Locked and Loaded: A Jay Halstead Fanfiction

Chapter 41

"Hey Becca. How are you uh, doing?" Harley asked as she answered the phone.

"You know, it was rough at first when Mom moved to Puerto Rico and the divorce was happening. But she calls me when she can and Sylvie has been over a lot. I think Dad's got a thing for her," Becca chuckled.

"Matt and Sylvie? I can see it."

"Do you have a few minutes to talk or are you at the district?"

"I've got a few minutes. Jay and I are just on our way to the district. What's up?"

"For my American Studies class we have to make a scrapbook by interviewing a veteran. I kind of put it off and forgot about it and now it's due tomorrow. So I was hoping if you guys were around the station today..."

"You want to interview me or Jay?"

"Actually I was hoping to do both of you. Ya know, extra credit never hurts."

"We're definitely related," She chuckled, "Why don't you come in in like an hour-ish? That way we shouldn't be too busy."

"Thanks! You're the best. See you soon!"

"Love you."

"Love you too."

Harley hung up as they neared the district. Jay grabbed her hand, pressing a kiss to her hand.

"What was that all about?" he asked, curious.

"Becca has to interview a veteran for a project and she wanted to interview the both of us. I know you're not big on talking about your experience overseas but-"

"No, it's cool. I can do that for Becca. She coming by the district?"

"Yeah in an hour. Thank you."

"Of course."

****

When Becca showed up at the station, everyone greeted her with hugs, including Voight.

"What brings you here kid?" Atwater asked with a grin.

"School project. I'm interviewing Jay and Harley," Becca responded, shifting her notebook in her hands, "Speaking of which, who wants to go first?"

"I can," Jay offered, much to Harley's surprise.

The two headed to the nearby conference room to talk. Becca settled down with her interview questions in front of her, ready to dive in.

"So first I just need the basic information!"

"Okay. Well I was 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regimen in the Army, more specifically the special forces division," Jay began, "I served two tours in Afghanistan overall and was in an infantry position. That's how I got my marksmanship skills."

"Awesome. Why did you leave the Army?"

"It was an honorary medical discharge. During my last tour, my unit was ambushed and we lost most of my unit. I actually have a scar on my sternum from shrapnel in the incident."

"What was your relationship with the people in your unit like?"

"We were like brothers. We always had each other's back whether it was when we were out on deployment or back on base hitting up a local bar. The bond we had is one that lasts a lifetime. I mean you've seen how Mouse and I are."

"You guys are pretty close," Becca smiled, jotting down notes, "What impact did the military have one you?"

"It definitely impacted me positively and negatively. I mean deployments sucked, but I don't regret my time I served and the people I've met. I wouldn't sign up for it again though. I mean the PTSD coming back is rough, every soldier will tell you that. But when you've got the proper support, you work through it."

"One more question, how has your time served correlated with your relationship with Harley?"

"While we didn't serve together, we had the same experience. It's was nice to relate to someone I loved like that. Harley is the one who got me to visit a PTSD support group when I had a bad flare up and her tried to get me to speak to a therapist. I probably wouldn't be where I am without her."

"Awe that's so sweet. Thank you so much Jay."

"Of course. Want me to send Harley in?"

"Yes please."

They switched and Harley came in to talk about her experiences.

"Before we start on me, Jay never brings it up but he was awarded an 'Army Expert Marksman Medal'. I just wanted you to make not of that."

"Will do. So tell me about your time."

"I was an Army ranger like Jay. I served in Afghanistan two three tours. I was in for a total of four years."

"What was your relationship with the people in your unit like?"

"I only got close with a few people, none really stuck after I left overseas. However, when I was over there, we were close."

"What impact did the Army have on you?

"It had its positive and negative impacts on me. PTSD is a demon that I deal with to this day from the war and other things. But it also gave me a lot of experience that helped lead me to knowing I wanted to be a cop. I don't regret my experience, but I'm definitely not going back."

"Thanks sis."

"No problem. Is that enough for your project?"

"More than enough. Can I ask one more question though?"

"Sure."

"Did the military have any effect on you ending up with Jay or how you raise your kids?"

"It definitely had an effect on Jay and I ending up together. We had shared trauma in that area of our lives and we were able to bond over that among other things. To be honest, I think we helped heal each other," Harley explained, "As for the kids, I don't think it has a direct effect on how we raised them. We definitely raise them to be away of PTSD triggers or explain to them why sometimes fireworks scare daddy. We just raise them to respect."

"You guys are really great parents. Just so you know. And definitely couple goals."

"Thanks. That means a lot to me. Really."

"Just stating the truth. Thanks again for doing this for me. I really appreciate it."

"Yeah no problem kiddo!"

* I know it's a little dull, but I promise action is coming :) I hope y'all enjoy the little background on Jay and Harley's time in the Army!