Fighter

Chapter 17

Jay stood there, wide-eyed. After coming back from the deli down the street, and catching the end of their conversation. Cancer treatment?! "What?" He said in disbelief. His container carrying his lunch hit the floor - thankfully staying closed, as it thumped against it.
Both Erin and Kim's eyes were instantly on him. Erin was out of the chair almost as quick as he had turned on his heel to get away from them, heading toward the break room.

"Jay...I'm sorry you had to find out like that." She said, as she closed the door behind her. He stood with his back to her, gripping at the counter. "You have cancer." He said so quietly, she almost missed it. "How long?" "How long...?" "How long have you known." He whipped around, now staring her in the face. "I-I just found out, basically. Can we sit and talk about this?" She found herself already exhausted. He nodded, and she took a seat, as he slid into the one facing her. "I'm sorry. I didn't want you to find out-" "You weren't going to tell us, tell me, were you?" Although she wanted him to be wrong..he wasn't completely off base with that response. So, with a shake of her head, she dropped her gaze to the table. "I didn't want anyone to know until it was over. The treatment, I mean. I didn't want anyone feeling sorry for me. You know how I feel about that." It was true, she hated spotlights on her, or the dreaded sympathetic acts, and looks. "I needed to come by and just see everyone before I start treatment." She dropped her gaze to her lap.
Jay truly was at loss for words. He had lost her to New York, and now, he could lose her again - this time, permanently. The thought of never seeing her again terrified him. At least he knew where she had gone off to when she left town so suddenly. He shook his head, almost trying to erase those thoughts from his mind. No. She was going to be just fine, and thinking anything other than that was now unacceptable. Reaching across the table, he reached for her hand, covering it with his own. "Hey. It's going to be fine though. You'll kick this things ass harder than any criminal we have ever had to face, and come back stronger than ever." His words caused the few stray tears left, to trail down her cheeks, now dimpled as she smiled. "You always did know what to say to make me feel better, Halstead." He nodded. "I'm glad I can be there to supply that."
Just then, a knock on the window signaled them out. They stood, and he patted her shoulder, before they joined the rest of the unit.
"Hey! The ghost has gifted us another visit!" Adam said, tossing the tennis ball toward Jay. Catching it, he shot a look in his direction as a warning to watch his words after catching Erin's slight flinch at the term used. "Nice to see you too, Ruzek." She said as he stood to give her a hug. "Seriously though Linds, it's good to see you. What brings you by today?" He asked scanning her slightly red-rimmed eyes, from the crying she had done with Kim. "I'm okay. Really. I do have some news I have to share though."

Looking at the now curious faces in front of her, she took in the sight she had missed for so long. Kim gave her a reassuring nod from where she still sat tucked away at her desk. "I have cancer, and the reason I'm home- I mean, back in Chicago, is for the oncologist they have over at med." Each of her brothers in blue were shocked, and they all shared glances around the room. "I'm going to be okay though, I just needed to get that off my chest." Antonio stood and rushed to envelop her into a tight hug, the rest following suit. "Guys- I love you all, but I love oxygen even more." She gasped out as they all shared a laugh and eased up. "Nice to still feel the love." "We're here for whatever you need. Always." Antonio said, with one more tight hug. "Thanks, 'Tonio." She said, placing a kiss on his cheek. "It's nice to have my family around before I do this."