I Love You and I'm Sorry

Home

When the elevator dinged, nobody knew what to expect. Sometimes, it brought a coveted witness, one who would bring an important lead. Other times, it bore a fearful victim, coming in nervously to report a crime. On a rare day, it held someone cherished by the squad, a significant other, or a member of one's immediate family, someone who hadn't been to the precinct in a long time. Today was one of those rare days. 

The doors slid open to a wide, vibrant grin. It was the face of someone who was coming home.

"Welcome to the party, pal."

Rosa raised an eyebrow, "Shouldn't we be saying that to you?" 

Jake glared back at her, "That's not the point, Rosa."

"Dumbass," she snorted.

Jake pulled her in for a hug as she rolled her eyes in annoyance. 

"It's good to have you back, Detective," Holt said, a glimmer of fondness briefly crossing his face. 

Jake opened his mouth to speak but shut it again, his face screwed up with emotion.

Charles darted across the room, screeching to a halt in front of his best friend.

"Jakey, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, I just love you guys a lot." He allowed Charles to give him a hug, one that was soon joined by the rest of the squad, Terry, Holt, Gina, Rosa (begrudgingly), and Amy. 

"Actually, I'm kind of nervous," Jake whispered. 

Amy took his hand, "Do you want to talk about it?"

He gripped her tighter, "I don't know if I can do this."

"Gurl, please. Of course, you can. Besides, you're gonna have these losers to help you out, and since you knew me before the G-Hive, you have my phone number."

"I knew you before the G-Hive too, but you still make me call through your personal assistant," Amy whined.

"See Jakey? It's a privilege," Gina smirked.

"She's right, we're all going to be looking out for you," the Sarge promised. 

"You guys are the best, seriously," Jake mumbled into Terry's shirt. 

Terry and Holt shared a look.

"If things get too much for you to handle, you have to let one of us know. We're your superior officers, which means it's our job to make sure you're performing at your best. And we also care about you, a lot," Terry began. 

Holt nodded, "We are willing to make accommodations for your health and wellbeing. The Lieutenant is right; you need to allow us to assist you."

Rosa stepped in, "We're a squad. We have to take care of each other, and you know, gross stuff like trust."

Jake let a genuine smile cross his face before laughing and poking Rosa, "You sound like the Swedes."

"Oh God, shut up."

"You love me."

"I said, shut up." 

"You didn't deny it."

"I will break your face."

"Got it," he stopped, "You still didn't deny it though."

Without giving Rosa a chance to respond, Jake turned and ran. 

* * *

Amy pulled him aside after the reunion was over. He followed her out to the balcony. 

"We're implementing a new system."

Jake stared at her questioningly, "Huh?"

"From now on, if you have a problem at work and you want to talk to me in private, put something random on my desk, like a pen or a mug. Then, I'll take you somewhere we can talk, and if it's something we need to let Holt or the Sarge know, we'll do that too."

Jake smiled. He was still nervous, but he knew that was okay because he had so many people who were going to help him through this. 

"That way, you don't have to tell me directly that something's up, because I know that's hard for you," Amy finished. 

"I'll get there eventually," he beamed, "because I have an amazing wife who gets me. And not only does she love and care for me, but she's also super smart, beautiful, ambitious, and dedicated because she's perfect as her own person and not just as my husband."

"That's funny, I have an awesome husband who's funny, brave, works hard, and his butt is the bomb."

"You're everything."

"You're going to kick depression and anxiety in the ass."

He gently pressed his lips to hers.

"I love you, Ames."

"I love you too. Now shut up and kiss me."

Jake had no trouble complying.