Joy regretted saying what she said to Jerome, especially since Monday morning, she'd have to go see him again. First, she clocked in at work, gathered her notepad and some of her tools, and headed to the hospital. Today, she'd be studying Jerome's wounds. For now she'd be investigating him at the hospital until he was cleared to come to the lab at the office.

When Joy arrived, she took her time on her way to Jerome's room.

She took a deep breath as she twisted the knob and went inside, just the two of them alone once again. Jerome was awake, seeing her as she came in. On his nearby table was a mostly-eaten bowl of soup.

"Back again?" Jerome asked.

"It's for work," Joy responded apathetically.

She went over to him awkwardly, laying down some of her things.

"So, this Erik," Jerome smiled, "is he a nice guy."

"This isn't about Erik."

Jerome sighed. "Sorry for making small talk."

As Jerome looked away, Joy stared at Jerome, uncomfortable in the particular situation. She acted as though she didn't care about any of it because she was afraid some unwanted emotion would show up if she didn't.

"Tell me, where were you...attacked?" Joy asked with her notepad in hand.

"I don't remember much of it. Just a lot of pain, and I think I was walking somewhere...outside though, definitely."

Joy jotted this down. "And where on your body were you injured? If you know."

"Bruises on my torso; actually a lot from what the doctors told me. Bruises on my back. They think I may have taken slight damage to the head, so there might be a minor concussion."

After writing that down, Joy asked, "Would you mind letting me see these injuries?"

"Yeah," Jerome replied after hesitation. "Just be careful removing the shirt; I'm still sore."

Joy put down her notepad and prepared to remove Jerome's shirt. She tried to think nothing of it, but of course that's practically impossible with an ex-boyfriend. She slowly lifted his shirt, but he still gave little cries and winces of pain.

She laid the shirt down at the foot of the bed. Even though some of Jerome's bruises were still gruesome, Joy had a moment of not being able to take her eyes off him. Jerome noticed, but he didn't say anything. Joy finally go to work, documenting her findings, but Jerome felt it was too quiet, so as a joy worked, he began to speak.

"Joy, you know yesterday...I'm really sorry about that."

Joy didn't respond, but she did tense up.

"I'm sure Erik is an amazing guy, and I don't want to interfere with what you two have."

Joy inhaled and exhaled deeply. She already had gloves on as she felt on and around his bruises which made him wince.

"He loves you, doesn't he?"

Joy looked into his eyes, anger boiling up in her, yet still, she kept her cool. "Are you suggesting something?"

"No. As an ex of yours I feel obligated to ensure you and your new partner are happy together."

Joy rolled her eyes. "My life isn't in your hands anymore, Jerome."

"True," Jerome agreed. He winced again as Joy touched a sensitive area. "But as I said, I am still in love with you. And as a guy who's in love with you, I want what's best for you even if what's best isn't with me."

Joy closed her eyes. How could she not feel something being right here with Jerome, and him being so...nice? She had too many emotions to put into words. Honestly, she didn't know how to feel.

The entire investigation had been this way. And when it was time for Joy to go, she really didn't want to go, still while wanting to leave so badly.

She forced herself away from Jerome after putting his shirt back in him. She hurried out, not saying any farewell.

~~~~~
After returning home, Joy decided to take a walk to clear her head. She changed her clothes and put her hair up into a ponytail, the she left the apartment.

As she was walking, her head hanging low, she heard her name being called. She looked over across the street where it came from and saw Alfie approaching her, removing earplugs from his ear.

"Hi, Joy," Alfie greeted once by her side.

"Hello, Alfie. I didn't know you usually took walks on this street."

"I don't. Lately I've been walking because...I'm gonna be a dad." Alfie spit it out quickly.

"Alfie, that's great! I'm so happy for you!" Joy grinned.

"I'm not! I don't have any training whatsoever, and I fear little Wilfie won't grow up to be the best he or she can be."

"Same old Alfie," Joy laughed. "You worry too much. You'll be a fine dad."

"Fine? Oh, I can't be just a fine dad. I have to be the best. But anyway, as much as I love talking about my life, what's been going on in yours? How're you and Jerome?"

Joy hoped in the back of her mind that she wouldn't have to speak about that. Guess it was unavoidable. "We broke up a while back. But hey, turns out he's involved with my job duties so now I have to see him everyday." Joy said that too over excitedly to be happy about one bit. Alfie knew.

"How's it been so far?"

"Let's just say, it's the whole reason I'm taking a walk right now."

~~~~~
Here's chapter 5! I hope you enjoyed it! It's a very Joy/Jerome/Jeroy-based chapter obviously. With a dash of Alfie in there of course. Discussion questions time!

Do you think Joy can keep working with Jerome without falling in love with him again?

Do you think Joy or Jerome is the right one in their situation?

And do you think Alfie will make a good father?