50. Angels Fall Without You Here

I want to start off by apologizing for the time that it's taken to update. I've had a lot of personal stuff going on and it's kind of put this story on the backburner. Also, let's be honest, there really hasn't been much motivation to write happy Linstead when there's no Linstead at all. I don't think I'm even emotionally prepared for the finale. It's going to be crazy. I hope that you guys like this chapter.

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Erin looked down at the small packet in her hand and she took a deep breath and tried to fight back the fresh tears that were burning behind her lashes.

She didn't want to feel this ache and pain in her heart. She didn't understand how everyone around her was going on like Nadia's death didn't affect them. How they were all going on like nothing ever happened was beyond anything she could wrap her mind around. She wante to be like that. She wanted to numb the pain and turn off that part of her mind. The part that grieved, worried, carred and loved.

It would be one hit. What would it matter? She'd do it and get through it.

Get through it?

Yeah, she'd get through it.

One hit and she'd be numb. Numb to it all.

Erin's shaking hands reached for the small business card for Dr. Sullivan's office that Hank had "happened" to leave on the table when he went home last night and she began to pull the small pill bag open.

Kane raised his head up off of his paws from where he was laying beside Everly's swing and he walked into the kitchen where Erin was standing and barked.

Erin jumped at the sound of Kane barking and she turned to quiet the puppy. "Kane. Stop. You'll wake Everly"

Kane looked at Erin and barked again this time louder than the last time.

The sound of Everly whining and then crying filtered through the living room and to the kitchen.

And it was if the sound of her puppy barking and her daughter crying at the same time that was the breaking point for Erin. She couldn't take it anymore and shoved the glass from her morning orange juice onto the floor and the glass instantly shattered.

Kane thinking the orange juice was a treat for him belined for the yellow liquid and started licking it up as the loud noise caused Everly's cries to become louder.

"Kane No!" Erin screamed as she quickly walked over to where the puppy was and ushered him out of the way of the mix of broken glass and orange juice.

Kane whined and walked under the table as he watched Erin reach down and pick up the glass.

Erin reached down to pick the glass up and winced as a sharp shard of glass slit her palm and the searing pain from the acid in the orange juice hitting her cut set in.

Erin stood up as the hot tears slid down her cheeks and she quickly made her way over to the sink and turned it on. She watched as the water washed the blood down her fingers and into the sink and swirled down the drain. She knew she was probably going to need a stitch or two to close it up.

"Just great" Erin said to herself as she sank down on the ground and cried as the door opened and Jay walked in.

"Erin?" Jay said looking in the living room at Everly who was still crying in her swing and into the kitchen at his wife.

Jay quickly shut the door and went into the living room and gave Evie her binky. The baby quickly settled down and Jay pressed the button on the swing in an attempt to lull Everly back to sleep.

Jay walked into the kitchen and looked over at Kane who had resumed licking up the trail of orange juice that was slowly making its way under the table.

"Kane come here buddy" Jay said and the puppy instantly jumped up and took off after Jay.

Jay walked to the door and let Kane out onto the porch and shut the door behind him before making his way over to Erin.

"Er?" Jay said as he stepped over towards her.

"I'm fine" Erin said turning her head away from Jay.

"Baby" Jay said.

"Don't" Erin said "I don't need a lecture"

Jay looked at Erin and saw her holding her hand and the blood that was seeping from between her fisted hand and through her fingers.

"What happened?" Jay asked as he grabbed some paper towels off of the table and knelt down next to his wife.

"I dropped a glass" Erin said as she felt Jay take her hand and gently nudge her fingers open.

Jay grimiced as he looked down at the gash on Erin's hand. He pressed the paper towels down onto the wound and furrowed his brow as he heard Erin gasp and try to jerk her hand away.

"You're going to need to go to Chicago Med" Jay said "They're going to have to close this up"

Erin used her free hand to wipe away a tear that slid down her cheek and she nodded.

"Let me get Evie and I'll take you" Jay said standing up and reaching his arm down to help Erin stand.

"You don't have to. You have to go to work. Why are you here?" Erin asked.

"I forgot my badge on the dresser" Jay explained.

Erin nodded but didn't look up at Jay.

"I'll clean this up and then I'll get Ev ready" Jay said as he gestured towards the orange juice.

Erin nodded and walked past Jay to go and get ready for her trip to the ER.

Jay swept up the glass shards and threw them away and he grabbed the Swiffer Wet Jet to clean the orange juice up off the floor. He'd just finished when he noticed the small medicine bag laying on the floor next to Erin's purse.

Jay knelt down and picked up the small bag and he shook his head. He was so distracted by his thoughts that he didn't hear Erin walking into the kitchen.

"Jay?" Erin said softly.

"What's this?" Jay said standing up.

Erin felt her heart drop to her stomach as she looked at her husband holding the small bag of Cocaine.

"Answer me, Erin!" Jay said raising his voice.

"Jay...I" Erin started.

"Are you fucking stupid?" Jay asked "Bringing Cocaine into OUR house where OUR daughter is?"

"I didn't" Erin started again.

"Shut up" Jay said his blue eyes dark with rage. "You don't get to talk"

Erin narrowed her eyes at her husband. She sure as hell wasn't going to let him talk to her like this.

"Don't tell me what to do" Erin said.

"I told you to SHUT UP!" Jay screamed the last part as he looked at his wife. "What the hell are you thinking, Erin?"

Erin was silent as she tried to think of what to say.

"ANSWER ME" Jay yelled.

Erin jumped at the sound of his voice.

"I just needed a way out" Erin whispered. She was suddenly ashamed of herself.

"A way out? A way out from what? Me? Our daughter?" Jay questioned. His blood was boiling as he looked at Erin.

"No...of course not" Erin said.

"Then what Erin?" Jay asked. "Is this a new thing? Or have you been doing this shit since the beginning?"

"I didn't do it, Jay" Erin said. "I swear to God I didn't do it"

"Where did it come from?" Jay asked.

"What?" Erin asked.

"You heard me. Where did you get this?" Jay queastioned again.

"I don't remember" Erin lied.

"DON'T FUCKING LIE TO ME ERIN" Jay yealled "WHERE DID YOU GET THE DRUGS?"

Erin looked down at the floor and kept them there.

"I'm waiting" Jay said.

"I got them from Bunny" Erin said.

"Like mother, like daughter right?" Jay said.

"That's a low blow" Erin said looking up at Jay.

"Well, what the hell would you call it?" Jay asked. "I've never been as pissed and as disgusted with you as I am right now Erin"

"I didn't do it, Jay" Erin assured. "I'm sorry I let you down. But I'm not Bunny"

Jay shook his head and grabbed Erin's purse off the table and walked over to the front door and opened it. "Get out"

Erin looked at Jay her heart racing. "What?"

"You heard me" Jay said tossing Erin's purse onto the porch "Get the hell out of my house and take your drugs with you"

"Jay..." Erin said her heart shattering as she looked at her husband.

"This is not a drug house and I WILL NOT have this shit around MY daughter. The fact that you brought this shit in our home make me so pissed that I can't even stand to look at you. I'm sorry Nadia died, ok. But NOBODY BLAMES YOU. It was a car accident. She was killed by a drunk driver Erin. Okay!" Jay said holding the door open.

"Do you think I don't know that?" Erin shouted back. "I know that she's dead. Ok, MY best friend is dead"

Jay held the door open still. His eyes not leaving Erin's "I can't even look at you right now, Erin. If you want to go do drugs, Go to Bunny and get the fuck out of here. I won't have it in my house. I have tried playing the supportive and loving husband, but for some reason it doesn't work with you. So I guess it's time for some tough love. Get out, and don't come back if you can't go without bringing drugs into our home"

Erin felt her entire world fall out from under her as she took a few steps towards the door and walked out onto the porch. She jumped at the sound of the door slamming behind her and she knelt down to pick her purse up off of the floor and the contents of it that had spilled out.

Erin reached across for the porch and started picking up the various items and tossing them in her bag. Erin grabbed her planner and a sealed white envelope fell out.

Erin reached down for the envelope and opened it to pull out the fist thing she saw was a picture of her and Everly that was taken on Mother's Day. Erin and Everly were both wearing what they'd worn to church and were outside. Erin was holding Everly in her arms and staring at Everly with a smile on her face and Everly was staring back at Erin a wide one toothed grin on the baby's smiling face. A sun beam had broken through the clouds and was like a spotlight down from Heaven on the two as they looked at each other. The mother and daughter oblivious to what was going on around them. Erin ran her thumb over the picture and then unfolded the letter that was inside.

Erin,

I found this on my phone when I was going to print my invitations for graduation. In all honesty I've had it on my phone for awhile and it's my all time favorite picture of you and Evie-Bug. The way that little girl adores you just melts me and the way you radiate love as you look back at her is everything. It's just everything...You're the most amazing mother and I know I don't say it much, but I'm so proud to know you and call you my best friend. I can't begin to thank you for the things that you've done for me. Taking me in when I had no place to go. You're a saint and you're an embodiment of the Bible verse Matthew 25:35 "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in". I can't ever do enough to thank you for what you've done for me. You got me clean, and you gave me a new life. You never gave up on me, and I only hope that I've made you proud. Here I am a few weeks away from finally having my dream job. And it's all because of you. Thank you, Erin. For being the constant support in my life. For making me an "Aunt" to the greatest baby ever born. Thanks for showing me compassion, faith, understanding and love. But most of all, thanks for showing me that our past doesn't reflect our future. I'm going to make you proud Erin.

Your Friend Forever,

Nadia

P.S.

I ate your cheese wontons. Not Ruzek, you may want to apologize.

Erin stared down at the letter in her hands and sobs overtook her entire body as she leaned forward on the porch and cried. The sound of the front door opening and Jay knealing down beside her and wrapping his arms around her almost went unnoticed.

"I'm sorry, Jay. I'm so sorry" Erin repeated over and over as Jay pulled her into his arms and rocked her back and forth as she cried.

"I know you are" Jay said. "I'm sorry for the things that I said, too"

"I swear to God I didn't do any drugs. I promise you on everything I didn't" Erin choked out as she continued to cry into her husband's chest. "Please don't throw me out like I'm nothing. I'm sorry"

Jay pulled Erin's slender frame closer to him and he tightened his grip on her. "You're not nothing, Erin. You're everything. You're everything to me and to Everly and to everyone who knows you. Please talk to me, baby. Tell me what I can do to help you. I'll do anything that I can. Just please don't shut me out"

"I miss my friend" Erin finally confessed "And I don't know what to do. I need help"

Jay nodded and placed a kiss on Erin's head "Then we'll get you help. But let's go get your hand looked at first. And then we'll figure it out from there"

Erin nodded and pulled her head back to look at her husband. "I love you"

Jay looked at Erin's tear stained face, he felt his heart aching for his wife and he forced a smile as he looked at her. "I love you too, Erin. So much"

Erin nodded and buried her face into Jay's chest. "Please, just make the pain go away"

Jay rubbed Erin's back as he held her in his arms. "I will Erin. Somehow, I promise"

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Erin stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around herself she walked over to the mirror and picked up a comb and ran it through her wet locks. When she was finished she looked down at her hand. Jay had taken her to the ER and they'd used medical adhesive to close the small, but deep cut on her hand. When they'd gotten home from the ER Jay had taken Erin upstairs and made her flush the packet of Cocaine down the toilet and as she watched the white powder pour out and into the water she couldn't help but feel nothing but guilt.

She'd felt so vulnerable and lost this morning and how she ever thought she'd be in the mindset to do something so stupid, especially in front of her daughter wasn't something she was proud of. She knew she needed to go downstairs and talk to her husband. She just didn't know if she was ready to face that.

In all the time she'd known Jay, she'd never seen him as angry and hurt as he was when he found the bag of cocaine on the floor.

Erin tightened her towel around her and walked into the bedroom where Jay was reclined in bed shirtless and in his sleep pants watching "The Tonight Show".

Jay's eyes drifted from the TV to his wife and while the sight of his stunningly beautiful wife was more than enough to turn him on, he couldn't help but frown when he saw the bones from her ribs in her back. He knew she'd been dropping weight, but it seemed like it was boarderline scary at this point.

Jay watched in silence as Erin slipped on some underwear and one of his Army Strong t shirts before closing the drawer and tossing her towel into the hamper. Erin walked over to her side of the bed and pulled the covers back and climbed in bed.

"Are we going to talk?" Jay asked as Erin laid her head down on the pillow and turned her back to him.

Erin closed her eyes for a long moment and opened them again before rolling over and looking at her husband.

"Yeah" Erin said pushing herself up to sit.

"I owe you an apology" Jay confessed turning the TV off.

"For what?" Erin asked.

"For telling you to get out of our home. I'm not that guy, Erin. I love you. I wish I could put into words how much I love you. But, I'm not going to sit around and watch you throw your life away. You're so much more than your past. And you're so much stronger than the girl who used to be an addict. I want to help you, I would do anything to help you, Erin. I'd go to hell and back to help you. You just have to let me in. Please don't push me away. I'm begging you" Jay confessed.

"I never meant..."Erin started but had to take a breath as she got choked up. "For you to feel like I was shutting you out"

Jay looked at Erin and sighed. "Er..."

Erin shook her head "No, all my life everyone I've ever loved I've lost. Bunny, my dad, Teddy, Camille, and now Nadia. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you and Everly"

Jay turned towards Erin and reached his hand up to brush Erin's damp hair out of her face. "Hey"

Erin sniffed as a tear slid down her cheek and she instantly turned her face into the soft touch of her husband. "Jay.."

"Baby look at me" Jay pleaded.

Erin's hazel eyes rose up to meet Jay's and she was afraid she was going to be met with a look of disapproval and shame. But the only thing that came from her husband was love and support.

"Evie and I aren't going anywhere. I promise you that. I love you and Evie loves you and we're not going anywhere. But I need you to open up to me. If you're hurting let me help you. Let me be your support. You don't have to be so strong all the time" Jay explained.

"I'm just ashamed of myself" Erin confessed.

"Do you want to talk about it? If you don't want to talk to me, you can talk to Dr. Sullivan" Jay offered.

"You want me to go and talk to him, don't you?" Erin asked.

Jay was silent for a moment before he answered. "I mean, I'd like for you to. But I can't force you to"

"Can I think about it?" Erin asked.

The truth was Erin didn't want to go and talk to Dr. Sullivan again. She felt like she'd come so far and to go back and sit on that couch in front of that man would for sure make him think she was just as worthless as she felt.

"Of course" Jay said with a nod.

Erin sighed a sigh of relief and wrapped her arms around Jay's neck and hugged him.

"I love you, you know that?" Erin smiled.

Jay grinned and squeezed her tightly, resting his forehead against hers."Love you too. Now let's go finish the laundry before we hit the hay. There's only a load or two left."

Erin grinned at his domesticity and trailed behind him as they descended the stairs. Their German Shepherd greeted them at the bottom of the stairs, his tail wagging excitedly.

"Bedtime Kane," Erin murmured to the dog, scratching his head gently. "Go see Everly." The puppy gave her hand a quick lick and trodded up the stairs towards Everly's nursery where he slept at the bottom of her crib.

"When is Voight supposed to be home?" Jay asked, helping Erin to sit on top of the dryer. She shrugged slightly and handed Jay the basket, watching as he filled it with clean clothes.

"Not sure exactly. Olivia called and said that she was feeling better and he'd probably be home by the end of the week, but Noah was coming down with something so he said he'd let us know later." Jay nodded and tossed the wet clothes into the dryer, watching Erin turn and adjust the settings, putting the machine into action. He plucked the presorted clothes from the basket on the floor and tossed them into the washer, adding the necessary detergents and shutting the lid as Erin folded the last towel and grinned.

"We make quite the team don't we Er?" he smiled back and stood in front of her, spreading her knees so he could lean closer. Erin leaned in to meet him and kissed him gently on the lips, sighing with contentment.

"I don't know what I'd do without you." Erin confessed.

Jay smiled and looked at his wife before responding "That's why you have backup"

Jay ran his hands along the length of her back, stopping on her neck to draw her closer to him. He kissed her again, soft, chaste kisses, conveying all the love he could muster into a single gesture. She made the move to deepen their kisses, slowly and gently devouring him with her mouth. He pulled away, gazing at her cloudy eyes and her rosy lips, swollen from their kisses. Without a word he brushed the hair from her eyes and leaned in to kiss her again, moving his hands down to slide her ass from the dryer. She accepted his unspoken proposal and wrapped her legs around his waist, allowing him to carry her out of the laundry room and up the stairs into their bedroom.

Their lips never parted nor did their kisses become frantic. Erin left his mouth as he nudged their door open with her back, trailing warm, tender kisses slowly along his jawline. He turned his head to give her better access, leaning over to ease her onto their bed. He stood up slowly, his gaze travelling over her lithe body as she smiled lovingly up at him from the mattress. He traced her hairline with his fingers, moving his hands down to touch the curves of her body as she lay still, allowing him his exploration.

She moved finally, sliding her hands up to meet his, linking their fingers as their palms slid together. Her voice wavered slightly as he leaned down to kiss her again.

"I love you," she whispered, guiding his hands to the bottom of the Army Strong t shirt, helping him to pull it up. "I love you so much." He slid the garment from her shoulders, releasing her hands to pull the shirt over her head. He wasn't in a hurry. Tonight they needed to take it slow, take the time to love each other properly, something they had taken for granted before Everly. After her birth, sex had turned into a rare occurrence. When they did make love it was fast and passionate and they were usually too tired to appreciate it. He needed her tonight, just as she needed him, not just in body but in spirit. Tonight she wanted to be one with him, in body, in soul and in heart, and she was determined to give him as much of herself as she wanted from him.

She stood slowly, guiding his hands to her hips . Dragging her panties down to join the shirt, he placed a gentle kiss over her belly button, standing to find her mouth again. She smiled again, and ran her hands over the muscled planes of his chest, bringing them to rest on sleep pants, she pushed them along with his boxers down his legs, letting him step out of them before taking his hand and guiding him to their bed. They lay face to face on top of the covers, caressing each other's bare skin as they gazed deep into each other's eyes, conveying the thoughts they had no words for. Finally, Jay leaned in and kissed her again, biting back a moan as Erin's hands began to stroke his cock lightly. His hands found their way into her hair, trailing down her body to knead her pert round breasts, fuller since the birth of Evie.

Silently Erin moved her hand to his shoulder and rolled onto her back, pulling him over her. She leaned back against the pillow and stared into his eyes, a content smile on her face. "I love you," she whispered, guiding his mouth to hers with a hand on the back of his neck. Jay sighed into her kiss, and slid his hands down to adjust her hips on the bed. Slowly, he guided himself into her. He felt her shudder slightly at the sensations of pleasure and he slowed his kisses to match the gentle pace of his thrusting. She moaned almost thankful into his mouth as he moved slowly inside of her, not wanting to disturb the perfect silence they were engulfed in. She slid her arms around his chest, embracing him as he struggled to maintain his control over his own primal urges.

His mouth left hers with a soft pop and he rested himself on one elbow as he continued to move. She smiled up at him still, and he couldn't resist the urge to touch her hair, running his fingers through the silky tendrils as he moved them away from her face. Her arms tightened around his back, telling him she was close. He met her cloudy, half lidded eyes and their gaze locked, sending her over the edge with a whispered "I love you." The happiness and love shimmering in her eyes was overwhelming and he buried his face in the crook of her neck, feeling her tears on his hot skin. He felt the gates of his soul open up in that instant, and his own tears began to leak out, dropping gently on her shoulders. She slid her hand up to cup his cheek and pulled his mouth to hers softly before moving to kiss away his tears.

Her mouth darting out to catch the salty drops was too much and he came inside her with a stifled groan, collapsing on her soft body. She brought one hand to rest in his hair, playing with the damp spikes as her other hand drew small circles on his broad back, continuing to touch him tenderly as his body shook from exertion and release of emotions. She felt him relax in her arms and she leaned up to kiss his forehead as his eyes fluttered shut from sheer exhaustion. She smiled softly and pulled the covers up with her feet, her hands guiding them the rest of the way up their bodies.

Jay sighed contentedly in her arms and slid down slightly, slipping out of her as he rested his head over the beating of her heart."Sleep" she whispered, kissing him again as she relaxed into her pillows. She heard his sleepy voice one last time before drifting into sleep.

"I thank God for you, Erin"

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Hank Voight sat in Olivia's apartment as he rocked a sleeping Noah next to the humidifier.

He looked down at the toddler dessed in "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" pajamas and he smiled and leaned down to nuzzle Noah's head. The smell of Johnson's baby lotion and Vick's Baby Vapor Rub filled his senses.

Hank looked up and saw Olivia standing in the doorway in her pajamas. Her hair pulled up into a pony tail and messy tendrils falling down to frame her face.

Hank lauged to himself at the sight of Olivia with a red nose and watery eyes.

"How are you feeling?" Hank asked as he continued to rock Noah.

"Better" Olivia said. "A lot better after I actually was able to sleep and breathe at the same time"

"Good" Hank said standing up with Noah and gently laying the baby boy down in his crib.

"Is he ok?" Olivia asked.

Hank nodded "Yeah, he's ok. I think he just needed a good night's sleep. Speaking of you should get one yourself"

Olivia nodded and walked over to stand beside Hank. She reached her hand down and gently ran her hand through Noah's dark hair. "I know what you did"

Hank looked up from Noah to Olivia. "What do you mean?"

Olivia looked at Hank and exhaled. "I know that you paid off Jay's brother's debt. Ryan is such an entitled prick. Why would you just let him off like that?"

Hank shrugged his shoulders "I didn't do it for Ryan"

Olivia's gaze softened as she looked at Hank. "You care a lot about Halstead don't you?"

Hank's gaze fell down to Noah and then he looked back at Olivia. "If you're asking me if I care about what happens to my family, then yes. I care about what happens to my family"

Olivia nodded and bumped Hank's shoulder "It's ok to like Jay, Hank. He's a good guy"

Hank sighed and rubbed his chin. "He's ok"

Olivia smiled as she looked at Hank "I'm sure Erin's done worse"

Hank laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. "You have no idea. Remind me to tell you about the vegan teen activist who brought a live chicken to dinner"

Olivia shook her head and sighed "I can only imagine what Noah's going to bring home when he's old enough"

"I don't think you'll have to worry. With you as a mom he's going to only bring home the best" Hank offered.

Olivia looked at Hank and held his gaze for a few lingering seconds. She cleared her throat and looked away from him.

"Would you like a drink?" Olivia asked walking out of Noah's room

"Sure" Hank said following after her and pulling Noah's door closed behind him.

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"Jay?"

"Mmmmm," he muttered, only half awake. They had been sleeping on and off all night, curled up together with a sheet covering their nude, sated bodies.

"I'm hungry," Erin said.

"Um-hm," Jay said without opening his eyes.

He felt her fingers in his hair, on his cheek. "Run get us some McDonald's. Please?"

Jay dragged his eyes open and looked at her. "You are a slave-driver, Erin," he complained. "I am worn out. I don't think I can move."

"It's just half-a-block," Erin whined. "C'mon. We can eat it here in bed. You need to keep your strength up."

"Hell's bells," Jay said, but he was only pretending to be angry. In truth, he couldn't deny her anything she really wanted. He kissed her and got out of bed, moving to get dressed.

"Make sure to get some pancakes" Erin called after him.

Half an hour later, they sat up in bed eating Deluxe Breakfasts from McDonald's. The sky had begun to lighten as the sun started to rise, and Erin had lit several candles to illuminate their shared meal.

Jay could not get enough of looking at her, of watching her chew and swallow, the occasional drip of syrup falling onto her bare breasts. He swooped in to retrieve it each time, prompting coy giggles from Erin.

"So," he said finally. "The letter from Nadia, are you going to tell me what it said?"

Erin was closing up her container of food, and she smiled at him, her eyes glinting mischievously for the first time in weeks. "What do you think it said, Jay?"

"I don't know what to think," he said.

Erin put the food on the floor next to the bed and reached into her styrofoam cup for a piece of ice. Idly, she stroked it down Jay's neck. "It just told me some stuff that I needed to hear, well read" she said, not looking at him. Her eyes followed the trail that the piece of ice was making down his chest.

"Your eyes only, huh?" Jay said. He trapped her hand and kissed her cheeks, her nose, her forehead, her chin as water dripped down his stomach.

Erin looked at him finally, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "There are a lot of other things I can show you though"

"It's not nice to tease your husband, Er," Jay said.

"But you enjoy every minute of it," Erin protested raising her eyebrow.

"Oh, yeah," he said. "I really enjoy being so horny that I feel like I'm gonna spontaneously combust all the time. I love the hell out of jerking off because I'm so damn frustrated."

"You have a dirty mouth, Detective," Erin teased him. She kissed it, thoroughly, taking her time. "I think you need to be punished."

"Oh, you do?" Jay said. "And you think you have what it takes to discipline me?"

"I know I do," Erin said.

She had some very inventive tortures planned. And she was hoping that Jay would pay her back double.

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Adam sat at the table on his side of the courtroom nervously shaking his leg. Rafael Barba, his attorney, sat next to him. Barba was offering his services as a favor to Olivia. The prosecuting attorney sat at the opposite table and was diligently writing on a yellow legal pad. Adam felt his heart racing as they waited for the judge to appear. This was only his preliminary hearing, the hearing where he would submit his plea. Since it was Friday afternoon the courtroom was virtually empty, only those who absolutely had to be there were there. It had been four days since the incident and Adam's face was still battered and bruised but he looked much more human now.

The double doors to the courtroom opened and in walked a figure that Adam hoped he would never see again. Roman walked up to the prosecuting attorney and said something quietly, not looking in Adam's direction at all. His head was partially bandaged on the back and right side, covering the stitches that covered where his skull had cracked. Roman's face was as bruised and battered as Adam's was, only he also sported a split lip as well. Adam closed his eyes and his stomach seized as he remembered the blood. He also felt his anger begin to stir as he saw the contemptuous look on Roman's face, as he finally looked Adam's way. Adam held his gaze, unwilling to look away. He wasn't going to give Roman the satisfaction. Adam felt a gentle hand clasp his shoulder firmly and he turned to look at the person attached to the hand.

Kim smiled and winked at him as she mouthed, "I love you."

Adam covered her hand with his and brought it to his lips to kiss her knuckles softly.

Roman's eyes darkened as he watched their exchange. His eyes swept over the group sitting in the row directly behind Adam, stopping briefly at his former friends. He knew that Adam and Kim must have poisoned their minds against him and it made him sick to think how weak and impressionable his friends were. Roman's eyes continued to sweep along the bench. He moved quickly past the people he didn't know and his gaze finally rested on Kim.

His breath caught in his throat. She was more beautiful than he remembered. He felt a stirring in his pants and he quickly sat down, not wanting his lawyer to notice it but he continued to watch Kim out of the corner of his eye. Roman's parents shuffled into the courtroom and sat behind their son in full support. They didn't look toward Adam, only looked straight ahead.

The Judge entered the courtroom and called the room to order.

'This is case number 23095748. Sean Roman and the City of Chicago vs. Adam Ruzek. The charges are assault and battery with the intent to do grievous bodily injury."

He turned to Adam. "Mr. Ruzek, please stand."

Adam stood tall and held his head high.

"Mr. Ruzek, how do you plead?"

"Not guilty your Honor." Adam replied, his voice strong and confident.

"Your plea will be entered Mr. Ruzek. You may have a seat."

Adam sat again and Kim reached out to rub his shoulder gently.

The Judge then addressed Roman's attorney.

"Mr. Hayden, please state your client's response to Mr. Ruzek's counter claim that Mr. Roman attempted to rape Ms. Burgess the night of July 8th"

Roman's lawyer stood. "Your Honor, my client asserts that this claim is completely false. He adamantly denies any such event taking place. In addition, in response to Mr. Ruzek's claim, my client believes that due to Mr. Ruzek's anger issues, it is very possible that he put those bruises on his fiance and is now trying to conveniently place the blame elsewhere."

The whole room gasped at the insinuation that Roman's lawyer made.

Adam's body stiffened and he had to restrain himself from walking over to Roman and punching him again. How dare he insinuate that Adam could ever abuse Kim?

Kim stood abruptly. "How dare you?" Kim hissed through clenched teeth as she glared at Roman.

Adam turned to her and grabbed her hand, his eyes silently begging her to sit.

The Judge hit his gavel on his table. "Order! There will be no further outbursts in this courtroom do you hear me? Now who are you?" He asked, addressing Kim.

"I'm Kim Burgess your Honor and what this man is saying is a complete lie!" She turned to Roman and glared at him again.

"Well, Ma'am, that will all be determined in good time. In the meantime, I will not tolerate outbursts in my courtroom by anyone. Have a seat or you will be removed."

Adam tugged lightly on her hand and she turned to look at him before she sat again.

"This case is bound over for trial. Both parties report back here on August 24th at 9AM. This courtroom is dismissed."

The Judge stood, as did everyone else. He stepped down and returned to his chamber.

Adam stood and turned to pull Kim into his arms.

"It's all right Kim. We knew he'd probably do that." He whispered against her ear as she clung tight to him.

Barba turned to Adam and put his hand on his shoulder.

"Okay, Adam. I'll see you on the 2nd. Try to enjoy time with your family and don't worry. I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve."

Adam turned and shook Barba's hand. "Thanks again Rafael. I really appreciate it."

Rafael Barba smiled at Kim and squeezed her hand before he walked over to Olivia to say goodbye.

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Kim stood in the hallway of the courthouse. Everyone had left and headed back to Erin and Jay's for Friday afternoon dinner. Kim was waiting for Adam who ran to the men's room. She glanced out the window absently and didn't notice the figure approaching behind her.

"Kim," the voice was sarcastic as it said her name and Kim visibly stiffened, immediately recognizing it.

Kim turned slowly and came face to face with her mortal enemy. She frantically looked around the empty hallway for signs of anyone but there was no one to be seen. Her heart raced with fear as she backed up slightly only to find herself in a corner.

"Roman, what do you want?"

Roman stepped closer to her. He could smell her perfume and it made him lightheaded. "You know what I want Kim. It's what I've always wanted." He lifted his hand and stroked her breast. "You!" He whispered huskily as his eyes darkened.

Kim slapped his hand away, her eyes blazing. "Don't you dare touch me Roman! I will scream so loud all of Chicago will come running."

Roman cackled as he stepped even closer to her. Kim tried to hide the terror she was feeling at that moment, not wanting Roman to know how truly terrified she was. He saw it in her eyes though and he laughed again.

"Awww, Kim. Don't be afraid of me. I'll never hurt you. Not unlike Adam. He'll never cause you anything but heartache Kim. Why can't you see that?"

"Roman, back away from me. And how dare you say that to me. I should slap you for what you insinuated in that courtroom. Only you'd probably try to sue me too and accuse me of giving myself those bruises that night."

"Kim, you can't expect me to let Adam get away with this. The beating aside, you and he are trying to ruin my good name. I can't allow that."

"Roman there is nothing good about you."

Roman leaned forward and sniffed Kim's neck. "God, you smell so incredible Kim. I'm as hard as a rock right now, just being this close to you."

Kim felt her stomach lurch and the urge to vomit was overwhelming her. "Roman, get away from me this minute. I will not tolerate this harassment from you."

He laughed again, evilly. "I'll make you a proposition Kim. I'll drop the charges against Adam if that's what you really want."

Kim looked at him through narrow eyes.

"But in exchange for my dropping the charges I want something from you."

"What do you want Roman?" Kim asked, afraid of his answer.

"Kim, I told you that night all I want is a night alone with you." His breath hitched as he continued. "I'll drop the charges against Adam as long as you give me one night. One night to show you what you're missing. One night and I promise you'll never want any other man between your thighs again but me." He breathed against her ear.

Kim shoved him hard in the chest, pushing him away from her.

"Screw you Roman!" She spat angrily as she brushed past him and she saw Adam quickly approaching, a mixture of terror and rage in his eyes.

"Kim?" He asked as he reached her, pulling her against him. "Are you all right?"

Kim nodded as she tried to fight back the tears that threatened.

Adam glared at Roman and growled. "You stay the hell away from her Roman."

"Or you'll do what Adam? Attack me again. That will help my case tremendously, so by all means come on." Roman mocked Adam.

Adam's hands clenched into fists at his sides. Kim took his arm and tried to lead him away.

"Come on Adam. He's just trying to goad us. Please don't give in to it." Kim pleaded softly.

Adam looked down at her upturned face. He felt an instant calm come over him. How could she do that? Her very existence steadied him and he closed his eyes a moment. When he opened them the rage was gone.

He lowered his mouth and kissed her softly.

"Come on Darlin'. Let's go home."

Kim sighed in relief and smiled softly at him. They both glared at Roman before they walked away. He watched them retreat and he narrowed his eyes as he felt his hatred for them both flare.

"We have one stop to make Adam."

"Where are we going?" He asked as he wrapped his arm around her.

"The police station."

He stopped walking and turned to look at her.

"What?"

"I said we're going to the police station. I'm pressing charges against him. And don't try to stop me Adam. I have to do this. For me! I'll go alone if you don't want to come with me." Her voice was steady and truly calm for the first time in days.

Adam nodded. "Okay Burgess. Let's go"

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Kim and Erin were sitting in the living room of Erin's house watching the Evie and Noah play. Kim ran a hand over her stomach and sighed. She still hadn't gotten around to getting another pregnancy test. Some things she just wasn't ready to face.

"I don't think we'll ever be ready for it. But I'll tell you what I am ready for. I'm ready for it to be over. I just wish there was something I could do. I can't lose him Erin. I can't."

Erin sat back down across from Kim.

"I know Kim. You just have to stay positive and believe that everything will be all right. That lawyer of yours is really good and you're in good hands" Erin sighed wistfully.

"I would do anything to make this go away Erin. Anything at all but I don't know what to do."

Noah walked over to Erin and climbed up onto the couch beside of her. He handed Erin a toy truck and smiled "Pway?"

"I'll play soon. You go play and I'll be there soon" Erin explained as she helped Noah off of the couch and watched as he walked over to where Evie was sitting in her Bumboo seat watching Noah play.

Suddenly Kim's eyes darkened and she sat up as a myriad of emotions swept over her face.

"You know what Erin. I just thought of something. Can you do me a favor?"

"Absolutely. What is it?"

"Would you mind covering for me for a little while" Kim asked

"Sure no problem"

"If Adam calls looking for me, tell him I'll be back, ok?"

"What do you mean cover for you. What are you going to do Kim?"

"I'm going to do what I should have done a long time ago. I'm going to put a stop to this."

"Kim, I don't like the sound of that."

Kim got up and slipped her shoes on. "Trust me Erin. I know what I'm doing." She grabbed her purse off of the table and looked for her keys.

"I won't be long. Just cover for me with Adam."

Kim rushed out Erin's front door and Erin closed her eyes. She hoped to God she wouldn't regret this.

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Kim stood on Roman's front porch and took a deep breath as she gained her courage to do what she was about to do.

Thoughts of Adam flashed through her mind and she hoped he'd forgive her for what she was about to do. She couldn't let him go to jail though. She couldn't. Not when there was something she could do to prevent it.

"I love you Adam," she murmured under her breath as she knocked on the door.

The door opened to reveal Roman in sweats standing on the other side. He looked at Kim, surprised to see her standing on his doorstep.

Kim cleared her throat before she spoke. Her heart was beating in her chest and her mouth was dry. She wanted to turn and run but she knew she had to do this.

Finally Roman spoke.

"What are you doing here Kim?" he asked as his gaze swept over her.

"I have a proposition for you Roman. Are you interested?"

Roman eyes lit up as he stepped back to allow her to enter the house.

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Roman held the door open to allow Kim to enter the house. He was admittedly surprised to see her on his doorstep on this summer day. The trial against Ruzek was beginning in about a week and he never imagined that he'd see her outside the courtroom again. Especially not standing on his porch offering him a proposition.

Roman felt himself harden as he imagined what she was going to offer him.

Kim nervously stepped inside the Roman's living room. She wrung her hands together as the lump in her throat prevented her from speaking. Her heart was racing and she felt the panic creep up her spine. She shouldn't be here. This was a huge mistake. Roman watched her a moment, saw the struggle in her face as she nervously glanced around the room. She sat her purse on the edge of the chair as she looked anywhere except at Roman. It had been so long since she'd been in this house. She always felt safe and comfortable at this house. Now she felt ill at ease here.

Roman cleared his throat after a moment, eager to hear her proposition. He tried to keep his voice even as to not show his anticipation.

"So, what do you want, Kim?"

Kim turned and looked at him. The bravado that she felt on the walk over from her house had vanished. Kim's eyes fell to her hands and her engagement ring caught her eye. She felt her heart clench as she thought of Adam. Would he ever understand what she was doing? Would he forgive her for doing what she was about to do? Would she ever be able to tell him?

Roman was tired of the silence that filled the room so he broke it.

"Kim, if you're here to take me up on my proposition, I accept. I knew you'd come around."

Kim looked at Roman incredulously.

"Excuse me Roman?" She responded, revulsion in her voice. "What makes you think I would take you up on your disgusting offer?"

Roman tried to hide his surprise.

"Well, why else would you be here? You want me to drop the charges against Adam, right?"

"Yes, Roman that's why I'm here. I'm here to ask you to please drop the charges." Kim almost choked on the words. She felt powerless, at his mercy and she hated that feeling, but she would subject herself to this humiliation if it meant that it would help Adam.

"Well, Kim. I told you what I want in exchange for that."

"Roman, how can you be such a pig? You used to be a decent human being. What happened? " Kim spat unable to stop herself. "I would never whore myself to you. Not for anything in the world."

"Not even to help your future husband? You must not love him all that much."

"You're pathetic Roman…What happened to you?"

Roman shook his head and walked to the couch and sat down.

"Then you're wasting your time being here Kim."

Kim felt her stomach lurch but she knew if she didn't change tactics fast this whole visit would be a waste of time and she wasn't willing to contemplate that.

"Roman, here's what I am willing to offer you."

Roman held up his hand to halt her words.

"Kim, if is doesn't include you and me naked then I'm not interested."

Kim narrowed her eyes at him. How dare he speak to her like this?

"Roman, I'm going to bury you in court. You may think you're going to get off, but I assure you, I'll make you pay for what you did to me. Now I'm willing to let it go. Forget it ever happened and drop the charges against you if you drop yours against Adam."

Roman laughed out loud.

"You're kidding right?" He asked as he stood up and advanced toward her.

Kim stood tall and didn't back away as much as she wanted to.

He stepped very close to her, his face mere inches from hers.

"Kim, you'll never win your stupid case against me and if you think you will, you're delusional. I have nothing to lose here by either one of these trials. But you do. Are you willing to lose Adam? Are you willing to lose your fiance to jail?"

Roman reached out and ran his fingers lightly along the side of her breast. Kim jerked back, away from him and glared at him.

"Don't touch me Roman." She warned in a low voice.

Roman laughed as he dropped his hand to his side.

"Kim, get the hell out of my house, it will do neither your or Adam's case any good once I tell my attorney you tried proposition me."

Kim didn't move. She wasn't going to give up that easily.

"Roman, you can't possible think that you'll be left unscathed in this whole thing. Your name will be ruined when I'm finished with you. And Voight will make sure you're never in uniform again"

"Kim, don't threaten me." He leaned toward her so that she could feel his breath against her face. His voice lowered.

"I knew you were feisty in bed. Looking back on it now, I should have done a lot of things different that day"

Kim's eyes were hard as he spoke to her. She didn't let his words affect her and she stepped back. His invasion of her personal space was disconcerting. Roman continued his monologue, oblivious to her movement.

"You're lucky I only left bruises on your back Kim. You don't know what you missed out on. I could have given you more pleasure than you ever imagined."

His breath hitched slightly as he continued.

"Roman please…don't do this….I just don't understand why you have to be like this…I just want to know what happened to you…please"

Roman's face hardened at her words.

"You know Kim, The funny thing is you don't know anything about me….You don't know...So don't pretend that you do know."

"Roman…I could help you. We all could help you" Kim offered.

Roman grabbed her by the arms and pulled her against him, making sure she felt his throbbing arousal against her belly.

"I assure you Kim, I don't need or want your help."

Kim struggled against his grasp as panic started to well in her heart. She glanced around the room looking for anything she could use on him.

"Let me go Roman."

Roman leaned forward and inhaled the scent of her hair.

"God, Kim! You smell so incredible. Don't you know I'd give you anything you asked? Anything at all. All I want is the chance to show you how much I love you."

"You don't know what love it Roman."

He ignored her comment as he inhaled again.

"Just give me a chance."

The bile rose in Kim's throat again as she continued to struggle against his strong grasp. Roman was oblivious to her struggles as he continued to speak.

"I want you so much do you have any idea how much?"

Kim closed her eyes and turned her head at the images he was invoking.

He bent his head and brushed his lips against her neck above her collar. Kim raised her arms to his chest and gave him a hard shove but Roman didn't even budge.

"Roman, I mean it! Get your hands off me or I'll scream."

He laughed as he licked her warm skin.

"Kim, go ahead and scream. No one will hear you. Besides like I said I've wanted to make you scream for a long time."

Kim lifted her knee and rammed it into his groin the same way she had wanted to do the night he tried to rape her . Roman stumbled back, momentarily stunned.

"You bitch!" he growled as he clutched himself.

"I warned you Roman, I won't be manhandled by you ever again. This was a mistake coming here. I thought maybe there some semblance of human decency inside you. Some remnant of the man I used to know. The man I used to call my friend. Now I can see that he no longer exists. And as angry as I am at you for everything you've done to me, I feel more sorry for you than anything else. You're a pathetic excuse for a man. You are a monster Sean and I hope you rot in hell."

Kim grabbed her purse and walked for the door.

"Kim, the only person is who going to rot in hell is Adam. He's going to rot in prison if I have anything to say about it and that I imagine would be worse than hell for Adam. Prison would destroy him and you know it…losing his badge and you?…why don't you just stab him in the heart"

Kim started for the door but Roman caught up to her and grabbed her by the arm again, turning her around to face him roughly.

"When that happens Kim, you'll come crawling back to me begging me to take you. And let me tell you, you'll have to do it on your knees. That's where whores like you belong - on their knees. But that's where I think I'd like you best."

The tears that Kim had been holding back at his horrible words welled in her eyes.

"Screw you Roman!"

"Oh you will Kim! Someday you will and when you finally spread your legs for me, you'll wonder what you ever saw in Adam."

Kim's hand came out and connected with Roman's face. He didn't even flinch at the contact.

"Goodbye Kim!" He said calmly as she turned and opened the door. Roman watched her as she ran down the steps and across his lawn.

Roman shut the door and walked into his kitchen when another knock on the door rang out. Figuring it was Kim, Roman smiled and walked over to his door and opened it.

Only it wasn't Kim.

"Roman"

"Sargeant Voight" Roman said.

"Can I come in?" Voight asked.

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Adam entered the courtroom with Kim beside him, her hand firmly clasped in his. It was unusual for them to be there since the trial wasn't scheduled to start for another two weeks. All Adam knew was that his attorney had called and said they were going to have an emergency hearing and gave him a time to be there. Roman was already seated next to the prosecuting attorney and he didn't look happy at all.

Kim suddenly felt like running, grabbing Adam's hand, turning and running the hell out of the courtroom and never looking back. Adam's thumb caressed her palm lightly and she looked over at him. He smiled softly, his eyes reassuring.

Adam walked up to Barba as Kim and the others settled on the benches behind them. Adam removed his coat and hung it over his chair.

"So, Rafael, do you have any idea what this might be about?"

"No, I don't Adam. I was hoping that you might be able to shed some light on it. The prosecuting attorney just said that some new developments that affected the case had come to light and he contacted the judge to request a sitting."

Adam looked nervously over at Kim then back at Rafael Barba. This didn't go unnoticed by the attorney.

"Do you have something you want to tell me Adam?"

Adam hesitated a moment.

"Well, a few days ago, Kim went over to see Roman."

"What are you out of your mind?" Rafael Barba hissed quietly.

"I didn't know she was going. I didn't. She wanted to ask him to drop the charges."

"Adam, this very well could be why we're here. That's a violation of this case Adam, especially with her case against Roman pending as well. You should have called me right away."

"I'm sorry. We were both hoping that it would just go away."

Barba sighed as the court was called to order and the judge entered.

"Well, we'll find out right now." Barba whispered as he and Adam sat down behind the long wooden table.

"All right gentlemen," The judge began. "There better be a good reason for bringing me in here on my day off."

He turned to the prosecuting attorney.

"So, Mr. Hayden, since this was your idea, why don't you stand and tell me why you have requested this special sitting."

"Well, you Honor, there have been some recent developments in the last few days that directly affect this case."

"So you've said Mr. Hayden. Why don't you tell me what these developments are?"

Adam turned and looked at Kim. He reached his hand out to her and clasped hers gently.

He could feel her hand shaking and he squeezed it reassuringly as he mouthed, "I love you."

Mr. Hayden cleared his throat and looked over at Roman before looking back over at the judge.

"Well, come on Mr. Hayden, I don't have all day." The judge urged the counselor.

"Well, your Honor Mr. Roman has decided to drop the charges against Mr. Ruzek and without his testimony the State doesn't feel it would be prudent to continue with this case."

Kim's hand went to her mouth and she gasped softly as her eyes filled with grateful tears. Adam's eyes closed as relief swept through his body. The room filled with questioning whispers and the judge pounded his gavel and called for silence.

"There will be silence in this courtroom. Mr. Hayden, there is ample evidence against Mr. Ruzek, witnesses at the scene as well as Mr. Ruzek's own admission that he attacked Mr. Roman unprovoked. Why do you feel that losing Mr. Roman's testimony would warrant dropping this case completely?"

The prosecuting attorney looked over at Roman again and then looked nervously over at Adam and Rafael Barba.

"Well, your Honor, the State feels that even with those items for submission into evidence, the case is not strong enough. We don't want to waste the taxpayers money any further on a case that doesn't have strong enough evidence to prosecute."

"I see." The judge said skeptically.

As a judge he had the power to overrule the prosecuting attorney in this matter. He looked over at Adam for a moment, noticing the relief in the young man's face, and then he looked at Kim. The tears that were streaming down her face as she fought to remain composed in the courtroom moved him. He noticed Adam and Kim's linked hands resting on the short wall separating the center of the courtroom from the benches.

"Mr. Ruzek, please stand." The judge commanded in a firm tone.

Adam squeezed Kim's hand once more before his pulled his away and stood to face the judge.

"Well, Mr. Ruzek, I would say you are a very lucky man. The state has decided to drop its case against you and I have decided not to overrule the State's decision. I don't want to see you in my courtroom ever again, however, or I will reinstate the charges and order the state of prosecute you to the full extent of the law. Do you understand?'

"Yes, your Honor."

"Good. Now I have some advice for your Mr. Ruzek. Don't be back here again."

The judge pounded his gavel and everyone stood as the judge exited the courtroom. The second he was gone; Kim climbed over the short barrier between them and threw herself into Adam's arms, sobbing with relief.

"Shhhh, baby. It's all right. Everything is going to be all right now." Adam murmured against her neck as he held her tight, his own tears of relief welling in his eyes.

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Erin walked down the stairs as the door bell rang and she came into view just as Jay answered it.

"Hey Teddy" Jay greeted.

"Jay, you're looking great tonight" Teddy eyed Jay dressed in jeans and a blue men's Henley style shirt.

"Is it not weird for you to hit on your brother in law?" Jay asked.

"I've done a lot worse in my life. And maybe don't show it off if you don't want it looked at" Teddy suggested as he adjusted the grocery bag in his arm.

"Are you coming in?" Jay asked standing out of the way of the door as Teddy finally greeted Erin.

"What's up, sis?" Teddy asked walking into the kitchen.

"Nothing. What are you doing here?" Erin asked following her brother into the kitchen.

"I'm here to spend the evening with you" Teddy explained

"You're here to babysit?" Erin asked turning around to eye Jay.

"If that's what you want to call it" Teddy said unloading the paper grocery bag.

"You can go home. I don't need a babysitter" Erin said.

"Yeah, I don't think so" Teddy said.

"Jay, really? I don't need a sitter" Erin assured "I'm fine"

"He's not here to babysit you. He's here to have sibling bonding time" Jay said slipping on his leather jacket.

"Jay..." Erin started.

"Erin" Jay mimicked.

Erin rolled her eyes as Jay walked over to her. "I'll only be gone a few hours. You guys have fun and stay out of trouble"

Jay leaned in to give Erin a kiss and he sighed when his lips met her jaw.

"I'll be back"

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Erin sat at the table and watched as Teddy walked over to her and sat the steaming bowl in front of her.

Erin looked down at the bowl and sighed "Spaghetti'O's?"

Teddy nodded "Of course"

Erin furrowed her nose as she looked down at the bowl.

"Why?"

Teddy sighed as he sat down at the table with his own bowl. "Do you remember when I came home from Kindergarten crying because Percy Longhaven made fun of me for wearing the same shirt to school two days in a row?"

Erin nodded "Vaguely"

"Well, this is the meal that you made me that night. And do you remember what you said?" Teddy asked.

Erin shook her head. "No"

Teddy sighed and looked at his sister "You said "Teddy, I'm sorry that you're so sad. But try to focus on the people who love you. People like me. I'll always be here to get you through it. Cause those who know us, know us well. Those who don't can go to hell"

Erin smiled as she finally remembered what Teddy was talking about. "I can't believe you remember that"

Teddy was quiet for a moment before looking at Erin. "I'll never forget anything you've done for me. You're my big sister who I'm so proud of and I'm the pain in the ass little brother who will always want to do what his sister is doing"

"Thanks Teddy" Erin said picking up her spoon and slipping it down into the bowl.

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After Teddy and Erin had dinner, they'd decided to watch Netflix. Teddy nodded off two episodes in to "Orange is the New Black" and he woke up midway through the fourth episode when he woke up to an empty living room.

"Er Bear?" Teddy called.

Teddy stood up and walked through the house looking for Erin. He walked up the stairs and down the hall and found her laying on the floor in Everly's room holding that baby's hand through the crib bars.

"Er?" Teddy said.

Teddy got no response so he walked over to where Erin was and laid down on the floor beside her.

"Did you mean what you said? Erin asked "At dinner?"

"About Spaghetti'O's being fucking terrible?" they are not like I remember" Teddy made a face and shook his head.

"No" Erin said not taking her eyes off of Everly's sleeping face. "About the things I did for you"

Teddy nodded and turned his head to look at Erin. "Of course I did. Erin, I know things happened that drove us apart for awhile and I don't blame you for that. Like I've told you, we all have a story to tell and mine isn't glamorous. But you've helped me get back on my feet and you and Jay and Evie, you guys are my family and I'll do anything that I can to help you. I just want my sister back. I know she's in there somewhere and I hope that she knows how strong and beautiful I think that she is. And I hope that she knows that our friend Nadia adored her and that the little girl in the crib is obsessed with her. As is anyone who is lucky enough to know her"

Erin let go of Evie's hand and turned to face her brother. "It just hurts"

Teddy nodded "I understand but Erin, getting drugs from Bunny?"

Erin sighed "I wasn't going to do them"

Teddy shook his head "Good, because if I have to hear something like that again, I'm going to bitch slap you. And I've perfected the bitch slap"

Erin laughed and the sound made Teddy smile. "There's a glimpse of my big sister. I miss that"

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Jay walked into the bar after going through their yearly Sexual Harassment course. He took his jacket off and walked towards the woman at the end of the bar.

"Can I help you?" Bunny asked turning to come face to face with her son in law.

"Yeah" Jay said looking down at the floor and then narrowing his eyes as he looked at Bunny. "Yeah, we need to have a chat"

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So, I know that it's taken me a long time to update and I apologize. I hope that you guys liked this chapter. PD finale tonight. I'm not ready.

Please Review.