipped his jeans off to pull on the pair of sweatpants Hailey brought him. He grabbed the wall and breathed, "Whoa."
"Hey, hey," Hailey said softly, "Let's go back down to the floor."
Jay nodded and sat with her help.
"Want to lay down?" Hailey asked.
"No," Jay put his head in his hands, "Now I know what you meant when you said everything hurt."
Hailey smiled sadly, "I'm sorry," she brushed her hand over his hair. She reached up and grabbed the pretzels, "This is all I could find."
Jay pushed the bag away, "I'm fine."
"I want you to eat," Hailey said and opened the bag.
"No," Jay shook his head, "Not yet."
"When did this all start?" Hailey asked.
Jay glanced up at her and bit his lip.
"Jay Halstead," Hailey raised her eyebrows.
"I figured it could be a one and done this morning before work, but then Kim had to take me to that Japanese steakhouse and the fish smell killed me," Jay admitted.
"Yeah," Hailey said softly and lightly rubbed his arm.
They sat in silence until Jay shakily tried to stand.
"What're you doing?" Hailey asked and stood with him.
"I'm freezing," Jay said.
Hailey nodded, "You should try to sleep too."
"Does that mean I need to go to my room?" Jay chuckled.
"Yes," Hailey smiled and walked with him to his bed.
"Remember how I pretty much carried you all over your house when you were sick?" Jay got under his covers, "Why aren't you repaying that favor?"
Hailey laughed, "First of all, you didn't carry me everywhere. Second, I might be strong, but I'm not can-carry-a-grown-ass-man strong."
Jay smiled and pulled the other covers down, "Come lay with me."
"Sure," Hailey said, "But one minute." She left the room and returned with a large bowl and the kitchen trashcan.
"Here's a tip," Jay pushed himself up slightly, "When a guy invites you to sleep in his bed, don't bring a trashcan with you."
Hailey rolled her eyes and set the bowl on the nightstand and the trashcan next to the bed, "How would you know? When was the last time you even invited a girl in your bed?"
"Ouch, Hailey, that hurt," Jay laughed.
Hailey smirked and got in the other side of the bed. She didn't hesitate to slide next to Jay and wrap her arms around his waist. "You feel really cold," she whispered.
"I'm scared that means I'm going to get sick again," Jay said quietly.
"I don't think that's how this works," Hailey pulled at the blankets and tightened them around Jay. She lightly rubbed his back, "Just relax, you'll warm up soon."
"Mhmm," Jay closed his eyes and pressed back against Hailey.
She smiled and held him close.
He was still long enough that Hailey thought he'd fallen asleep, but he eventually whispered, "Thanks for being here."
"You're welcome," Hailey replied. She bit her lip and her eyes flickered to the back of his head. He'd kissed her a handful of times on the head before…it was only fair. She swallowed and lightly kissed the top of his head, squeezing his waist.
Out of her sight, Jay smiled and set his hand on top of hers. He rubbed his thumb over her wrist. She flipped her hand to intertwine their fingers. He could get used to this.
Hailey remained awake as Jay slept, but she didn't get bored. She knew thinking about him could lead to her getting hurt in the end, but she couldn't stop her mind to drifting to thoughts of what their life could be like if they were to take that weird, big leap from partners to more.
That was until Jay started groaning in his sleep.
Hailey sat up and rubbed his side, "Are you going to be sick?"
Jay didn't answer her, but rolled closer to the side of the bed and managed to grab the bowl off the nightstand in time to throw up into it.
Hailey winced and lightly scratched his back, "I'm so sorry."
Jay spit in the bowl and put it on the ground, "Don't. I'm the one who's sorry. This is disgusting."
Hailey shook her head and got out of bed.
Jay watched her, "Don't do what I think you're going to do."
"It's fine, really," Hailey picked up the bowl and brought it to the bathroom. Once she cleaned it out, she came back with a washcloth and said, "Can I clean you up a bit?"
"Is that really an option?" Jay chuckled.
"Eh," Hailey smiled and set the clean bowl back on the nightstand. She sat on the bed and used the washcloth to wipe the sweat from Jay's face.
"You are seriously the best," Jay said softly.
"Thank you," Hailey smiled.
"I think I actually am a tiny little bit hungry," Jay sat up further.
"How do you feel about soup?" Hailey asked.
"That sounds good, but I don't know how many ingredients I have to add to it," Jay pushed the covers off him, "Oh, I did buy a rotisserie chicken yesterday."
Hailey shook her head, "And you still chose to buy gas station food last night?"
"It was a terrible choice, I know," Jay stood.
Hailey set her hands on his arms to steady him, "You can stay here. I'll make it."
"I'm good," Jay walked with her to the kitchen.
"Sit there," Hailey pointed to the couch.
"Bossy," Jay breathed and sat down.
Hailey laughed as she started pulling out ingredients and making the soup. She kept her eyes on Jay to make sure he didn't get sick again. He seemed fine, but he was starting to wipe his face and take deep breaths.
"You good?" Hailey asked.
Jay looked to her and nodded slightly, "Do you mind bringing me a pop though?"
"What?" Hailey raised her eyebrows.
"One of your Sprites, can I have one?" Jay asked, "They're in the bottom drawer."
"Uh, sure," Hailey opened the fridge, "A Sprite?"
"Yeah," Jay nodded.
Hailey walked over and passed him one, "Why?"
"My mom used to give us pop if we stomachaches," Jay opened the bottle and quickly drank from it.
"Oh," Hailey sat next to him.
"I always think about her when I'm sick," Jay said quietly.
Hailey nodded and set her hand on his knee, "It's hard not to think about being little when you're sick."
Jay chuckled and nodded, "Will used to love when I'd get sick."
Hailey smiled, "He was always a doctor?"
"And then he became a plastic surgeon," Jay laughed, "God, it pissed my dad off." He shook his head and looked at his pop before taking a sip of it.
Hailey squeezed his leg and left him to his thoughts to finish the soup. She ladled it into two bowls and carried them to the couch, "I want you to eat most of this, at least all the broth."
Jay smiled at her, "You really are something else."
"Compliment?" Hailey smirked and started eating.
"Of course," Jay nudged his shoulder against hers. He slowly ate, "This is really good, thank you."
"You're welcome," Hailey smiled. She reached behind him and draped the blanket over his shoulders.
Jay glanced up at her and smiled softly. He shook his head and turned back to his soup.
"Hmm?" Hailey sipped her soup.
"If someone had to take care of me because I had food poisoning, I'm glad it's you," Jay said.
Hailey smiled and blushed, "Thanks."
Jay looked down at his bowl, "I'm sorry, but I might have hit my limit."
Hailey looked at his soup, "One more spoonful?"
"If I puke again, it's on you," Jay said as he ate the last spoonful. He set the bowl on his coffee table and turned to lay on the couch, "Don't judge me."
Hailey laughed softly, "I haven't judged you yet."
"Thanks," Jay closed his eyes and tugged at the blanket.
Hailey put the dishes in the sink and came back to see Jay asleep. She fixed the blanket and brushed her hand over his hair. He moved around on the couch, but quickly settled back down. She smiled and grabbed her phone to sit on the other end of the couch.
She had a text from Vanessa and rolled her eyes.
~Just friends?~ Vanessa Rojas
Hailey glanced over at Jay and smiled a little. She would be lying if she said there weren't times today that she imagined dating life with him, but for now…
~Yup~