#upsteadofficial

[rae-upstead]

jay halstead loves hailey upton pass it on

[cpd5021]

Love Drunk

Happy almost Valentine’s Day! Here’s a long, annoyingly fluffy Upstead one-shot inspired by the song Afterglow by Ed Sheeran. Written for the “Upstead Valentine's Love Songs Challenge” on @upsteadofficial. Enjoy! 

Hailey slumped back in her chair, rubbing at her face and never feeling so thankful that it was a Friday. The past week had been long to say the least and Intelligence had been hammered with case after case. But finally their work week was over and she was about to go home. She glanced over to Jay’s desk, only to find him already looking her way with a soft smile spread across his mouth. 

“What?” 

She mouthed quietly, squinting her eyes at him when his smile increased. He shrugged and shook his head before shutting down his computer and standing to stretch. They made their way into the locker room and found Kim and Adam exchanging a playful banter over the fact it was Valentine’s Day this weekend. Hailey rolled her eyes, laughing when Adam made a comment about the discount candy he’d be buying on Monday. Every time she looked Jay’s way she caught him looking at her, an almost mischievous look behind his eyes. 

Finally they made it out to his truck, Hailey jogging to get out of the freezing wind and letting out a sigh of relief when she was tucked into the warmth of his cab. Jay climbed into the drivers side, sending her another grin as he pulled them out of the lot. 

“You’re up to something.”

She stated, eyes boring into him. He shrugged again, reaching to adjust the heat and giving her a wink. 

“Can you make sure my bag is back there?”

 Jay asked, motioning towards the back seat. It wasn’t an odd request, seeing as they usually packed a bag to stay at the others house on the weekends. But when Hailey turned to look into the back seat she spotted not only Jay’s but hers as well. She shifted back around and stared at the side of his face. 

“It is. And it would appear mine is as well.”

She watched his mouth creep up into a grin again and he sent her another wink. 

“Huh...weird.”

He shrugged again and she playfully smacked his shoulder. 

“Why is my bag in the back Jay?”

She pushed when he wasn’t going to answer. 

“Well, it’s your overnight bag.”

He stated simply, turning them into the parking lot of Portillo’s to grab them some dinner. 

“Yes, thank you. But why do I need it?”

She tried to sound annoyed but really her tone was light and held a hint of excitement. 

“Because you’re staying somewhere overnight.”

He grinned her way once more before pulling up and ordering their usual.

“Somewhere? So not your place?”

Hailey angled in her seat to fully face him now, becoming more curious by the second as to what he might have planned. 

“Not my apartment…”

Jay paid and passed the bag of food her way, then pulled into a spot for them to eat. 

“So where?”

Hailey asked, handing out the meals. Jay chuckled her way and she rolled her eyes in response. 

“You ask a lot of questions, you know that?”

It was Hailey’s turn to chuckle as she shook her head at him. 

“Just trying to catch up.”

She shrugged, opening her sandwich wrapper. 

“How about… you just enjoy the surprise.”

He kissed her mid sentence and she smiled into him before he pulled away. Hailey gave him a hesitant nod and they settled into eating. Once Jay was done he pulled them back out of the lot and pointed them in the direction of the expressway, only peaking Hailey’s curiosity more but she did her best to keep quiet. Jay turned on the radio after a while and Hailey settled back into her seat, letting the soft lyrics of Ed Sheeran fill her ears as the lights of the city began to fade from view. After a while she felt her eyes getting heavy and rested her head on her hand, propping it up against the window. Jay’s hand reached over and took her free one, tracing lazy circles over the back of her hand and the gentle touch lulled her to sleep. 

Hailey woke when the truck came to a halt. Rubbing her eyes she glanced at the clock on the dash and felt disoriented when it read just after 10pm. Jay’s hand squeezed hers and she looked his way before letting her eyes finally take in the sight before them. They were parked in front of a cabin, seemingly in the middle of the woods, with a string of white Christmas lights illuminating a covered porch. Her gaze drifted back to Jays and she smiled back at him when she saw him grinning her way. 

“Come on…”

He nodded and jumped out of the truck. Hailey climbed out of her side and met him at the front of the truck. Jay came to stand behind her as she took in the small house, unable to contain her smile at the almost magical sight before her. His hands rested on her hips and he placed a kiss on top of her head. Hailey leaned back into his touch, placing her hands over his as they wrapped around to her abdomen. 

“Jay…”

She couldn’t finish, still in awe over his surprise. She assumed this was his family's cabin, something she had heard about once but never seen. 

“I know it’s kinda cheesy, but I wanted to do something nice for you for Valentine’s Day and you don’t seem like the candy and teddy bear type.”

She laughed against him, squeezing his hands in hers. She definitely wasn’t that type. But this? This was perfect. 

“Are we here all weekend?”

Hailey turned in his arms to face him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as she spoke. 

“If that’s okay with you.”

He smiled, looking relieved that she was appearing to like his surprise.

“The whole weekend, just us...no interruptions?”

Her voice dipped lower as she spoke and his eyes darkened in response. Hailey stretched up onto her tiptoes to give him a kiss and his arms pulled her in tighter to deepen it. They stayed locked together for a moment, letting their lips dance together in a slow pace, before Hailey pulled back to look up at him.

“Can I see the inside?”

She bit her lower lip, grinning when he moaned a little at the sight. He took her hand in his and led her up to the steps of the cabin. Snow was starting to fall around them and the sight of it under the glow of the string lights was beautiful. 

Inside the cabin, Hailey found herself awestruck once again at the beautiful simplicity laid out before her. Worn down furniture, an old handmade quilt draped over the back of the couch and a brick fireplace that was screaming to hold a crackling fire. She turned to face Jay and pulled him into another slow kiss. When they separated, he pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes beaming with happiness. 

“Thank you.”

She whispered against his lips before placing a quick kiss against them and then pulling away. 

“For what?”

He asked, following after her as she trailed around the small room. 

“For this surprise. It’s perfect.”

She grinned his way as she went on to explore the tiny kitchen, just enough room to cook a meal and perfect for her and Jay. 

“You’re perfect.”

He sent her a cheesy grin when she rolled her eyes at him. Jay stepped back out to grab their bags from the truck and tossed them onto the dining table when he returned. 

“How about you take these to the bedroom and then take a hot shower and I’ll start a fire.”

Hailey quirked an eyebrow at him, trying to picture Jay bent over the fireplace. It was almost something she wanted to stay and witness but instead she gave him a nod and took the bags down the hall. For such a small, simple cabin Hailey was surprised when she stepped into the bathroom to find it completely remodeled, huge walk in shower and a soaker tub big enough for two included. She located some towels stacked in a closet and then turned the water of the shower on, quickly undressing and then stepping into the hot stream. Her body began to melt instantly and she was pretty sure she could happily stay in here for the rest of the weekend. 

She half expected Jay to join her but when he hadn’t appeared by the time she was done, she shut the water off and wrapped a towel around herself. Padding into the bedroom, Hailey smiled when she noticed what appeared to be another handmade quilt laid over the bed. She rummaged through her bag in search of pajamas but came up empty handed.

“Hey Jay, did you pack me some of my sleep clothes?”

She called, jumping slightly when his response came from the doorway of the room. 

“No.”

He smiled, making his way across the room and digging into his own bag. 

“I packed you mine.”

Hailey couldn’t help but grin up at him because it was usually his shirts she was sleeping in anyway. Once dressed, she followed him back out into the living room and they settled onto the couch together. Jay leaned back into one corner and Hailey tucked herself into the side of his body, letting his arm pull her in closer. They stayed silent for a while, just enjoying the crackle of the fire. 

“I gotta be honest, fire starting isn’t a skill I pictured you having.”

Hailey teased, dancing her fingers up and down his chest. He scoffed underneath her, causing her to chuckle. 

“I’ll have you know, starting fires is something I’m very good at. It being in the fireplace is just an added bonus.”

Hailey laughed against him, resting her head against his chest and letting her eyes flutter close when he kissed the top of her head. 

“This really is perfect.”

She said after a while, feeling herself completely relaxed now. 

“We’ll have to run into town in the morning for some groceries. I didn’t want to wake you up until we got here. But the town is kinda cool so we can walk around a bit if you want.”

Hailey tilted her head up to look at him, smirking when he met her eyes. 

“Building fires and grocery shopping. I’m learning all sorts of things about you now.” 

He scoffed again and rolled his eyes down at her. 

“Come on, you gotta give me some credit…”

He tried to give her an annoyed look but it fell flat when she smiled up at him.

“I’m just saying, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you go shopping. Any other hidden talents you want to share with me?”

Hailey’s voice lowered as she finished speaking and she watched as Jay’s eyes darkened, immediately picking up on her train of thought. Without saying another word he shifted them on the couch and then scooped her up, carrying her down the hall and into the bedroom as she squealed with the sudden movement. 

 ****

When Hailey rolled over she noticed she was alone in the bed. After a quick stretch she climbed out of bed and pulled her discarded shirt on from the night before. She found Jay in the kitchen, standing over the small stove and cooking what smelled like bacon and eggs. She walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his bare torso and pressing a kiss into his shoulder blade. 

“Morning.”

She whispered sleepily against him before going to perch herself on the counter by the kitchen window. Jay turned around, handing her a cup of coffee that she happily accepted. He stepped back towards the stove but his eyes were locked on her, watching as she sipped from the mug. Hailey felt her cheeks blush under his intense stare. He walked back over towards her, reaching up and tucking a loss strand of hair behind her ear, his eyes tracing all over her face. 

“What?”

She questioned, darting her eyes down towards her mug, suddenly feeling self conscious. Jay placed his fingers under her chin, tilting her head back up to look at him. 

“You’re beautiful.”

He gave her a quick kiss and then went back to finishing their breakfast. Once they ate, Hailey found herself staring out the window above the sink as she cleaned up the dishes. The sight of freshly fallen snow against the forest backdrop was truly breathtaking. Jay came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his head against her shoulder. She grabbed the towel and dried her hands before turning in his embrace and sliding her arms up around his shoulders. They kissed slowly, both content with a lazy pace as they had no fear of being interrupted. Eventually though, Hailey trailed her hands down his bare chest and into the waistband of his grey sweatpants, escalating the moment into something more. 

Sometime later, Hailey was once again laying in bed but this time Jay was with her. His fingers trailed patterns over her bare back and her eyes were closed, just enjoying the touch. Her stomach let out a tiny growl and she felt Jay laugh beside her. 

“Hungry?”

Hailey grumbled into the crook of her arm before replying. 

“A little. But we just ate…”

Jay laughed again and she picked her head up to shoot him a look. 

“Well...in one context, yeah. But breakfast was a while ago.”

Hailey smacked his chest, shaking her head at him as she hauled herself out of the bed. She made her way over to where their bags were and pulled out some clothes.

“As fun as it would be to lay here all day and listen to your amazing jokes...I really am hungry. For food. And I believe I was promised a Jay Halstead shopping trip last night.”

She pulled on some jeans and a blue flannel button up as she watched him get out of bed and dig his own clothes out. Once they were both dressed and her hair was pulled into a ponytail, they made their way outside and scrambled into his truck. 

The drive into town was surprisingly short. Hailey felt like they were in their own little world so to realize that they weren’t actually that far from civilization made her chuckle. The town itself was quaint to say the least, with a few stores littered here and there and only one stoplight hanging in the middle of it all. Jay pulled them into the parking lot and Hailey jumped out, eager to see what shopping with Jay was actually like. He picked up on her excitement, playfully rolling his eyes as they made their way into the building. She decided to let Jay push the cart and he followed along after her as she trailed up and down the isles. Hailey had made a loose mental shopping list on the way and plucked the things they needed off the shelves, tossing them into the cart as Jay pushed along behind her. She turned to add a few things to the cart and caught him picking up a box of fruit snacks, giving her a sheepish look before letting them fall in with the rest. They wandered up and down the rest of the isles before Hailey decided they had everything they needed. Jay took a quick detour down one of the isles and returned with a box of hot chocolate. She raised an eyebrow at him but he simply winked in return before they headed to checkout. 

“So, was shopping with me everything you had hoped for and more?”

Jay teased once they were back in the truck. Hailey shook her head at him, letting out a chuckle and refusing to answer. The whole shopping trip had felt oddly domestic, something she wasn’t quite used to with him yet but something she had enjoyed every minute of. Jay drove them down the main street, pointing out the little shops here and there. He nodded towards a tiny diner, the only restaurant in town and his eyes shined with fondness. 

“We’ll come get lunch here tomorrow before we leave. My mom used to take Will and I there every time we came up. They have the best pancakes.”

Hailey glanced at the diner before looking back at him, smiling at him inadvertently sharing something about his childhood. Fond memories weren’t something either of them seemed to have many of but she was happy he held onto some good things from his past. 

“Pancakes for lunch?”

She teased, breaking the silence they had fallen into and pulling Jay back into the moment.

“Well, I have zero intentions of getting out of bed early tomorrow and they serve breakfast all day.”

He sent her a wink and then pointed them back towards the cabin. 

As Jay hauled their few bags of groceries in, Hailey found herself wandering around the back of the cabin looking around in awe at the scene laid out before her. It truly was a little piece of paradise, their own little corner of the world. She pictured a younger Jay and Will running around the yard playing and felt a smile tug at the corner of her mouth. Lost in thought, Hailey jumped when Jay came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. 

“It’s pretty great, isn’t it..”

Jay stated, placing a gentle kiss on top of her head. She leaned back into his embrace, nodding against his chest. 

“Did you come here a lot growing up?”

She felt Jay let out a slow breath behind her before he answered. 

“Yeah, we’d come up a few times a year. I’ll bring you back in the summertime. There’s a little pond over there that’s perfect for fishing.”

Hailey smiled and turned in his arms to look up at him, her arms finding their place around his shoulders. 

“You fish?”

Jay’s head fell back slightly as he chuckled and when he looked back down there was a playful glint in his eyes. 

“I’m just full of surprises. It’s almost like you haven’t known me for all these years.”

His tone was teasing and Hailey smirked up at him before darting her eyes back down.

“Yeah well...this is kinda different.”

Jay tilted her head back up so she met his eyes, a quizzical look on his face. 

“How so?”

Hailey played with the buttons of his shirt, feeling suddenly embarrassed by the conversation. Not that she really had reason too, but the last two days with Jay had her mind wandering to the future and it was something new for her and it left her a little uncomfortable. 

“Just...us. I don’t know. We don’t get time alone like this, it’s nice.”

Jay dipped his head down to look at her, giving her a small smile. 

“She says with uncertainty.”

He spoke in a light tone but she could tell there was some unvoiced worry under his words. 

“I love you Jay.”

She wasn’t sure what made her say it so suddenly. It wasn’t the first time they had said it, but as the words left her mouth she felt something inside of her shift and she knew then that he was the one. The one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, to wake up every morning with and go to sleep next to every night. She glanced back out into the yard and suddenly it wasn’t a childhood version of Will and Jay running around but her own children, their children. The thought overwhelmed her and she felt tears gather in her eyes. Jay cupped her face between his hands, kissing her forehead and lingering there before pulling back to meet her eyes, letting her know he understood exactly what she was thinking and feeling without her needing to say another word. 

“I love you too Hailey.”

Hailey pulled him down into a kiss, smiling against his mouth as his strong arms wrapped around her. They stood like that, frozen in time and completely lost in each other, until Hailey felt huge clumps of snow hitting her head. She pulled back, smiling up at him again as more snowflakes danced around them. Jay took her hand, leading her back towards the cabin. They made it about halfway before Hailey had an idea, dropping Jay’s hand and quickly bending to scoop up some snow. Jay sent her a warning look but was unable to control the smile from reaching his eyes when she chucked the ball of snow in his direction, hitting him squarely in the chest. 

The only sound was their crunching boots in the snow, mixed with squeals and laughter as they battled it out, tossing snow back and forth until they were both soaked and freezing. Eventually Jay conceded, holding his hands up in surrender and making her send him a smug look. They hurried into the cabin, pulling their soaked clothes off and draping them by the fireplace. Hailey headed down the hall, intending to take a hot shower to warm up but Jay scooped her up from behind and raced her down the rest of the hall, tossing her onto the bed and immediately hovering over her as their lips melded together once again. 

When Hailey and Jay re-emerged from the bedroom darkness was falling outside. Hailey glanced out the window and was surprised to see how much snow had accumulated over the last few hours. Jay was in the kitchen, turning the radio on and letting it play softly as he pulled out the stuff for dinner. Hailey joined him, working beside him to chop up the produce and then making her way to the stove. They worked around the kitchen like it was the most natural thing and Hailey found a smile on her face that seemed to be a permanent feature now. They leaned against the counter, waiting for dinner to finish cooking and Hailey heard a song playing on the radio she recognized as something by Iron & Wine. Jay came to stand before her, taking her hands and surprising her when he pulled her away from the counter and started moving them together in a slow rhythm. 

“And now we’re dancing?”

Hailey grinned up at him, shaking her head playfully. 

“And now we’re dancing.”

Jay replied, tucking her head under his chin. Hailey let her head rest against his chest and her eyes wandered to the kitchen window. She could see the snow coming down hard as they swayed back and forth. She listened to the soft music and the steady beating of his chest, feeling that no matter what was going on in the world around them that she would be okay as long as he was here with her. Whether they were tucked into this little nook of the world or back in Chicago, it didn’t matter as long as Jay was by her side. Jay was the reward for everything she had gone through in the past, the breath of fresh air when she felt like she was suffocating, the light at the end of the tunnel, and the safe place to come home to when nothing else was right. Jay was home.

[fromiftowhen]

fic: the goosebumps start to raise (an Upstead one-shot)

For the first day of the Upstead Christmas prompt challenge -- SNOW. 

Rated T | 1005 words | Title from Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood

For the first time in a long time, Jay wakes up on his own -- before his alarm, without his phone ringing, without Hailey's lips pressing against his skin, drawing him eagerly from sleep. 

He's cold, even though her body is pressed against his chest, and it takes him a moment to realize why. 

The curtains are pulled back just slightly, and he can see snow falling outside the window, heavy enough he knows it'll still coat the ground when they finally have to get up. 

Hailey moves against his chest, her back stretching against him, her bare legs tangling with his under the covers. 

“Cold,” she mumbles, her voice sleepy. 

“Yeah, so are your feet, good lord,” he teases, but he pulls her closer against his chest and lets her tuck her feet under him. 

“Were you already awake?” She's slightly less mumbly as she pulls his arm tighter around her chest. 

“Yeah,” he whispers, brushing his lips over the shell of her ear. “It's snowing.”

“Mmm,” she murmurs. “You hate snow.”

He laughs softly and presses his hand up under the hem of her shirt. She gasps as his fingers settle on her hip, still cold even with the body heat. 

“I don't hate snow,” he tells her. 

“Oh? So it's not you I've heard complain for the last few years about how people are idiots on the roads and the streets turn the snow dingy too quick, and--”

“Yeah, yeah,” he mutters, pressing his hand higher up her waist, grinning when she shivers. “That's months into winter, no one likes that. But the first snow is good.”

“Yeah?” She burrows back against him, shifting so she can see the snow fall too. 

“Mhmm.”

“Happy childhood memories in the snow?” Her voice is quiet. It's the first snow they've woken up to together, and it feels like they're both trying to keep the quiet, sleepy feeling as long as possible. 

He breathes out a sigh, maybe a laugh, against her skin. “God, no.”

“What?” She laughs, her fingers drifting over his on her waist. “You and Will didn't bundle up and get in snowball fights for hours? Cute little Halstead brothers?”

He laughs. “Sure, but that was to torture each other, not to play. Ask him about the time he tried to bury me alive the week before Christmas so he could keep my gifts.”

She laughs, her shoulders shaking against his chest. “I'm sure you all remember that story exactly the same. No good childhood memories in the snow?”

“I dunno, some, I guess. But those aren't why the first snow is so good.”

“It's me, isn't it? You hated the snow until five minutes ago, and now it's your favorite because I'm here.” Her tone is playful, teasing, but he brushes his lips against her neck slowly, grinning as she arches to give him a better angle.

It might be the first snow they've seen from bed together, but he's already well-versed in all the ways he can quiet her down and rile her up with just his lips. 

He bites at her neck lightly, chuckling into her skin as she sighs. 

“Cute,” he whispers, pulling back. “But no,”

“Rude,” she grumbles, but it's half-hearted. “So what’s so good about the first snowfall?” 

Her fingers tangle with his on her waist, and he runs his thumb over her skin, warming her cold hands. 

“When I came back from my last tour,” he starts, quietly, and her fingers grip his tighter, a reflex that makes him smile. “It was summer, and hot, and I was so messed up, I didn't know what way was up for months. There wasn't sand under my feet anymore, but… everything else felt the same.”

He doesn't have to say more, she knows enough about how he spent those first few months. They don't need to relive it. 

“But the snow came early and fast that year and I woke up one morning and everything was just covered in snow, and it was so different from how I'd spent the last few years...” He trails off, and her voice fades in. 

“It was like a reset,” she fills in, and he nods. 

“Yeah, kinda. I mean, it didn't fix everything. But it finally made me feel like I'd come home. Which helped.” 

“So familiar you didn't even realize you needed it,” she says quietly. 

“Yeah,” he whispers. 

“I get that,” she says, shifting and rolling over to face him. She smiles. “I like the first snow too.”

His arm wraps around her waist, pulling her against him. “It's me, isn't it? I made you like the snow,” he mimics, teasing, and she rolls her eyes. 

“You can keep thinking that,” she says, but she's still smiling. “You're just here to keep me warm.”

“Oh? I mean, I can leave. You can put on pants, you know. Normally, people wear them when it snows.”

“It wasn't snowing last night, and you weren't protesting when I was taking them off,” she says, her cold feet sliding under his again. 

He smirks. “Yeah, well. No pants are the best pants. But it was still 20°, Hailey.”

“I told you, that's why you're here. But wanna know why I really like the snow?”

Her voice is low, teasing enough he's prepared when she tosses a leg over him and straddles him, grinning down at him. 

“I might have an idea.”

She leans in, her hair falling in his face, building a quiet little cocoon around them in the dark room. “Sometimes, you get snowed in, and you have to stay in bed all day.” 

“Yeah, your answer is much better. Can I change my answer to that?”

She laughs as her lips find his.

Her feet are still cold, and they probably won't end up snowed in. But he kisses her back and pulls the covers up over their heads, keeping the room quiet and warming them up. 

He's pretty sure she's given him a new reason to love the first snowfall. 

[carissalizz]

Upstead Valentine's Love Song Challenge ❤️

9th Feb 2021

It was a regular day in Chicago, the team always in pursuit of drug runners and dangerous gangbangers. Everything was the same, except for a certain blonde detective and her partner. They were no longer just partners...

Boyfriend and Girlfriend they were.

It's been a months since their relationship evolved and things could not be going smoother. Sure, there were some bumps here and there, with Hailey's dad and Jay going undercover, but things between then were just effortless and easy.

Upon walking through the door, the pair crashed on the couch, exhausted from their day. Two suspects decided to bolt when they approached them, leading Halstead and Upton on a cardio workout. They only managed to catch the offenders thanks to patrol who rolled just in the nick of time.

As Hailey looked over at Jay, she saw him in a state she didn't really see him in. Ever. His eyes were closed, not a wrinkle on his forehead. He was relaxed. Hailey smiled at the thought, "how did I get so lucky?" and intertwined her petite hand with his. Fingers still interlocked, Jay swung his arm around his girl, pulling her close to him.

Deciding that they needed food, Hailey placed a kiss on Jay's temple and got up to order some Bartoli's for dinner. A very late dinner considering it was already past midnight, grateful that the pizza place closed at 2am. Jay got up and hugged her from behind as she poured herself some tea. The blonde leaned back into him as he wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace. That was when she realised that Jay turned the radio on.

Hello there, how've you been?

I heard that you're moving to Paris

With that copy comic

I bet he's on it

Her eyes went wide with realisation and she turned to face him, still in his arms.

"It's our song" she smiled, trailing her gaze to his face and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Dance with me?" A soft whisper erupted from Jay's mouth as he took a step back, extending his hand to her. She accepted and they fell into each other's embrace.

Take me for instance

I hold your tune

While I cast a long shadow

And wait for the moon

They swayed rhythmically to the melody of the song. Their song. The one that was playing in the bar the night they kissed for the first time. The night where everything changed.

"I'm forever yours, you know that right?" It slipped so easily from her lips that she didn't register it. But Jay did. In response, he cupped her cheek gently and said "mmhm... and I'm your man".

Songs:

Willow by Taylor Swift

Copy Comic by Robert Francis

Day 2 of @upsteadofficial's song prompt challenge :)

[signsofupstead]

WHERE ARE THEY?! It looks like they’re in some sort of igloo! But with plants behind them? What are those lantern thingies in the circle windows/tunnels? Any Chicago natives have an idea about where this could be? A spa was the best guess I have heard so far, but I have still never seen a spa or anyplace that looks like this (in real life or on the show). Low key hoping the sneak peek is from this scene so my brain can stop stressing over it every time I look at the photos lol. Help!

[heatherelf77]

My predictions for Upsteadofficial’s March Madness! This is not necessarily what I would choose in all cases, but my best guess at how this is gonna go. I feel like my favorites are different from others’, though, so 🤷🏻‍♀️. The right hand column was tougher to predict, but idk...I’m kinda thinking 8x04 is gonna win. 🤔😂

[randers198]

Mistletoe

For the 6th day of the @upsteadofficial Christmas word prompt--Mistletoe. (Rated T)

Note: Started this for the Presents prompt but didn’t finish it in time so used it for part of the 6th day instead. Hopefully it’s not too clunky.

“Upton. This has gotta stop.” Trudy Platt all but stomped over to Hailey’s desk. She unceremoniously dropped a small package on her desk. “See this?” She pivoted a bit to show her shoulder badge to Hailey. “Does this say ‘Postal Service’? No. It doesn’t. So stop having these delivered here.”

“Sorry, Sarge.” Hailey replied. Again she offered no explanation. The season would be over in another day and then this would all be over.  She slid the package to the far side of her desk without looking at it and got back to work as Trudy moved in to Hank’s office.

“You serious?” Jay asked over his computer.  “That’s like the fourth one. Who’s sending them?” He got up to round the corner to her desk but Hailey was faster. Barely looking, she palmed the package and slid it inside her desk drawer.

“It’s nothing, Jay. Really.” She tried for a smile but knew it fell flat. Just one more day. “It’s not important.”

“C’mon, you’re not even a little bit curious?” His brow furrowed. God knows he was. First came flowers. He’d made note of her face as she read the card, (It wasn’t a happy one) and later when he’d gone in to the break room for a bottle of water he saw them crammed in to the small trash can back by the couch. The next day there was a package. She’d checked the return address and slid it in to her bag underneath her desk. If Jay hadn’t been coming from the hallway after finishing up an interview with a suspect he wouldn’t have seen it happen. The next day there had been another package and now today.

“You have a secret admirer?” He asked, half teasing. For the first time since knowing Hailey he’d gotten her a gift. He hadn’t meant to, he told himself. He’d been with Will, killing time while he shopped for Hannah before they went for dinner and drinks, when he saw it. A simple necklace. A leather band with a small gold circle. He’d had it embossed with her initial and did his best to ignore his brother’s smirk as he joined him to pay. Now the thought that maybe there was someone else in her life, someone he wasn’t aware of, crossed his mind for the first time. He tried to tell himself that it was fine, she wasn’t his. But the only thing that gave him any solace was remembering her face at reading the card that came with the flowers. No eye roll—but a deep sigh and a scowl. If there was someone, it wasn’t someone she felt anything good for. That kept him going. Though he still wanted to know what was going on.

“You have a secret admirer?” He’d asked the question and she wasn’t sure how to take it. Was there some jealousy in that question? Concern? She shook it off on the inside. She’d rather not think about it let alone answer it.

“I wish,” she’d joked back and purposely got back to work.

Jay watched her for a moment. She was avoiding the question…and him. Rather than push him away, it only made him more curious, more prone to dig in and find out what was going on with her. He only wanted to help. She should have known better.

The next day brought no new case and one new package. Another slide in to the drawer as Hailey smiled in apology at Platt’s latest delivery. Hailey hoped that the gift card to her favorite coffee spot would soften her up a bit. She traded the envelope for the package and Hailey watched as Trudy peeked inside the card to see what was inside. “Well…” was all she offered before she walked away. But Hailey took it as a win and smiled at her back. She was still grinning as she turned back to her computer.

“Ah, there it is.” Adam clapped once and pointed at her. “Smile’s back, people!”

She rolled her eyes before looking up to see Jay watching her.

“It is nice to see again.”

She could feel the blush creeping up her cheeks so she ducked her head and tried to get back to focusing on finishing the paperwork she swore to herself she’d have done before clocking out for the night. Before she could just have the next 4 days to not think about the worst that Chicago had to offer, the innocent victims, the scenes she was called upon to see how the two factions met. She wanted to block it all out and just ‘be’ at home. Bad tv, sleeping in , a few late nights, these were the things she was looking forward to.

She didn’t mean to be a hard-ass lately but she knew she had been. This time of year, for as much as she enjoyed the majority of it, it was also a time that she dreaded. Knew the push that always came and this year had been no different.

“So tomorrow’s Christmas Eve.” Jay’s voice filtered through her thoughts as it always could. She looked up to him. “Got any plans?”

“Nope.” Her answer was cavalier as she closed a file.  “You?”

“Well,” he rubbed at his chin, not nearly as invested as she was in finishing his paperwork before their shift ended.  “Will’s working and…..no.” He smiled. “Soooo, would it totally kill your holiday vibe if I stopped over for a drink?”

“My holiday vibe?” she laughed. “Come over anytime, Jay. I’ll be home.”

He grinned and for the first time in a few years, realized he was actually looking forward to the holiday.

The next afternoon found Jay at Hailey’s door.  When she answered he found himself having to remember to breathe. She looked like herself, casual and relaxed, but at home that version was so much more her and it took his breath away for just a moment. It was happening to him more often and no matter how he tried to talk himself out of it, give justification to it, he knew he was simply lost in her. He’d finally realized his feelings but couldn’t quite figure out what to do about them.

“You okay?” She was staring at him, running their dynamic over in her head for the millionth time. There were times she thought they were both in sync, that he wanted what she did, to try and take the next step, to see if they could have something good past partners and friends. And then there were others where she was left feeling insecure and wrong and like she was spinning her wheels. She’d had offers of drinks, dinners…..of more, from other men. But none of the guys were Jay. None of them left her feeling like he did when he looked at her like he was right now.

“Yeah….yeah. Merry Christmas.” He offered a half smile as he walked in.

“You too.”

She’d already started on the tequila and had thrown some beers in the fridge. She offered him his choice, and they settled in her living room, and sipped their drinks in an easy silence.

Jay ran a finger around the rim of his glass and looked over to her. “Not too Christmasy around here.” He glanced around the room.

She huffed out a small chuckled and smiled in agreement. “Not usually around.”  At his look she explained. “I may have been known to pick up an extra shift here or there if the OT was available….or if not,” she smiled and inhaled deeply. “rent a place in Indiana or Michigan…some place on a lake. Quiet. Remote.” She shrugged a bit.

He looked at her nearly incredulous. “I really don’t know you at all, do I?” He meant it as a joke but shook his head at the information.

“You know me better than anyone Jay.” It had slipped out, immediate, quiet and earnest.

He nodded at her, solemn, quiet. Pleased at the comment.

“Okay then,” he breathed out. “Then what was the deal with those packages?”

He didn’t miss the small lip twitch, the flash of a dark look cross her face. When she didn’t respond, he tried again. “Hailey?”

Finally she spoke. She shrugged lightly. “I thought maybe…when I moved to this place….but my mom is smart.” She chuckled. “No address to send them to so she sent them to the district. They’re just…she never stops trying.”

“What do you do with them?” He probed.

“Donate them.”

“Do you know what they are? What they send?”

“Nope.” She shifted on the couch. “It’s easier not to.”

Jay nodded, trying to understand. “Sooo, nothing to open for Christmas then?”

She smiled a bit. “I don’t need presents, Jay.”

“Okay, that’s a lie.” He teased, reaching for his jacket and rummaging in a pocket. He pulled a small square box, neatly wrapped from it and passed it over to her.

Hailey swallowed hard. “Jay,” she whispered. “You didn’t have to….I didn’t…..”

“No, no, no. It’s not a big deal.” He chuckled and tried to play it down, now questioning his decision to give it.

“Can I…?” She glanced at the package.

“Yeah, of course. Go ahead.”

Hailey deftly unwrapped the paper neatly and Jay saw her eyes widen as she took the white top off the box.The dark band lay against the white cotton bed, the small gold circle shining in the living room light.

Jay found it necessary to start talking. “I just….you used to wear one like it and I saw it and just thought….”

“It’s beautiful.” She whispered, looking from it to him. “Thank you so much.” Her old one had broken off, she assumed, during a scuffle with an offender as she’d tackled him. When she’d gotten back to the district that day she’d noticed it was gone.

Hailey put the necklace on and Jay smiled, proud of being the reason she looked so happy in this moment. They sat and drank a bit for a while before Jay voiced an idea.

“Okay, so we’ve gotta get some Christmas spirit going.” He put down his glass and rubbed his hands together.

Hailey laughed. “I’m not getting a tree on Christmas Eve,” she laughed lightly. “so what are you thinking?”

“Molly’s. It looks like Christmas threw up in there. Like it should.” He grabbed for his jacket. “Whaddya say?”

The bar was packed. Locals having a few beers before going home to be with families, a few cops and fire fighters having a drink between ending shift and heading home, and a bunch of college kids home for break getting together with friends before being held captive by well-meaning family members wanting to know how school was and if they’ve met anybody special.

One of those kids stopped on his way back from the bathroom to do a double take at Jay and Hailey—and ogle Hailey.

“Bruh, you see where you are?” the kid asked. Jay didn’t and gave a mild one shoulder shrug, hoping if he ignored him he’d just move on. But he didn’t. “Better make your move dude, or I’m happy to step.in. Won’t have to tell me twice…though she may want to.” He smirked and grabbed suggestively and crudely at the front of his jeans.

Hailey grabbed Jay’s arm as he went to step up. The kid just smirked again and moved on.

“Let it go, Jay. He’s stupid and drunk.”

He was breathing heavier than normal with the adrenaline that pushed through his veins.  “Asshole,” he muttered, looking down the bar to where the kid had joined his friends.

He tried to focus back on Hailey and took a sip of his beer, calming down very little by very little. He took a deep breath and offered Hailey an apologetic smile that she returned with a ‘don’t worry about it’ one of her own. He was feeling better and glanced around the bar again, tipping his head up a bit as he drained the last of his beer. He choked.

“Shit….Jay, you okay?” Hailey was up off her stool and standing close to him, patting him on the back instinctively.

“Yeah….yeah,” he rasped. ”Just went down the wrong way.” He wiped at his mouth, and made a decision, quickly reaching for her hand. Feeling the warm skin and surprising softness of her hand under his, he dragged a quick thumb over her wrist. Hailey froze. She’d been about to sit back down when he’d touched her. She didn’t know what to do or say so waited him out, holding her breath.

He gestured upward, calling Hailey’s attention to the ceiling. When she saw it, she rolled her eyes with a grin and groaned lightly. But she didn’t move.

“Ohhh,  you gotta be kidding me.” Her laugh and smile faded as she caught Jay’s eye. His own had faded before hers and now he was just looking at her. Looking at her in that way that she never could name but that sent shivers down her spine nonetheless.

“Jay?” She whispered it softly.

“It’s tradition Hailey.” His voice was low.

She nodded slowly.  “Yeah. It is.”

Jay was still seated. He parted his knees a bit and took hold of Hailey’s waist, pulling her gently toward him. Her eyes never left his as she shuffled forward.

He pulled a hand from her waist to the back of her neck and she placed hers on his shoulders.

“We doing this?”

“I think it’s about time. So—yeah.” He huffed out a sly smile, genuinely happy.  She leaned in to him just as he gave her neck a gentle pull. The first kiss was soft, quick, and tentative. The second and third were soft and meaningful. Purposeful. The fourth was leading toward hungry.

When Jay pulled back slightly it was to find Hailey looking at him, her eyes bright as he thumbed circles at her waist. Neither said anything with both just enjoying the moment.

“Merry Christmas, Jay.” She smiled.

He chuckled lowly. “Merry Christmas, Hailey.”

She was knocked a bit closer to him by the group moving from down the bar past them, as they headed toward the exit.

Jay held on to Hailey tight as she was jostled in to him. The drunk kid from earlier threw them a look and Jay took advantage of it. “Hey bruh…..thanks!” Jay grinned before sliding a hand to Hailey’s jaw and pulling her in for another kiss under the mistletoe.

[imjustwritingg]

Sorry, I’m the anon who sent you the message about doing a madness challenge for 8x11. Definitely meant to send that to upseatdofficial 🤦🏻‍♀️ You, upsteadofficial and ilithiyarys are my go to Upstead blogs, so I forget which one I’m on sometimes lol. Any-who, love your page and all your posts and thoughts on all things Upstead 😊

No worries Anon! Another challenge would definitely be fun. Not sure what @upsteadofficial has planned for the future, but I know it’ll be a good time for the fandom!

And thank you so much!!! That is such a sweet compliment. So happy to provide Upstead entertainment for everyone. I really am obsessed with those idiots. 🥺😩

Gonna tag @ilithiyarys on this so she sees the love too! Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend Anon!! 🥰🥰