Case by Case Love ✔️

Chapter 77: Comfort

Erin shifts closer to Jay in the bed, laying her head on his bare chest as she runs her fingers down his arm. He noticed the motion right away, a simple smile forming on his face. 

Sure, the sex was fire and great. Sure, it was nice to have her in the office again when he was on the job. But the best part was right here - the little cuddles they shared together. The fact she knew when he needed the littlest of touches to comfort him and everything he was worrying about.

"Are you okay?" She questions quietly, as she glances up into his eyes, trying to read the emotions on his face. She knew come morning hours, it would be to get dressed and make his way down to the Ivory Tower where his fate would begun to be heard. He may be able to play poker with everyone, but she knew deep down, it had to bother him to a degree. She just hoped to see some sign of that as they sat there together. "You don't have to lie to me, Jay. I know you're worried about tomorrow. Anybody who has to walk into any of those situations gets nervous. Just tell me the truth, man." 

"I'm fin-" Jay goes to start, but she shakes her head no immediately.

"Truth, Jay. Tell me the truth, please. Let me in and let me be there for you." All she gets is silence in response as she takes a deep breath. "I know you called Hank. I know that you and Hank talked about things. You wouldn't be talking to him for no reason. What's on your mind? How are you feeling about tomorrow?" 

"I'm fin-"

"I can't help you if you keep lying to me, Jay. There has to be something on that little mind of yours. Why can't you share?" He knew what he was going to say. He was going to tell them the turth, and let them go from there. Sure, he would keep in mind the conversation shared with Hank, but that was not about to change how he would handle tomorrow.

"Because I don't have anything to share about tomorrow." She could only shake her head in disgust as she thought she'd be able to get somewhere by now. She was one of a few that could crack him, and normally was able to do it within a couple words. Why was he being so difficult tonight? 

"Oh really? How about you share that with someone who will believe you? You can't tell me that you are not nervous about this whole ordeal." Jay takes a deep breath, as he debates what to say in return. He had tried to say nothing to convey the fact there was nothing to worry about and it hadn't worked. He did not feel about talking about this all night long. Why was she pushing the issue?

"I am just going to walk in there, and tell them what happened. I am going to answer all the questions. That's all I need to do because as I keep saying, I did not do anything wrong so I have nothing to worry about. Does that answer satisfy you?" The bit of a defensive tone at the end stopped her from simply nodding her head in return. Normally when he got defensive or quiet, there was more.

"Even if we know the truth and we go by the truth, it doesn't mean that others go by that same word. What if they don't believe you? What if they are after you to get to Hank? Does any of that bother you?" Jay nods his head, accepting, as he remembered the conversation he and Hank shared together. He knew he could trust Erin, but how much of that needed to be shared?

"I will tell you the same thing that I told Hank - I am cool with it. I knew what I was getting into when I signed up to work for Intelligence. I knew what I was getting into after spending 10 years working beneath Hank Voight. I also knew what I was getting into when I came back to Chicago, and signed right back up with the unit days later. I would not have signed back to work with Intelligence if I was worried about reputation or Hank Voight. I know it comes with the territory. I can handle it. I have been there before, and I can handle it again." Erin knew those words well, having thought the same thing over herself when she'd find herself tied up in a situation. Everything you went through was worth it in the end, or at least that's what you told yourself. 

"I can't believe I am listening to you saying that so clearly now. I remembered there were times where you and Hank were at complete odds on things. I never thought you'd become his firsthand man and ready to do whatever it took. I just hope that it works out, for everyone. Chicago doesn't just need Hank, but they also need a brave detective willing to do whatever to keep them safe." Jay smiles in hearing those words, offering a kiss on her lips in response. 

"Just like Chicago needs a brave young woman whose fought through hell to be where she is to stand up for those who cannot and help them get there." Jay takes a deep breath as he lets everything run through his mind, from the thoughts in regards to tomorrow to the conversation they were having now. "I appreciate you caring for me, but Eri-"

"I know, you're fine. But if you need someone to talk to or lean on, you know that you will always have me. I left you once, but I am not doing that again. I couldn't live with myself if I did that again. It'd too much pain. I can't lose you, Jay..." She then cuddles up in closer, if possible. "Please don't get yourself sent to prison. I can't lose you..."