7Kim wasn't stupid.
She had eyes and her eyes told her that Hailey had a thing for Jay.
She understood. Jay was sweet and funny. There was nothing wrong with it. They'd been attached at the hip for a while now, and after he was shot, it was like they were conjoined.
But when Hank told her she was now partnered with Vanessa instead of Jay, she knew it wasn't something Hank just woke up and decided. It wasn't like she cared too much or was bothered by it…she just didn't like that she wasn't included in the decision.
Kim waited until Hailey was alone in the break room to talk to her about it.
"Hey," she said as she closed the door.
Hailey looked up, a faint smile on her face, "Hey."
"So, want to tell me about Rojas?" Kim asked, leaning back against the door.
"What do you want to know?" Hailey poured the coffee into two mugs.
"I guess I just want to know why she's my partner," Kim crossed her arms.
Hailey faltered and spilt some of the coffee onto the counter, "Excuse me?"
"Did you not know?" Kim asked, a hint of sass in her voice, "I just figured that since you and Jay were together this morning when the robbery call came through that you were aware I had to change my partner in Intelligence for like the fourth time."
Hailey swallowed, "I…didn't realize you were so attached to Jay."
"Please, you're the one who's attached," Kim moved forward to lean over the back of a chair.
Hailey couldn't help but blush, "He's my partner."
"Until a few months ago when he became my partner," Kim said.
Hailey slowly cleaned up the spilt coffee, "What are you getting at?"
"Listen, I'm fine if you want to be partners with him again, go for it," Kim sat in the chair, "I just ask that you be honest with me and him."
Hailey blushed again and tossed the paper towel into the trash, "You're gonna have to slow it down for me."
Kim couldn't help but laugh, "Hailey," she raised her eyebrows, "Come on."
Hailey sighed and sat across from Kim, "He's my best friend."
"And you want to marry him," Kim stated.
Hailey's jaw dropped slightly, "Kim."
"It's the truth," Kim laughed slightly, "Hailey, you are head over heels for him. I saw that when he was in surgery and recovering and now he's officially fully cleared and you couldn't wait for the chance to be partnered with him again."
"Is there anything wrong with that?" Hailey asked quietly, looking down at her coffee.
Kim finally softened, "Nothing, there's nothing wrong with it, but it's about time you confronted your feelings and told him."
Hailey slightly nodded and sipped her coffee, "We'll see."
The door opened and Jay stuck his head in, "Hailey, I need to talk to you."
"Yeah," Hailey stood and grabbed the two mugs, "I made you coffee."
Jay chuckled, "You're the best." He closed the door and walked back to his desk.
Kim turned back to Hailey and smirked.
"Shut up," Hailey breathed and walked out of the room.
Kim laughed and called out, "I love you!"
"Back at you, Burgess," Hailey yelled.
The next night, Kim knocked on Hailey and Vanessa's front door holding a case of Mike's Hard Lemonade. She sighed and knocked harder, "Open up!"
Vanessa was laughing as she opened the door, "Gosh, you're impatient."
Kim laughed, "Oh whatever," she walked in the condo, "Where's Hailey? She said she would be making margaritas."
"In here!" Hailey called from the kitchen.
Kim set her drinks on the front table and slipped her coat off, "I need this."
"Definitely," Vanessa took Kim's coat and hung it in the closet, "I'm excited to get to know you even better too."
Kim smiled, "We've known each other for a few months, what do you mean?"
Vanessa shrugged, "I need to catch up. You've known Hailey for a couple years now and you've known the guys for even longer," she lowered her voice, "And I need someone to help me push Hailey toward Jay."
Kim's smile turned into a smirk, "Now we're talking."
"Awesome," Vanessa breathed and led the way to the kitchen.
Hailey looked up from her blender, "Hello, hello."
"All right, the pink looks delicious," Kim said and sat at the island.
Hailey laughed, "It's strawberry, it should be."
Vanessa took three glasses out of the cupboard, "Hey, Kim, notice something about our island?"
Hailey rolled her eyes, "Stop."
Kim raised her eyebrows and scanned the island, "The roses? Damn, those are nice."
"They're Halstead approved," Vanessa sang softly and gently nudged Hailey away from the blender to pour the margaritas herself.
"Oh," Kim drummed her fingers on the counter, "Interesting. Most people don't buy a dozen red roses for their friends."
Vanessa rubbed her hands together, "No they do not."
Hailey blew out her breath, "He needed to buy them so that Michelle's husband wasn't suspicious of her talking to a cop."
"And he chose roses?" Kim smirked toward Vanessa.
Vanessa nodded and tapped her nose.
"Shush," Hailey shook her head and picked up one of the margaritas. She had a hint of a smile on her face as she sipped the drink.
"You're adorable," Kim laughed and took her glass from Vanessa.
"They're adorable," Vanessa smiled, "I swear he sleeps over once a week."
"Girl!" Kim's eyes widened, "I didn't realize it was that much."
"Whoa, whoa," Hailey held up a hand, "Back it up. You didn't realize it was that much? What the hell does that mean?"
Kim and Vanessa exchanged a look before both becoming interested in their drinks.
"Okay," Hailey laughed, "So you gossip about me when I'm not around."
"I mean…" Kim trailed off.
"Hey, we were just starting to live together and this guy was coming over spending the night a lot, I was curious," Vanessa said.
Hailey rolled her eyes and sighed, "Let me guess, you told Kim that Jay and I are constantly naked playing games."
Vanessa laughed, "No! I wouldn't start rumors like that."
"She actually told me that he sleeps on the couch a lot," Kim butted in, "He seems like a gentleman."
"He always is," Hailey nodded.
"That's true," Vanessa said, "He's almost always gone before breakfast."
Kim slowly nodded, "Good for you then."
"What's that mean?" Hailey asked with a smile.
Kim shrugged, "I'm glad you have him. You deserve to have someone who takes care of you like he does. And let's be honest, he needs someone to take care of him."
Hailey blushed and laughed, "He does, but that's enough about me and Jay, let's talk about something else."
They fell silence, each knowing that a clear obvious transition would be to talk about Kim and what she was going through with Adam, but Hailey and Vanessa weren't quite sure how to broach the subject.
Vanessa finally finished her margarita, "I think we need some tequila shots."
"Yes," Kim said quietly.
Vanessa hopped up and quickly poured three shots, "Here's to…being our own people whether or not that involves a man."
"Thank you," Hailey smiled and drank the tequila fast.
Kim took hers and blinked quickly, "Wow. It feels good to do this again."
Vanessa bit her lip after swallowing her shot. She made eye contact with Hailey and shrugged slightly.
"Want to talk about it?" Hailey asked softly.
"No," Kim shook her head and stood, "I'm good." She grabbed one of her lemonades and opened the bottle with her shirt then tipped it in her mouth.
Hailey and Vanessa watched as she drank the whole bottle.
"Wow," Hailey breathed.
"I used to drink these all the time," Kim breathed, "They're my comfort drink."
Vanessa nodded, "I can tell."
Kim opened another one and took a drink from it, "Anyone want to watch some trash TV on Netflix?"
"Always," Hailey stood and grabbed her margarita in one hand and a lemonade in the other.
Kim went to the living room and sat on the couch, folding her legs underneath her.
"She's going to get drunk," Vanessa whispered.
"Oh yeah," Hailey breathed.
The second Kim mentioned driving home, Hailey texted Jay and said she needed help.
Kim had a lot to drink…in total, she was pushing two margaritas, three tequila shots, and five of the lemonades all under three hours.
Vanessa had tried to get her to slow down, but Kim insisted she was fine and kept pouring the drinks. They were having fun, but Hailey and Vanessa were much more careful knowing they had to work the next day than Kim was.
Just past 11pm, there was a knock on the door and Hailey ran to answer it.
"Hey," she said as she held the door open for Jay, "Thanks for coming."
"Oh my god! It's her boyfriend," Kim laughed from the couch, "Hey Jay Halstead!"
Jay looked at Hailey, "What'd you do?"
"She wouldn't listen," Hailey breathed.
Jay slowly nodded, "Gotcha."
"Can you take her home?" Hailey asked, "She does not want to stay the night and after some awkward slight conversations about Adam, I figured you'd be a better call than him."
"I mean, Kevin might have been a better call than me, but I'll see what I can do," Jay said and walked in the living room. He set his hands on the back of the couch, "Kim, I'll drive you home."
Kim shook her head, "You're not my partner anymore."
"Yeah," Jay nodded, "But I still want you safe, so let's go," he put his hand out.
Vanessa helped Kim stand, "You're gonna be okay."
Hailey passed Jay Kim's coat, "Jay's going to help you out."
"Who even said I wanted Jay's help?" Kim asked, "I'm not you."
Hailey winced, "Kim-"
"He bought you roses, Hailey Anne," Kim rolled her eyes.
"Let's go," Vanessa said softly and all but dragged Kim to the front door.
Jay looked at Hailey and raised his eyebrows.
She blushed and shook her head.
Jay helped Kim into her coat, "Can I have your keys?"
"Are you punishing me?" Kim asked.
"I just want you safe, we all do," Jay shook his head.
"You went pretty hard tonight," Vanessa said.
Hailey nodded, "We're worried about you."
"Well don't be," Kim snapped.
"We'll see you tomorrow," Jay said and opened the door for Kim.
"Thank you," Hailey whispered with a slight smile.
Jay smiled back and winked, "You're welcome."
Hailey's face flushed and she slowly closed the door, leaning back against it and closing her eyes.
"You're in deep," Vanessa laughed and cleaned up the glasses.
Hailey smiled at her and shook her head, "You're terrible."
Jay huffed as he buckled Kim in the front seat of his truck, "Stop moving."
"I can put on a seatbelt, Jay Halstead," Kim said.
Jay rolled his eyes and shut the door. He walked around and got in the driver's seat, quickly starting the car and driving away.
"Be honest with me, Jay Halstead," Kim started, "Do you have a thing for Hailey Upton?"
Jay chuckled, "You're using our full-names."
"Come on, Jay Halstead," Kim sighed, "Spill the tea. Update me on your life."
Jay shook his head, "We're friends."
"You bought her roses," Kim pointed out, "I saw them; they were very pretty."
Jay nodded, "I had to buy them when I was interviewing Michelle."
Kim rolled her eyes, "I know you sleep at Hailey Upton's house a lot."
Jay's eyes flickered from the road at her, "Who told you that?"
Kim shrugged, "Just the talk among the ladies."
Jay chuckled and shook his head, "Okay, doesn't really surprise me."
"Are you in love, Jay Halstead?" Kim asked.
Jay blew out his breath, "Gosh, Kim, you're really coming on strong tonight."
"I'm drunk, Jay Halstead," Kim leaned her head back, "So tell me about your feelings for Hailey Upton."
Jay laughed, "Kim, no."
Kim sighed, "You are no fun, Jay Halstead."
"Sorry," Jay chuckled and slowed to a stop.
"Hey," Kim hit his arm, "Jay Halstead, tell me this, are you glad you two are partners again at work?"
Jay thought for a minute before nodding, "I am."
"Hailey Upton's really cute, Jay Halstead," Kim smiled, "I bet you like being undercover with her or in the back of a van."
Jay sucked in a breath, "Kim."
"Answer me, Jay Halstead," Kim said.
"Fine, fine," Jay breathed, "Yes, I am glad to be partners again with Hailey."
"But you miss me," Kim nodded.
Jay laughed and decided to play along, "Yes, of course I miss working with you."
"We've known each other a while, Jay Halstead," Kim continued, "I know you."
"You do," Jay nodded along.
"And I know you have feelings for Hailey Upton," Kim said.
Jay bit his lip, "I…I don't know," he parked in front of Kim's apartment, "She's…"
"I know," Kim winked and opened the door, "Thanks for the ride," she stumbled out of the car.
"Crap," Jay breathed and jumped out of the truck. He hurried around and grabbed Kim's arm, "Slow down."
"I'm fine, Jay Halstead," Kim pulled her arm away.
"Let me help you inside, Adam would never forgive me if something happened to you," Jay said and set a hand on Kim's back, leading her into the building.
Kim winced and slowed down.
"What?" Jay asked, "Are you going to get sick?"
Kim jerked away and stumbled on her own up to her apartment.
"Kim," Jay lightly jogged behind her, "Wait up," he caught the door before it could close, "What's going on?"
Kim rubbed her face, "I'm fine. Goodnight."
"Kim," Jay said softly, "Do you need something?"
Kim blinked her eyes quickly, "No, I'm fine, J-Jay."
He nodded slightly and stepped back, "If you're sure."
"I am," Kim took a deep breath, "Thank you for driving me, Jay Halstead."
Jay smiled a little, "You're welcome, Kim Burgess."
"Damn, you're cute," Kim breathed as she shut the door.
Jay laughed and shook his head. He started walking back down to this car and called Hailey.
"Everything okay?" Hailey greeted once she answered.
"Yeah," Jay put his free hand in his pocket, "Just dropped her off. Drunk Kim's kinda a handful. I don't know how Adam did this."
"Did you mention him at all?" Hailey asked.
"Yeah, like once," Jay walked outside.
"Oof," Hailey winced, "And I'm sure that was awkward."
"Yes!" Jay exclaimed, "What's up with that?"
"Jay, she just had a miscarriage," Hailey said, "Think a little."
"I…Hailey, obviously I know," Jay rolled his eyes and got in his truck, "She just seemed a little hostile."
"She's drunk and in pain," Hailey shrugged, "I get it."
"Yeah," Jay sighed and started the car, "But at least she's inside and safe."
"Thank you, I was worried about her," Hailey said softly.
Jay bit his lip to stop himself from smiling, "She – uh – she seemed to know that sometimes I sleep on your couch."
"Is that a problem?" Hailey asked.
"No, not at all," Jay said, "Just wanted to make sure you were okay with people knowing."
"Of course," Hailey nodded, "Yeah, I'm fine. It was friendly girl talk."
Jay chuckled, "Girl talk? You?"
"Shut up," Hailey laughed, "We were drinking."
"Margaritas!" Jay laughed harder, "I didn't see any bourbon or beer on the coffee table."
"I'm allowed to drink margaritas," Hailey smiled.
"Hey, not judging, they are delicious," Jay said.
"You were judging a little," Hailey shook her head.
"Maybe I was just jealous that my drinking buddy found new drinking buddies to hang out with on a weeknight," Jay shrugged.
"Mhmm," Hailey smirked, "See you in the morning."
"I'll bring you coffee," Jay said before ending the call.
Jay walked up to the bullpen with Hailey, but he had two coffees in his hands. "One second," he said softly to Hailey and walked over to Kim, "Hey."
She looked up at him, "What's this?"
"A coffee," Jay chuckled, "Thought you could use one."
Kim weakly smiled, "How'd you know?"
Jay shrugged and set the coffee on her desk, "Just a feeling."
"Well, thank you," Kim gratefully took a sip of the coffee.
Jay nodded and leaned down slightly, "And…about Hailey…that stays between us." He straightened and walked over to his desk.
Kim scrunched her face in confusion. She made eye contact with Jay and he winked and shook his head. She bit her lip and looked down at the coffee, having no idea what he was talking about. She raked her mind trying to remember what they'd talked about last night, but really only remembered him taking her home, not any of the words that were said.
A/N: What'd you all think? I love the idea of a Kim and Jay friendship, so I wanted to finally put it into words because I couldn't really find one already written. I hope you liked it! It's definitely connected to my story titled "What Would You Do?" so if you like this one, then check that one out as well!
