Linstead One Shots

Teddy Bear

*dating*

Coughing and sniffling. That was the only thing that could be heard from the mostly quiet bullpen. One desk in particular had been making the majority of the noise. Jay's desk to be more specific. He hadn't been feeling 100% these last few days, only a bit under the weather, probably just a cold. But today it had gotten worse. He was coughing, sniffling, he had a headache and pains in his chest, and he could tell he was running a fever.

Of course he wasn't about to just go home, he definitely was not about to ask Hank Voight to leave in the middle of his shift. He would never leave his job unless it was completely necessary. He would work as much as possible, he loved his job. Everyone one in his unit did, this unit was a family. He hadn't gotten sick like this since he was a child, and he hoped this wasn't what that was.

Erin, however, had noticed. Not just today with all the coughing, the whole unit had noticed that, but she noticed more. He wasn't his usual self. He always loved to make people laugh with all his stupid jokes or teasing, her specifically. That's just the type of person he was, and she loved him for it.

Lately he hadn't been joking around or making fun of her, he didn't have the goofy, lopsided smile on his face. These past few days he seemed tired, sluggish even. When they were at home she would catch him dozing off or staring off into space. She knew he was sick but he wouldn't admit it. As long as she knew him he had never gotten sick, at least not enough to be visible.

She tried asking him but he said that it would pass and he was okay, she didn't believe him. She of all people knew how to lie convincingly. She quickly pulled out her phone to tell him to meet her in the break room. Once the text was sent, she grabbed her mug and headed straight for the coffee machine.

"What's up?" he asked once he reached her.

"How are you feeling?"

"Erin, I told you this morning that I'm fine," he lied. He could tell he was getting worse.

"Jay, you don't look fine, you've been coughing all morning and you look exhausted. Why don't you go home?"

"I told you Er, I'm fine," as he said this he got a bit dizzy, he quickly reached out for the counter to steady himself.

"Jay?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "Jay, you're burning up," she said as she felt his forehead and cheeks with the back of her hands.

"I'll be okay, it's probably just a cold," he said trying to reassure her, his head was now swimming.

"No, you're going home and getting some rest. I'll go tell Hank, stay here."

She walked out of the break room and into the room next door. She didn't know it but Hank had been watching the two of them the whole time.

"Hank, I th-" she started but then was soon interrupted.

"You want Halstead to go home?"

"Yeah, he's definitely running a fever, he is getting dizzy, and I know he isn't feeling well. He's too stubborn to listen to me though."

The two walked back to the break room to join Jay.

"Halstead, listen to Erin and go home already. We don't have a case anyways, we're just doing paper work and I'm sure I can find someone else to do it."

"Got it boss," he said as Hank walked out. "Tattletale," he teased putting his hands on her waist.

"Hey, I'm just looking out for my partner."

"I know, I'm just messing with you," he said as he kissed her forehead. "I'll see you later, I love you."

"I love you too."