UPSTEAD ONE SHOT(S)

It Works

(Alternative to 8x14 and Jay talks to Voight about him and Hailey in the morning).

Jay lept out of bed at the crack of dawn, eager to get to the district and talk to Voight about him and Hailey. He wasn't pleased at all with how Voight tret Hailey the day before, and he wasn't about to let it carry on any longer. Jay promised Hailey he'd protect her, and he would no matter what the possible consequences may be.
He threw on his usual shirt and jeans, before heading out the door; leaving Hailey alone fast asleep in bed.

At the station, Jay headed right for Voight's office- where he was already busy writing up reports of previous cases and dealing with other Sargent crap. Jay gently knocked on the door, quickly grabbing his Serg's attention on the first beat. "Come in" Vought called through the closed door. Jay opened the door, the way his stance was already told Voight Jay wasn't in a good mood. "You alright, Halstead?" Voight asked, putting down his pen and sitting back in his chair. "Me? yeh. Hailey? Not so much" As soon as 'Hailey' slipped out of Jay's mouth, Voight knew exactly what was coming in the conversation ahead. "I just asked her if you too were a thing" Voight stated. "You made her second guess herself, because you found out about her and I and thought it was blurring her judgment. Why?" Jay asked, crossing his arms and shrugging his shoulders. "We had time to nail his ass yesterday. You made a descion and she backed you, when clearly it wasn't the right call" Voight explained, standing up off his chair to try and Jay to back down. "We've been working like that for years. We back each other up, and always have done. And, like said said, her and I had the better angle" Jay defended Hailey, not letting Voight's attempt of intimidating him get to him. Voight said nothing, he just stared intimidatingly into Jay's eyes- literally and figuratively squaring up to him. Jay was used to Voight's games though, and it didn't bother him anymore. "You targeted her because you saw her hand on my back yesterday morning. You were testing her" It all made sense. Voight knew Hailey was weak when it came to approval because her past, so he pressed on her bruised part and her loyalty level to see if she'd crack or who's side she'd take: her boyfriend's or her boss's. "I tested you and Lindsey, too, but you never stuck up for her like this" The way Voight compared Hailey to Erin made Jay's blood boil. It was two entirely different situations and they were two entirely different people. "You know it's different, Serge" Jay glared, his tone numbingly flat.

"How?" Voight challenged.

If Voight wanted to go there, Jay was more than happy too. "Erin was a loose end with you, you already had her on your side. No matter what I done to try and protect her from you, it was too late. It's not too late for Hailey and she isn't anything like Erin. Hailey isn't some ex-druggie who can barely stay sober. Hailey's a good, clean cop- the only mistakes she's ever made have because she's been guided by you. You Voight! I won't let that happen to Hailey" Jay's voice was angry, frustrated and emotional. He struggled to look at his Serge, who was dragging the last and most vulnerable member of the team down.

Voight smirked, a move that angered Jay even more. There wasn't anything about this situation that was even remotely amusing. "Why you laughing? You find your games funny?" Jay questioned. "I was testing Hailey, but I was also testing you aswell. I wanted to see how long it would take you to storm in here defending her. It's what a good partner and a good boyfriend, other-half, whatever you are would do. Like I said to Hailey, you two are great together....I'm not splitting that up. I just wanted to see it for myself. Yes, it was harsh and mean, but it had to do it" Voight explained, tapping Jay on the shoulder. "Hu?" Jay grunted speechless. "Jay, you and her are good. I wouldn't tare Hailey down with me either, I've already seen how easily guided she is. She's too good for it" Voight told truthfully. Voight had a soft spot for Hailey, wether he'd show it or not. She was a like a daughter to him, he wanted to show her a real father figure- even though he'd mistakenly influenced her the wrong way for a while. "Sooooo, you're not pissed?" Jay double checked nervously.

"Not about that, but I am pissed at you for what you said about me and my games. But I'll let that go" Voight said, giving Jay a nod of assurity. Jay was Voight's left wing man, the Sergent in training- if anything, Voight was proud for Jay putting it all out their and not taking any crap, just like a true Sergent. "Thanks, Serge" Jay exhaled, finally breathing for the first time in twenty mins. "Go to work, I'll see you later" Voight ordered, shaking his head and chuckling silently at Jay. "Yes, Serge" Jay obeyed, heading out the office and to his desk.