~Abuse~

Chapter 77

The team had congregated at Erin and Jay's apartment for a respite from the bullpen.

The boys were engrossed in the game console when Jay began to feel a searing pain in his abdomen.

He grimaced, letting the controller fall. "You good, bro?" Kevin inquired.

Jay gave a nod, attempting to massage away the discomfort. "I'm good,"

Jay asserted with a smile, concealing his true discomfort.

Minutes later, Erin, having ordered takeout for the group.

She grew concerned when Jay was on the couch, sleeping.

Approaching the couch, she crouched by his head. "Aren't you eating, bubs?" she inquired. Jay simply shook his head and drew the blanket closer.

Erin nodded and checked for a fever.

"You don't have a fever. Do you want to try something else to eat? I don't mind using the stove," Erin reassured.

Jay shook his head and nestled deeper into the pillows.

"I want to sleep..." Jay mumbled.

Erin pouted and kissed Jay's hair.

"Alright, my love," Erin whispered.

Erin walked back to the table and sighed.

"What's wrong with Jay? I've never seen him refuse pizza..." Adam chimed in.

Erin sighed and took a bite of her pizza slice.

"He's sick. He loses his appetite when he's not well. I'll make him something later," Erin proposed.

The team nodded, and Kim raised her suitcase.

"Remember, we're here all night," Kim said with a smile.

Erin nodded, happy to have her friends around.

After finishing the pizza, Erin started making grilled cheese and soup.

"Oh Erin! I appreciate the food, but I'm full from all that pizza!" exclaimed Adam.

Erin glanced at Adam and placed the food on the table.

"Nice try! It's for Jay," Erin responded.

The team laughed together, watching as Erin knelt beside Jay.

She softly rubbed Jay's back, trying to gently wake him.

"Mmm... I'm not hungry..." murmured Jay.

"You don't even know what I'm about to say!" Erin chuckled softly.

Jay opened his sleepy, baby-green eyes and gazed at Erin.

"I've made you some grilled cheese and tomato soup. Would you like to try it?" Erin asked.

Jay glanced at the dishes and shook his head.

"Eating makes me feel like I'm going to throw up on Adam..." Jay mumbled.

Adam took offense, but the rest of the group chuckled.

"Okay. I'll just leave the food here. Whether you eat it or not is your choice," Erin responded.

Jay turned to face the couch pillows, away from everyone else.

"If he hasn't eaten half of the dish, I'm taking him to bed and phoning Will," Erin decided.

Hank nodded and gently brushed Jay's hair from his forehead.

"He's burning up now," Hank whispered.

Erin approached and felt Jay's back under his shirt.