Listen to Her || A Chicago P.D. Fanfiction

7

"I can't do this."

"Yes, you can."

She deeply exhales as her heart pounds in her chest.

"You're sure I look alright?"

"Yeah, you look wonderful. Trust me."

Her right leg bounces up and down in the parked car. She's dressed in jeans, a plain hoodie, and her cleanest sneakers. She opted for the baggy hoodie since it's a comfort clothing item for her, that way she can feel not as bad if for some reason this meetup with everyone goes wrong. Mascara and a light layer of tinted chapstick give her face some color. She focuses on taking deep breaths, but her chest feels tight, and it won't let much air through.

"I think I'm gonna puke." Danielle whispers in a slight panic.

"I'm here to make sure you don't. Here, drink." Scar assures her in a calm and gentle voice, holding a bottle of water towards her after facing his body in her direction. He remembers their grounding procedure from high school; the way her anxiety attacks would get so bad, it's practically engraved in his brain.

Carefully, she grabs the bottle, hoping her trembling hands won't cause a mess as she puts it up to her mouth, taking slow sips.

"Now, I want you to chew this," He hands her a half of a stick of gum after the bottle is in one of his hands, "And focus on the flavor. It's minty."

She forces herself to chew the gum as her leg keeps bouncing, but not as bad. Scar keeps an eye on her, watching how after a couple of minutes, her breathing becomes almost normal, meaning her senses are coming back to reality.

"Thanks." She softly tells him.

"That's what I'm here for." He says with a small smile.

They both move to exit the vehicle. She still can't believe this is happening. Scar had picked her up for lunch earlier today, and that earned him an introduction to the Intelligence men. He took it upon himself to invite them over to Julian and Maria's house this evening so they can all get to know each other. Much to her horror, the men agreed, and she knows it's because they want to witness her behavior outside of work. She can tell they want answers as to how she knows someone who looks like Scar; someone who looks like they have lived a life of crime.

"When are your work pals getting here?" He asks her as they stand on the sidewalk.

Before she can answer him, they hear noise coming from across the street. Turning around, the two find four cars pulling up, each of them parking behind each other.

"That'd be them." She whispers, watching the men exit their cars then cross the street.

"I hope you all aren't picky about which beer you drink." Adam jokes as he carries a large case of beer.

"We'll drink whatever's good, bro." Scar answers with a small smile.

He leads them through the packed driveway and to the front door, opening it since he knows it's unlocked.

"Oh my gosh, look at you!" Maria's voice suddenly rings out throughout the living room, indicating that she has seen who she was hoping would show up.

She hugs Danielle close, squeezing her tightly.

"Julian, come on." She calls to her husband, who makes his way over to them with a child in his arms.

"Shadow, it's so good to see you." Julian says with a big smile as he hugs her with one arm.

"You, too, Julian. Thanks for having me in your home. And them." She whispers the last two words as her eyes dart to her teammates, who are introducing themselves to the other homies.