Why Chicago PD’s Halstead and Upton could still end up together

3. The signs of romance

While their journey as partners hasn’t always been smooth, Chicago PD has made clear that Jay and Hailey both care about one another, and that care is deeper than just being colleagues. Upton was the one who got Halstead to (begrudgingly) open up about his strained relationship with his dad in “Endings” and despite their arguments earlier in the episode, she was also very worried about Jay when he was shot. Remember that Upzek began because Upton was so upset about Halstead’s near-death that she was comforted by Ruzek!

In “Brotherhood”, Jay understood Hailey’s reasons for not telling him about continuing to see Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger), reassuring her that “We’re good, and we’re always gonna be good.”  Fans could see in that scene how broken up Hailey was over keeping her relationship under wraps, especially from Halstead.

Chicago PD kept having Halstead and Upton wear their emotions on their sleeves with one another, such as in “Good Men” when after a tricky confrontation with a suspect, Upstead finally had a chance to talk things out. Hailey lifted Jay’s spirits by telling him that he was right to trust his instincts, and while she could have left it at that, she tacked on a more personal note.

Hailey admitted that she had trusted him from the day they met, and that if she was going to follow someone blind, she would follow him. This was an important moment in their relationship because it reaffirmed a real trust and deeper connection between the two of them.

Then in the season 6 finale, Jay shared a similar sentiment to Hailey’s, saying that he would go wherever she goes because “it’s hard to find a good partner.” Neither of them necessarily open up easily, so these sentiments mean a lot—and prove they have something more than just a partnership.

It’s hard to deny the chemistry between Halstead and Upton. Both Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos  have done a fine job honing these characters and giving fans the dynamic duo that is Upstead, and with Upton single again, there’s still a chance they make their pairing more than a partnership. We’ll find out in Chicago PD season 7, which premieres Sept. 25.

For the latest Chicago PD season 7 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.