Chicago PD || Fan-fiction

Playing Tough Guy: Chapter 18

A/N:  I'm sorry, this chapter is dialogue heavy!

JAY'S POV

Waking up with Brooke in my arms is something that I've become a little too accustomed to. If anyone understands night terrors, it's me, so if the price I have to pay for her to actually sleep is me holding her, I'm down.

The past few weeks have been kind of crazy. I had no intentions of moving into her apartment, it just happened. I was here all the time anyway and one night I slept on the couch, the night of her first nightmare, so when I left work the next day I grabbed a bag of clothes from my place and left it in my truck, just in case. Then I couldn't bring myself to leave the next night, so I stayed and changed and showered at the district. Eventually I just brought the bag in and we fell into thus unspoken routine.

Mouse coming back was a blessing in so many ways, not only do I get my best friend back, but I have an excuse to stay here longer. Even though she'll be back at work and she has physically recovered, mentally nothing has changed. I don't think I could have left in a few days knowing she was still waking up screaming.

Brooke stirs and pushes her head further into my chest, smiling I wrap my arms tighter around her and close my eyes again. I keep trying to not compare whatever is going on between us to what happened with Erin and me. Sure, she was my partner, but Brooke would never just leave like that. She'd at least yell at me first. It's crazy to think that just a few months ago I was heartbroken, walking around with an engagement ring, now Erin seems like she was a lifetime ago.

I wouldn't mind staying like this for the rest of the day, but my alarm has other plans. My watch starts to beep extremely loud for such a small object. Brooke jolts wake and puts a little too much distance between us. So much for that. I stare at her, watching as she runs her hand through her hair and rubs at her eyes. She looks perfect even when she first wakes up.

"Morning," She groans, eyeing me. Shit, I've been caught.

"Good morning," I say, getting off the bed, "Care if I jump in the shower?"

She smiles, "Of course not, I'll make breakfast."

"You don't have to do that." I say, as I head for the door.

She just shrugs, "It's no big deal, plus it's not like I have anything better to do."

"Well thanks," I say, grinning at her. She just smiles back at me and I disappear behind the bathroom door. I lean against it, running my hands over my face. Great job learning from your mistakes Jay. You'd think after my last partner ran off with half of my heart I would be a little more guarded with the next one. Obviously not, cause this girl is holding it in her hands.

Sneaking into the living room to get the clothes I forgot during my attempt to hide in the bathroom, I catch a glimpse of Brooke in the kitchen. She's standing over the stove, humming quietly to a song that's playing on her phone. My eyes shoot to her long, tan legs, than end at a pair of athletic shorts which are covered by one of my t-shirts. I suck in a breath. Damn.

I softly run back to her room before she seems me and throw on a pair of dark jeans and a gray long sleeve shirt, leaving a few of the top buttons unbuttoned. I walk out to the kitchen and plop myself down on a stool at the bar, "Now I know why you do my laundry," I tease and she blushes.

"Sorry, yours are more comfortable and I figured you weren't hurting for v-necks," She jokes, trying to hide the stained color of her cheeks.

"Don't worry about it." I say, putting my chin in my hands on the counter, "It looks better on you anyways." Brooke laughs before turning around and placing a massive omelet down in front of me, "Wow, omelets. Lucky me."