New Beginnings

by jhett26

Summary:

When tragedy befalls Matt Casey he moves back to Chicago for a fresh start. Can Firehouse 51 and it's crew be the new beginning he's looking for? Rated M for eventual mature content. Casey/Brett pairing. Alternate Universe fic. Dawson is a firefighter and Shay and Sylvie are the paramedics at 51. Set after Season 2, Shay doesn't die.

Notes:

AN: I do not own Chicago Fire or any of its characters. I just love the show so much that I wanted to play in their world for a little while. I hope you enjoy it!

Trigger warning: this part contains mentions of suicide.

Chapter 1: New York

Part 1:

Matthew Casey knew that he needed a change, he had to get out of this city and away from all the memories it held. He still could not understand how Hallie could do this. He had no clue she was as depressed as she was and now it is too late. He can’t help but blame himself, she had told him she never wanted to have kids, but somehow, they ended up pregnant. Once little Alexa was born Hallie seemed happy, it was all a façade. Matt can’t help but wonder if he missed some signs, but she always doted on their daughter when he was around, he never saw this coming.

Looking around the apartment that contained their lives together Matt cried. They had built a life together here and now that life is gone. Matt had never thought he would leave Chicago, but after they had gotten engaged Hallie was offered a position at a prestigious New York City hospital and after they talked about it, they decided that they needed to go for Hallie’s career. Matt had just made lieutenant with the CFD and was able to get a transfer to one of the houses with the FDNY. Even though he could never imagine leaving his home city, he had enjoyed living in New York. He and Hallie went and saw plays, ate at some really good restaurants and even though deep dish would always be his favorite New York style pizza started to grow on him.

Matt finished taping up the last box and took a deep breath. The movers were coming first thing in the morning to pack up all of the furniture and boxes for the move back to Chicago. He was able to transfer back to the CFD, Firehouse 51 to be exact. He had stayed in touch with his friend Kelly Severide throughout the years and that was his house, so at least he’d know someone. As it turned out they were in need of another officer since their last one perished in a house fire.

Sounds from the next room capture Matt’s attention and he quickly puts the tape down and rushes to the room. He doesn’t want a full-on tantrum and knows that is what will happen if he waits too long. Alexa Casey was sitting up in her crib smiling at her father in the doorway. Matt can’t help but smile back, despite everything he loved that little girl more than life itself.

“Hello Sweet Pea,” Matt says walking into the room and picking up his daughter. She giggles and snuggles her face into his neck.

Matt freshens up his daughter and takes her to the kitchen for some lunch. He makes her some pasta and cuts up some cooked carrots before placing her in her high chair with the food on her tray. He makes himself a quick sandwich and joins her at the table. He looks at her sweet baby face and wonders once again how Hallie could do what she did. He never saw the signs of post-partum depression, she pretended to be fine a little too well. Matt shakes his head, he doesn’t want to go back to that day, the worst day of his life.

It had been a long shift with call after call for his Truck company and he was more than happy to finally be home. The minute he opened the door Matt heard screaming coming from his daughter’s room. That was odd, normally Hallie and Alexa were in the kitchen finishing up breakfast when he came home from shift, today there was no movement in the house, just his daughter screaming.

“Hey Alexa,” Matt called as he quickly walked into her room.

Her cries quieted some as she spotted her father. Matt scooped her up and noticed that she was sitting in a soiled diaper and from the feel of it had been for quite some time. He changed her quickly and then headed to his room to find Hallie. Maybe she had gotten sick during the night and just hadn’t woken up.

“Hals,” Matt called, walking into the room.

The room was empty. Matt noticed a piece of paper on his pillow and curious picked it up. It was a note for him written in Hallie’s handwriting.

Dearest Matt.
I am so sorry. I tried, please know that I tried, but I cannot do this. I never wanted to be a mother, you knew that, but I tried for you. You were so happy when we accidently got pregnant and as much as I wanted to get rid of it, I didn’t, for you. I hope one day you can forgive me.
Love,
Hallie

A feeling of unease settled in Matt’s stomach. What was she apologizing for? Had she left them? All of her things were still here. Matt rushed around the apartment calling out Hallie’s name. He couldn’t find her. Cautiously he made his way to the bathroom, the only room he hadn’t checked yet. Slowly he opened up the door, already knowing what he was going to find when he did. The uneasy feeling, he had been feeling had intensified with every room he searched. Lying there in the tub was Hallie. She had slit her wrists and taken her own life. She left him, and their child motherless. Matt felt guilty, he hadn’t known she was feeling that way.

Running from the room Matt grabbed the phone and dialed 911. He waited for the paramedics and the fire department to show up. What was he going to do now?

The thoughts came unbidden and Matt could not stop the onslaught, no matter how much he wanted to. He was not looking forward to the day he had to explain to Alexa about her mother, no little child needed to hear that their own mother didn’t want them, and took their own life to escape them. It would have been easier if Hallie had just left them, but this, this was too much.

Matt wiped his eyes; he was tired of crying over this. He hated the guilt and shame he felt whenever he thought about Hallie and what happened. He was a first responder; how did he not see what was right in front of him? He just couldn’t understand it, and knew that he probably never would be able to understand it. The only thing he could do was move on, focus on his daughter and giving her the best life, he could. That meant moving back to Chicago to be closer to his family, his daughter deserved at least that, to be surrounded by people who loved her unconditionally. Matt could only hope that this restart in Chicago was just what the two of them needed.

Matt cleaned up after lunch and then grabbing Alexa’s stroller took her for a walk to the playground down the street. This was the last time that they would be playing here and he wanted to get her out of the house since all their things were already packed up and or put away for the movers. Matt had a few of her toys that he kept because Alexa was going to need some things to play with tonight and when they stopped on their drive to Chicago, but everything else was packed up and ready to go.
Matt and Alexa were going to be staying with his sister Christine for a few days, at least until the movers arrived with their stuff for their new apartment. He was actually excited to see his sister and his niece, they hadn’t seen one another since the funeral and this time they would get to see one another under happier circumstances. There would be the lingering sadness of course, the reason why they were back in Chicago was not the best but it was a new beginning for him and his daughter which hopefully would bring happiness.

He spent a few hours at the park with Alexa pushing her on the swing, which was her favorite thing to do at the park, she was only 10 months old after all, before leaving to head home for her nap. While Alexa was napping Matt, double checked that everything was in order and then sat down on his couch looking up the Chicago CFD, specifically Firehouse 51. He was curious what his new firehouse was going to be like. He had gone through his training in Chicago and vaguely remembered hearing murmurs about House 51. All he could remember was that Wallace Boden was the Battalion Chief there. There wasn’t much on the internet about house 51 and Matt resigned himself to finding out what he needed to know once he got there.
Matt stopped by his old firehouse once Alexa woke up. His crew was on shift today and he wanted to pop in and say goodbye to his men.

“Hey lieutenant!”

“Royce. Where is everyone?”

“They are inside Lieutenant.” Royce replied.

Matt nodded and walked into the common area carrying his daughter. He laughed as he saw all his men and co-workers surrounding a table laden with food and a farewell, best of luck cake. He was going to miss these guys that was for sure. Matt made a plate for himself and Alexa while the Chief held her for him and chatted with his Truck crew enjoying one more day in their company. It was a nice evening, and Matt left once the bells sounded calling the entire house out to a structure fire. He was itching to jump in the truck with them, but knew that it was no longer his to command and watched as they pulled away from the house a sadness in his eyes.

Chapter 2: On our way home

Notes:

A/N: Thank you so much to everyone who has read this story and especially those of you who have left me a review. It warms my heart that you are all enjoying this as much as I am. Without further ado here is the next part. I hope you all enjoy this one too. I am currently working on part 3 and hope to have it published in the next few days.

Part 2:

Matt woke up early the next morning excitement and anxiousness churning his stomach. He had mixed feeling about this move back to Chicago. He was excited to be close to his sister and back in his hometown again and really did hate all the memories that New York City held. Some memories were good, but they were overshadowed by recent events and Matt knew that he needed to get away from that before they turned him bitter. He knew that if he stayed here, he would see Hallie’s ghost not only in their home, but all over New York and eventually his heart would sour and he would become cold and bitter. He deserved better than that, and so did Alexa. She had already lost one parent; she did not need to lose the other to bitterness.

Matt met with the movers an hour later and advised what furniture was going to be taken and what was being left behind. Once that was situated, he packed up Alexa’s remining belongings into his truck and the two set off for Chicago.

“Well Alexa, we are on our way. You’re going to be good for daddy, right?” he said.

Alexa just giggled and babbled her baby talk to him, holding onto her feet. Matt laughed and despite everything felt lighter now that they were officially on their way to their new beginning. Chicago was about thirteen hours away and Matt knew that there was no way he was going to make that trip in one day with an infant, unless she slept for a good portion of the trip, but even then, he will probably want to stop and rest. Besides he doesn’t want to show up at his sisters in the wee hours of the morning, waking up her entire household when he can just get a room and finish the trip tomorrow.

With that settled Matt turned on the radio, keeping it low enough so that he could hear his daughter if she needed him, and started his journey west. Matt missed having someone to talk to, that was the major difference in this trip this time around. The first time he was with Hallie and the two talked and laughed the entire time, this time he only had Alexa and while he could, a one-sided conversation was just not appealing. Instead, he sang along with some of the songs on the radio and passed the time wondering about what the people at his firehouse were going to be like.

Matt was really excited to see Severide again. He and Kelly talked occasionally after he and Hallie moved to New York but hadn’t really spoken much the past year. He didn’t even know about Alexa, or the fact that Hallie took her life. That was not going to be a fun conversation, but one that Matt knew they would need to have, especially the one about Alexa. Matt wouldn’t be able to hang out as much because he had a child to get home to. Not that Matt was complaining, he wouldn’t trade Alexa in for anything, but he didn’t want Kelly to feel that he didn’t want to hang out with him, he just had other obligations now. Maybe once in a while he could convince Christie to watch Alexa for him and the two of them could go out and have a good time, but it couldn’t be an every night occurrence.

They stopped for lunch somewhere in Pennsylvania about noon. Matt changed Alexa’s diaper and then the two of them ate some lunch and enjoyed being out of the truck for a while. So far, his princess had been so good, and Matt was almost afraid to get back in the truck, fearing this time around the he wouldn’t be so lucky, but he was eager to get back home to Chicago and either way knew that they were going to have to get back on the road.

Luck was on Matt’s side and Alexa slept for most the drive after lunch. Matt wanted to cover as much distance as he could before having to stop for the night and continued to drive until Alexa started to get fussy about seven o’clock. He pulled off the interstate and found a place to eat near a cluster of hotels, figuring that he would be able to find a room in one of them once he and his daughter had dinner. They were about four hours outside of Chicago which Matt was happy about. This meant that he could let Alexa sleep in, and still be at his sisters by lunch. He would call Christie in the morning before they left with a time to expect them.

Dinner was uneventful and Matt was right he was able to find a room fairly easily. After getting his room key he went back to the truck, carrying Alexa so that he could grab the duffle bag with their over night supplies and her pack and play so that he had a place for her to sleep. Even though it was never Matt’s intention to raise a child alone, he loved being a father and was the most doting one that anyone had ever seen. He truly loved his peanut to pieces and enjoyed every minute he had with her.

Matt set up the pack and play while Alexa played with her toys. Then he started the bath and started Alexa’s nightly routine of bath, lotion, and story before singing quietly to her until she fell asleep. Matt cherished these moments with his daughter, more now than ever. He knew that he was in essence trying to make sure that his baby girl did not feel slighted only having one parent, but if it strengthened his bond with his daughter he didn’t care. Any and all time he got to spend with Alexa was savored and Matt longed for those shared moments when he was working his 24-hour shift and had to miss those nights.

Once Alexa was down for the night Matt showered and headed off to bed himself. He didn’t want to turn on the TV and risk waking up his daughter and figured that he could do with getting some extra sleep. He hadn’t been sleeping well the past few nights, the stress of the move weighing on his subconscious and hoped that tonight, after the long drive, he’d be able to shut his mind off and actually sleep.
The next thing Matt knew Alexa was babbling in the pack and play next to him, up and ready to face another day. He smiled as he slowly came out of sleep and saw that it was 7:30 in the morning. Alexa had slept a half hour more than she normally would giving Matt a little extra sleep as well.

“Good morning pumpkin!” Matt said scooping his daughter out of the pack and play.

“Did you have a good night’s sleep?”

Alexa smiled at her father and babbled her baby talk. “You did? Well, that’s great. Daddy had a good night sleep too. What do you say we get ready for the day and go get us some pancakes for breakfast? Yeah? I think that’s a good idea too.”

Matt lay Alexa on the bed and changed her diaper and put her into today outfit before setting her on the floor with some toys to occupy her time. He took care of his business, got dressed and brushed his teeth before packing up their dirty clothes and the pack and play. Rummaging through the diaper bag Matt swore under his breath. He knew that he had put Alexa’s baby toothbrush in there, where the heck could it be? Just as he was resigning himself to unpacking the entire bag his hand touched a plastic sandwich bag.

“Ah ha! There you are!” he exclaimed, pulling the bag with Alexa’s toothbrush and the training toothpaste out of the bag.

After Matt brushed Alexa’s teeth and gums, he doublechecked that he had everything packed and slowly started packing up his truck. Having to do everything one handed slowed the process down, but he couldn’t leave Alexa in the room by herself so he made due.

“All right pumpkin, are you ready for breakfast?” Matt asked strapping his daughter into her car seat after putting the pack and play into the truck.

Matt drove down the street and stopped at a IHOP that was just before the entrance to the interstate. Thankfully the restaurant wasn’t really busy and they were seated right away. Matt ordered his breakfast and some milk for Alexa. He would give her some of the pancakes that came with his breakfast so there was no need to order anything for her.

While they were waiting for their food, Matt placed some puffs in front of Alexa which she happily munched on. They were her favorite snacks right now and Matt always made sure he had some on hand. About ten minutes later their food arrived. Matt cut up some of the pancakes and placed them on the disposable place mat he had stuck to the table for Alexa to eat and then dug into his eggs and the remaining pancakes. He placed the milk for Alexa into her bottle and flagged the waitress down for another cup of coffee. Matt could feel the looks he was getting from some of the patrons in the restaurant. He didn’t care, he was used to them by now and if people had a problem with a dad enjoying a quite morning with his daughter too bad for them.

After paying for breakfast Matt took Alexa to change her and he used the rest room before heading back out on the road. He called Christie from the truck to let her know that they were just about to get on the interstate and should be in Chicago by lunch time. Christie was excited to see them and promised that she’d be home before they got there but was going to run to the store shortly to get some food and asked what he wanted for supper.

Matt finished his conversation with his sister and pulled out of the IHOP parking lot heading toward the interstate. He sang along to the radio and listened to Alexa babble while she was awake and tried to enjoy the rest of the trip. Tomorrow he had to start his first shift at firehouse 51 and he knew that from now on his life was going to be different. Christie was helping him find some day care options and she offered to keep Alexa on the nights he was on shift because someone had to be with her overnight.

He didn’t want to admit it but he was nervous to start tomorrow. He almost felt like he was in high school and it was his first day at a new school. Would anyone like him, would his crew be ok taking orders from him? Matt knew that he earned his lieutenant bugle but he also knew that respect was earned and he could only hope that he had a decent truck of firefighters who were willing to work with him until he earned their respect. Granted he at least knew Severide but they hadn’t been close the past few years and Matt wasn’t even sure what it was going to be like seeing him again, on top of that he was nervous about telling Kelly about Alexa. Not that he thought Kelly would judge him, but he was afraid the other man would be hurt that Matt hadn’t told him sooner. It wasn’t that Matt hadn’t wanted to tell Kelly, or Andy but their schedules were all different and then his days off were consumed with Hallie and Alexa and the next thing Matt knew it was 10 months since Alexa was born and he was driving to Chicago because of everything that happened.

Taking a deep breath Matt tried to banish the negative thoughts form his mind. His friend was going to be happy to see him that was a given and Matt was fairly certain that Kelly would love Alexa as much as Matt himself did. Despite how tough Kelly pretended to be, he was still just a big softie at heart.

Matt stopped once for gas which thankfully Alexa slept through meaning that Matt was making great time. He stopped on the outskirts of Chicago to refill his truck, at which point Alexa was awake and getting cranky. Matt took her out of her car seat and walked around for a little bit, letting her enjoy being out of the car seat for a few minutes. He was not looking forward to strapping her back into the car seat but they were almost there and he really didn’t want to delay too much longer. Once they got to Christie’s Alexa would be free to crawl around and be free of the truck for a while. So, with a deep sigh Matt strapped his unhappy daughter back into her seat and dealt with a crying baby for the last forty-five minutes of his drive.

He was never so relieved to see his sister’s house as he was at that moment. Finally, he could get his daughter out of the truck and hopefully fed and happy again. She was typically a happy baby and only cried occasionally but she was done with the long drive and wanted out. Not that Matt could blame her, he was tired of driving also and was happy that he’d be out of the truck until tomorrow morning.

Christie and Violet came running out of the house as soon as Matt parked the truck. He was thankful that there was a spot open in front of her house, as the prospect of having to lug his possessions down the block, or heaven forbid multiple blocks after the drive he had was not an appealing prospect.

“Uncle Matt! You’re here!” Violet yelled jumping into her uncle’s arms.

Matt laughed and caught his niece easily.

“Hey kiddo. Yep, we are finally here. I’ll be happy to hug you once we get inside, but I really need to get your cousin out of the car, she’s not a happy camper right now.”

Violet nodded as Matt put her back on the ground. He turned to the truck and as soon as he opened the door Alexa’s angry screams filled the air. Matt unclipped her as quickly as possible and picked her up rocking her back and forth trying to sooth her anger away.

“Hey pumpkin, I know you really did not want to be in that truck any longer, and I’m sorry that I had to put you back into that cramped seat, but that’s it, we are done driving for today.”

However, Alexa was not to be placated. She was upset and she wanted everyone to know it.

“Here let me take her,” Christie said. “You can grab your things and we’ll meet you inside. I got deep dish for lunch; it should be here in about fifteen minutes.”

“You are a gem, thank you,” Matt replied, handing his daughter over to his sister.

Christie took the crying baby into the house, followed closely by Violet. Matt took another deep breath and then grabbed the pack and play and all the bags that he had with him. He could still hear Alexa crying as he walked into the house, but thankfully she didn’t appear to be crying as hard as she had been.

“Matt, I hope you don’t mind, but I gave Alexa some watered-down apple juice. I had bought a sippy cup when I was out earlier.”

“That is fine, thank you so much Christie. She should stop crying soon, it was just a long drive and my poor sweet pea was just tired of being strapped down in the car.”

“Believe me I can understand that. It’s no problem, I remember what it was like to have a baby. Violet loved being in the car, but if we had to take a long drive, she got fed up with being strapped down too.”

Matt was just coming out of the spare room he and Alexa would be staying in until the movers got to Chicago with their belongings when there was a knock at the door. The pizza had arrived, which Matt was truly thankful for. He was starving and was pretty sure that once Alexa ate, she would be her happy, smiling, playful self. Matt answered the door as he passed and paid for the pizza which Christie slapped his arm for, stating she was buying lunch today. Matt just gave her a cheeky grin and cut up some pizza for his daughter before taking a slice for himself.

Conversation flowed as they ate. Matt asked Violet how she was doing in school and what her favorite subjects were and listened intently as she described everything she could about school, her friends, and the projects she was doing currently in class. Alexa, after eating a few bites of pizza settled down and started smiling and babbling happily which Matt was thankful for. He hated to see her cry, especially the way she was carrying on, it broke his heart but he knew from experience that she needed to bring herself out of her mood and eventually would be ok and back to her normal self.

“So Matt, when do you start work?” Christie asked.

“Tomorrow is my first shift. I really can’t thank you enough for taking some time off and watching Alexa for me the next couple of shifts. I’ll be on 24-hours tomorrow and then off for forty-eight. We can start looking at day cares once I get a little sleep, unless shift is quiet, but from what I’ve heard of Firehouse 51 it’s a busy house. I probably won’t be able to start Alexa in the daycare until next week, so I’ll need you for the next shift too if that is alright.”

“Matt, I’ll make sure to be available whenever you need me. That was the reason why you moved back to Chicago, so that I could help you. I want to spend some time with my niece, I haven’t gotten enough time with her since she’s been born so I’ll be making up for lost time. We will be fine, and if we need anything I will either call or stop by, I know where Firehouse 51 is.”

“I know and I’m not worried about leaving her with you, I know you will both be fine. I just feel bad that you have to take time off of work to help me out. Once I get Alexa set up with the day care then I’ll just need you to pick her up on shift days and keep her overnight. I’ll drop her off once I’m off shift, or keep her home with me that day just so I can spend some time with her, I haven’t decided yet. I suppose it will depend on what kind of shift we had, which is why I want to research and really look into the day cares and find one that other firefighters use so that they are used to the schedules we keep.”

“I’ll do some research tomorrow while you’re on shift and see what I can come up with. I would suggest asking any of the other firefighters who have kids where they send their children and check those placed out first.”

“Good idea. I wasn’t going to broadcast that I am a single dad, but it will be helpful to ask around and see what I cam come up with. But I want to talk to Kelly first and tell him about Alexa before I go telling everyone else that I have a daughter.”

“I can understand that too. You and Kelly were best friends, and while he might be a little hurt that you didn’t tell him right away, I know he’ll understand and forgive you. I wouldn’t worry about that.”

“Thanks Christie.”

Matt turned to check on Alexa only to find her gone. Christie laughed at his expression and pointed to the living room. Violet had taken the baby out of her highchair while the grownups were talking and was now entertaining her cousin with some toys in the other room. Matt smiled. He hated the circumstances that had brought him back to Chicago, but he was really happy to be home with his family. He wanted his daughter to know her aunt and cousin and was really happy that Violet was enjoying her little cousin.

“I really am glad that you are here Matt. I know we haven’t been as close as we should have been after everything went down with mom and dad, but I really hope that we can change that now.”

“I am really happy to be here to Christie. You letting me and Alexa stay with you and everything that you are willing to do to help me means more to me than you will ever know. It is also my wish that we can take this opportunity to mend some fences and use this time to grow closer.”

Matt and Christie watched their children interact for a while in a peaceful silence, just basking in the moment. But, as it will happen with all babies, Alexa let the household know that she was ready for her nap. Matt took her to their room, changed her, set up her pack and play and put her down for her nap. While she was sleeping, he unpacked a few things and then went back to the living room to spend some more time with his sister and niece. He ended up helping Violet with her project for a while so that Christie could get dinner started and when Alexa woke up, he took his niece into the room with him to get her. Alexa was excited to see her older cousin again and squealed with happiness making Matt laugh.

Dinner passed much the same was lunch did, the four of them sitting around the table eating, talking, and laughing, well the three that could talk were talking, Alexa just babbled. Matt took care of the dishes since his sister cooked giving Christie some one on one time to bond with Alexa. His daughter was loving all the attention she was getting from her aunt and cousin, normally she was only showered with affection and attention from Matt, so this was a welcomed change for the baby.

“I sometimes miss having a baby, but then I look at Violet and cannot help but be thankful for the amazing young woman she is turning out to be. I know I am still young enough to have more children, but then I remember what it takes to raise a newborn and I think maybe I’m good with just one.”

Matt laughed. It was definitely tough raising a newborn, they didn’t sleep all night and you were getting up every couple of hours. Humans who are sleep deprived sometimes did the craziest things, Matt knew that from personal experience. He had almost put formula into his coffee quite a few times. Thankfully he was used to functioning on little sleep due to the nature of his job so for him it was not as bad as it is for others.

Matt decided to turn in when he put Alexa to bed because he wanted to get to the firehouse early the next day to meet the chief and let him know about his situation. He also figured the chief could tell him which firefighters had children so he could ask about what day cares they used to give him a starting point for where to look for Alexa.

Chapter 3: First Day

Notes:

Thank you to everyone who is reading this story. I am glad that you are enjoying reading it as much as I am enjoying writing it.

This part has taken on a life of it's own and ended up being longer than I anticipated. I hope you like it. :) I know that the accident happened in Season 1 but it fit into my story so I fudged the timeline a bit and put it here in my story.

Part 3:

            Matt woke up long before his alarm went off, partly due to nerves, and partly due to his body still being on East Coast time and not yet adjusted to being on Central time, but thankfully it is only an hour difference and won’t affect him too much. Matt sat on the bed looking down at his daughter sleeping peacefully in her portable crib, savoring these moments with her. It was going to be hard going back to work and not seeing Alexa for a full 24-hour shift. He hadn’t been back to work since Hallie passed and Matt knew that this was going to be a tough shift. Not only was it his first since he lost Hallie, but it’s his first as a single father, and his first in a new house in a new city.

            It’s not much longer before Alexa starts to stir. She is wet and hungry so Matt changes her and takes her to the kitchen for a bottle of milk. He wants to hold off on her actual breakfast a bit to help acclimate her to the time difference. She’s happily drinking her milk looking around the room as if taking everything in. Matt leans in and kisses her head, settling her into the crook of his arm.

            “Daddy needs you to be a good girl for Aunt Christie today ok pumpkin. I hate that I have to leave you for the next twenty-four hours, but we’ll get through this. It’s time to get used to our new normal. Not that you haven’t been away from me for this long before, but now Mommy won’t be there to be with you, and I am so sorry about that Alexa. I wish I had seen the signs, then maybe I could have helped mommy and she wouldn’t have done what she did.”

            Matt took a deep breath, he didn’t want to break down, it was not the time for that, and he had a feeling that before this day was through, he’d have to relive his least favorite day more than once and wasn’t sure if he’d be able to keep it together then, so breaking down now is not an option.

            Christie walked into the room about fifteen minutes after Matt and Alexa entered it. They wished one another good morning before Matt handed his daughter over to his sister so he could get ready. He took another quick shower and got dressed, he would pick up his uniforms today at the firehouse and change once he got there. He packed another set of clothes, some toiletries that he bought to keep in his locker, and some pictures to hang in there as well before grabbing his bag and heading back out to the living room.

            Christie was sitting on the couch holding Alexa while she finished up her bottle. The little girl was staring up at her aunt in fascination, as if memorizing her face. Matt loved when his daughter looked at him like that, as if he was the only person on the planet.

            “Ok, well I’m off. If you need me text, or if it’s really dire just come by, everyone will find out that I have a kid soon enough anyway and I’m not trying to hide her.”

            “I’m sure we will be fine Matt, don’t worry about us. I know where the house is, and I promise I will come and find you there if we truly need you.”

            Matt nodded then leaned down to his daughter. “Good bye sweet pea. Daddy loves you so much.”

            A quick kiss on the head for his daughter and Matt was out the door. He knew that if he didn’t leave, he’d never walk out the door and he didn’t want to make a bad first impression. Matt took his time driving to the firehouse, savoring being back in his home city. He grew to really like New York, but he hadn’t realized just how much he missed Chicago until now, driving around. Before Matt knew it Firehouse 51 was in front of him. He could see first shift still taking inventory of the rigs and he just hoped that Chief Boden was already at the station.

            Matt nodded to a few of the guys as he made his way through the doors. He stopped one of the firefighters from first shift to ask where Boden’s office was and thanking him made his way to the bullpen. Chief Boden was already sitting at his desk going over paperwork, but there was no one else in the office. Apparently, the office staff weren’t in yet, which didn’t bother Matt at all. He knocked on the door waiting for the chief to acknowledge him.

            “Come in,” Boden said, looking up from his file.

            “Good morning, chief. I’m Matt Casey today’s my first shift.” Matt said, extending his hand to the chief.

            Chief Boden stood up and shook Matt’s hand. He appreciated the firm handshake he received and continued to look at the younger man, making his first assessments of him. He seemed like a decent guy, quite and polite. Boden knew that he was taking a chance on this transfer lieutenant from the FDNY but Severide spoke very highly of him and his academy results were really high. Boden was never one to back away from a challenge and was used to going against the grain and standing here looking at his new Truck Lieutenant he felt he made the right decision.

            “Welcome to Firehouse 51 Casey. Severide had some really nice things to say about you. But if you don’t mind my asking, what brings you back to Chicago? You seemed to have been in a really good house in New York.”

            “Thank you, Chief Boden, I’m really happy to be here. I was just thinking to myself as I was driving here that I didn’t realize how much I missed Chicago until I was driving over here. As for why I am back, my fiancé took her own life about a month ago leaving me to raise our 10-month-old daughter alone. I have family here and I not only needed to be closer to them so that I had support and could go back to work, but I needed to escape the memories in New York. Granted Hallie and I met here in Chicago so there will be memories here too, but the ones in New York were oppressive.”

            The chief’s eyes widened. He wasn’t sure what his lieutenant was going to say, but that was definitely not it. “Casey, I am so sorry for your loss and everything you are dealing with. Are you sure you want to start today? I would understand it if you needed some more time. Why the hell didn’t Severide tell me.”

            “Thanks Chief, but I’m good. I need to start today and Severide doesn’t know, any of it. We haven’t been in as close contact since Hallie and I moved to New York. We would talk on occasion, but I haven’t spoken to him in about a year, he doesn’t even know about Alexa.”

            “Alexa, huh, your daughter? Do you have any pictures?”

            “Of course,” Matt laughed, pulling up some pictures on his phone and showing the chief his pride and joy.

            “She’s beautiful. Ok, if you sure you really want to start today, let’s get you all settled in. I know your transfer papers were sent over, and once Connie gets into the office, I’ll have her get all the benefits papers and everything else you need to fill out together. I’ll give you until next shift to have them all completed and back on my desk. Now, these are your uniforms and Headquarters said they will have your dress blues ready in about a week, they needed to order new ones.”

            “Thank you. If you could point me in the direction of the locker room I’ll just go and change.”

            “I’ll give you the tour,” Boden said smiling. He walked Matt through the firehouse, pointing out the different areas before showing Matt his office.

            “This is your office,” Boden said. “Severide’s is right next door.”

The two men then walked into the locker room where the chief ripped off a piece of masking tape and slapped it onto an empty locker and handed Matt a marker. Matt looked around at the other lockers next to him. There was one that said Cruz, one that said Otis, one that said Brett, one that read Shay and one that said Herrmann.

            “Um, first or last name Chief?”

            Boden laughed; he could understand Casey’s confusion. “Last name Casey. I’ll see you in the morning briefing.”

            “Thank you again chief. I really appreciate you taking a chance and bringing me into your house.”

            “I have a feeling it was one the best decisions I’ve ever made Casey. I am looking forward to working with you and seeing what you can do.”

            Matt dressed quickly, unloading his bag into his locker and taking out the lock he had on his old locker in New York. He locked everything up and placed a picture of him and Alexa on his desk before heading to the common room for a cup of coffee. He was going to meet with the officer of Truck from first shift before shift change to go over the compartments on the truck and what equipment is kept where. Matt knew that he would be spending a lot of the down time this shift and next shift familiarizing himself with his new Truck. He didn’t want to be out on a call and not know if he had anything on the truck or where to find it.

            Boden watched his new lieutenant take his coffee out on the apparatus floor and introduce himself to the first shift lieutenant. He then watched the two men looking through the truck, taking out equipment and putting it back. So far, he liked what he saw of his new lieutenant, he definitely seemed like an upstanding guy, and the fact that he was going out of his way to learn what was on his truck and where everything belonged was a huge check in the I made the right decision column for Boden. He trusted Kelly Severide and his assessment of people, Kelly was a great judge of character, but to see it with his own eyes made all the difference.

            The two lieutenants started laughing about something before shaking hands again. Casey stayed by Truck 81 going through the compartments again while first shift went to the locker room to change and head home. Boden continued to stand in the Tower and watch his crew come in, some looked over at Casey quickly, others looked longer, but everyone proceeded to the building to get ready for briefing.

            “Matt Casey as I live and breathe!”

            “Kelly Severide! How’ve you been man?”

            Kelly walked up to Matt and the two exchanged the manly slap hug thing that all men do. Kelly was already in his uniform and had his overnight bag slung over his shoulder, his dark hair cropped close to his head, a few grays visible here and there. For the most part he looked exactly the same as the last time that Matt saw him.

            “I’m doing well man, so excited that we’re going to be working together! I still can’t believe you left for NYC right out of the academy. Why did you and Hallie come back?”

            “Um, well, that is a bit of a story, one that I know we don’t have time to get into right now because Boden told me about a morning briefing, but as soon as that’s over let’s find somewhere to talk privately, ok?”

            “Yeah sure. Is everything alright Case? You’re kinda scaring me a bit.”

            “Everything is ok Sev, I swear.”

            “Ok. Let me just drop off my bag and I’ll meet you in the briefing room. I always stand in the back.”

            “You got it, I’ll be right there, I just need to put this equipment back.”

            Matt and Kelly went their separate ways, Kelly to the locker room and Matt turned back to truck to put everything away. As he was turning back to the truck, he saw three women walking into the house, two blonde and one with very dark brown hair. The two blondes looked like they could have been related.

            “Sylvie!” the one blonde said slapping the other in the arm, both of them laughing. The one who got slapped, Sylvie apparently, had her head tipped back and a look of pure joy on her face. Matt couldn’t help but notice how attractive she was. The other two were good looking, don’t get him wrong, but there was something about Sylvie that almost sparkled he supposed. And how he was sounding like a sappy idiot even in his own head. Sparkled, really?

            He quickly tuned to the truck and starting putting everything back in its place, not noticing the three women looking in his direction. He missed the look of surprise on Sylvie’s face, and the look of pure lust on the dark-haired woman’s face. He was trying to keep himself from blushing at his thoughts of the pretty blonde, Sylvie, he reminded himself, and focused on getting everything away so he wasn’t late for the briefing.

            The three women were gone by the time Matt finished, which he was grateful for, and he hurried into the building. He saw Severide at the back of the briefing room and quickly made his way over to him, standing next to him waiting for the rest of the house to file in. Everyone rushed in quicky taking seats around the room looking at Boden who was already standing in the front of the room waiting for his people to file in.

            “All right, settle down.” Boden said addressing the room. “Just a few things we need to go over. Next week is the Firehouse picnic and I expect everyone to be there. This is for the families everyone and all companies not working are expected to show up and help out. Thank you. The only other bit of news we need to cover is today our new Truck Lieutenant is starting. Everyone, this is Matt Casey, he transferred here from Firehouse 126 in New York City. Let’s give him a big Firehouse 51 welcome. Now I expect you all to make him feel welcomed here. He grew up in Chicago so he knows the city it’s just been a few years since he’s been here.”

            With that the meeting was adjourned. Kelly took Matt around and introduced him to everyone, starting with his squad guys.

            “Casey this is my Squad 3 crew, Capp, Tony, and Cruz.”

            Matt said hello to them all and followed Severide to the next group. He met all the guys on Engine 51 then the Paramedics on Ambo 61.

            “Casey these are the best paramedics in Chicago. PIC Lesley Shay, and Sylvie Brett.”

            “Hi ladies, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Matt said shaking hands with the two women. He couldn’t help but notice that despite the fact that Sylvie had a strong grip she had really soft hands.

            “Come on Case, I’ll introduce you to your Truck crew.” Severide said, walking over to where all of Truck 81’s crew was standing waiting for them.

            “Casey, this is Christopher Herrmann, Mouch, Otis and Gabby Dawson.”

            “I’m looking forward to working with you all and know that there is a lot I need to learn about this house and this Truck crew. I just ask that you be patient with me as I learn it all. I’ve got some drills in mind for today just so I can see how we all work as a team, but first I’d like to get to know you all and find out what your normal roles are while on Truck. I don’t want to get to a call and ask you to do something that you’ve either never done, or are not comfortable doing.”

            “I’m really looking forward to working with you to Casey,” Dawson said, touching Matt’s arm, giving it a squeeze and slight caress as she pulled it away.

            Matt swallowed. He didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, maybe it was her way of being friendly, but it made him uncomfortable.

            “Oh my God, look at Dawson making eyes at the new lieutenant.” Shay whispered to Brett.

            Sylvie rolled her eyes. She loved Dawson, she was a good friend, but that woman tried to get into everyone pants.

            “Poor Lieutenant Casey. Gabby is relentless when she wants something.”

            “I know and he seems like a really good guy. Maybe we will have to save him and put a stop to Gabby’s nonsense. Kelly is super happy that his friend is back from NYC and I don’t want Gabby running him off, not now that Kelly is working with his friend.”

            Sylvie smiled at Shay. “I agree. Operation save Casey is in effect.”

            Shay laughed out loud capturing said lieutenant’s attention., He smiled at the two paramedics wondering what they were talking about to have them laughing that loudly. Whatever it was had Brett giggling and blushing slightly shrugging her shoulders and pushing Shay slightly.

            Herrmann cleared his throat capturing Casey’s attention again. “I swear those two are always causing some kind of mischief. But, no one can stay mad at Brett, she gets away with more pranks than anyone in the house.”

            Matt laughs. “Why don’t we go get some breakfast and then we can go over what everyone’s rolls are so that I am a little more prepared for shift. I did read through some of the reports form the last few calls, just to get a feel for everything, but I want to hear from your mouths what you do and what you’d either like to do, or even what you don’t like doing.”

            The rest of the morning flew by with thankfully no calls save a wellness check for Ambo 61. Matt knew that this wasn’t normal, he heard that this was a really busy house, but he wasn’t complaining. He got to sit with his team, making sure to sit far away from Gabby Dawson, and learned what they liked and disliked doing on calls, and what they wanted to learn or improve on. He then took them outside and ran some drills and was pleased to note that they all worked well together.

            It was just after dinner now and Matt went to find Kelly. They really needed to talk about everything it was only fair to his friend. Matt stumbled upon Shay and Brett on his way to Kelly’s office.

            “Hey, have either of you seen Severide?”

            “I believe he’s sitting at the Squad table.” Shay said.

            “Squad table? They have their own table?” Matt asked.

            Sylvie smiled. “Yeah, they do. Come on I’ll show you where it is.”

            Matt followed Sylvie through the hallway toward the apparatus floor. “Thanks Brett, I probably could have found it myself but I’m grateful for the help. This way Kelly and I can get this uncomfortable talk over with sooner rather than later.”

            “Of course, lieutenant, if you need anything just ask, I’m always willing to help. I’m sorry that you guys are going to have an uncomfortable conversation. Severide’s a really good guy…”

            “Oh, it has nothing to with Kelly, we’ve been friends for years. We wend to the CFD academy together. He just asked what brought me home earlier, and I hadn’t had a chance to talk with him yet. Thank you again for your help, and if I ever need anything I’ll let you know. The same goes for me by the way, if you ever need anything just let me know I’ll do my best to help you out.”

            Matt and Sylvie parted ways at the Squad table. Matt motioned to Severide that they go outside away from prying eyes and ears for this conversation. Kelly knew it had to be serious if his friend wanted to talk privately. Did Hallie break up with Matt was that why he was home? If she did after Matt dropped his entire life in Chicago for her and moved to New York he’d call her up and give her a piece of his mind.

            “What’s up Case?”

            “Sorry, if this house is anything like my house in New York, then everyone would know my business in a matter of minutes and I’m not ready for everyone to know yet. Obviously, the chief knows but I wanted to tell you myself before you found out from any other sources.

            “So, I am back in Chicago because a month ago Hallie committed suicide. Ten months ago, she gave birth to our beautiful baby girl Alexa and I guess she had been struggling with post-partum depression. She never let on that anything was wrong and she always seemed to enjoy being with Alexa. I mean, I know that she didn’t want kids it was the one argument that we always had, but when we accidently got pregnant, she kept the baby for me, or so her note said. Then one day I came home from shift and Alexa was crying and I found Hallie with her writs slit in the bathtub.”

            “Oh man Case, that is horrible! I can’t even imagine what you are going through right now. I can’t even process half of what you told me just yet. Hallie’s really gone? Why didn’t she just leave you guys if she couldn’t handle it?

            “I can’t believe you have a kid, man. Alexa, you said. I need pictures.”

            Matt gave Kelly a small smile and whipped out his phone opening up his photo app and letting Severide go through all the pictures on there.

            “I don’t know why she chose death over just leaving. Her note didn’t say and now I have to raise that amazing little girl on my own and I will one day have to explain to her why her mother isn’t here and the fact that she didn’t want her and chose to die than stay with us.”

            “Casey, whatever you need man, you let me know and I’ll help you however I can.”

            “Thanks Kelly, that really means a lot to me. I need to find a day care and was hoping you could let me know who has kids here so that I can ask them what day care they use. Right now, Christie is keeping Alexa, but she’s got to go back to work soon so I really need to find a day care soon.”

            “Herrmann has like four kids he would be the one to ask, although I am not sure if Cindy stays home with the kids or not, but I’d start with him. After that, well we’ll ask around.”

            Just then the bells went off.

            Truck 81, Squad 3, Engine 51, Ambo 61, Battalion Chief 25 multi-vehicle accident on the Dan Ryan Expressway.

            Matt and Kelly looked at one another and ran for their rigs. Matt kicked off his boots and put on his turnout pants and boots before grabbing his jacket off the door and hopping up into the Truck. Otis, Herrmann, Mouch, and Dawson came rushing out of the station and climbed into Truck 81 quickly. Once everyone was situated Otis pulled out of the bay door, sirens blaring following the chief’s buggy with Ambo 61 following behind them. Matt had a feeling this was going to be a long night.

            The scene when they got there was mayhem. There were at least ten cars involved.

            “Let’s go people!” Boden shouted. “Severide you and squad start checking these cars over here for any injuries. Shay, Brett set up triage, Casey you and Truck start checking the cars over there and assess the damages. Battalion Chief 25 to Main, I’m going to need three more Ambo’s to our location.”

            “Copy that Chief, dispatching additional Ambos to your location.”

            Casey turned to his crew. He could see the look Dawson was giving him and it still made him uncomfortable. “Otis, Dawson take the blue sedan, Mouch, Herrmann check that red Buick, I’ll check the station wagon.”

            Everyone jumped to follow his orders and he ignored the crestfallen look on Dawson’s face for not being able to work with him. He really wasn’t ready to start dating and even if he was, she was a little too forward for his tastes.

            Matt walked toward the brown station wagon cautiously. He was constantly looking around him assessing any hidden dangers. At the same time, he was keeping an eye on his people making sure that none of them needed any assistance. He could see a head in the car he was heading toward and knew that there was at least one victim in that car. Moving more quickly now he rushed to make his way to assess the situation.

            “Chief, we got a guy in the silver sedan with what looks like a deep laceration on his neck he’s losing a lot of blood.  I need Shay and Brett over here.” Severide’s voice said through the radio.

            Boden dispatched the women to Severide’s location. Shay radioed that they needed to get a car moved and the Ambo pulled closer so that they could load him up and move him once he was stabilized. By now other companies arrived to the scene and were trying to move some of the cars so that the first responders could work more easily, especially the paramedics.

            Matt made his way to the wagon and saw a man with a small gash on his forehead pacing in front of the car.

            “Sir, there are paramedics just over there, they will take a look at your head and patch you right up.”

            “My wife, she’s in the car, she’s in labor.”

            Matt gulped. He had gone through this himself, but Hallie was in a hospital room with doctors and nurses, and lots of machines and instruments in case something went wrong.

            “Uh, I need a medic over here,” Matt called into his radio, “I’ve got a woman in labor who is about to give birth on the highway.”

            Boden cursed under his breath. “Casey all the medics are busy or already left with victims to take them to Lakeshore. Only Brett and Shay are here and they are working on a critical victim.”

            “Casey, you’re going to have to deliver that baby,” Brett called through her radio. “I’ll walk you through anything you need help with. Can you see anything?”

            Brett’s voice was calm and strong, soothing Matt’s frazzled nerves. He took a deep breath, took off his turnout coat and crouched in the door of the station wagon. “Uh, yeah, I can see the head.”

            “Ok, tell her to push on the next contraction.” Brett said

            “Ok, ma’am when you feel your next contraction, I need you to push, alright? I’m right here with you. We are going to bring this little one into the world together.”

            Dawson climbed into the car behind the woman to give her some back support and on the next contraction she pushed, groaning in pain.

            “You’re doing great,” Matt encouraged. “Ok, I need one more big push. Ready.”

            The woman nodded and pushed again. Matt was able to hold onto the baby’s head now. “Great! One more big push to clear the shoulders and your baby will be born.”

            The woman nodded again and pushed once more screaming as the shoulders passed. Matt pulled the baby free and held her in his arms. “It’s a girl,” he told the woman. However, the baby wasn’t crying.

            “Brett, she’s not crying.”

            “She probably isn’t breathing. Casey, you’re going to have to breathe for her, place your mouth over her nose and mouth and give two breaths, just like doing CPR.”

            Matt did as instructed. Nothing. He waited a moment and then gave the baby two more breaths. “Come on,” he whispered, “come on.”

            “Casey?” Brett called through the radio. “CASEY?”

            Matt gives two more breaths, and then the baby started crying. Matt gave a relieved laugh, wrapped the baby up in his turnout coat and handed her to her mom. He could hear Brett’s relived chuckle though the radio.

            “You’re going to have to deliver the after birth too Casey.” She said and instructed him how to do that. “Ambo 93 is almost here they will transport the family to Lakeshore.”

            “Thanks Brett,” Matt said.

            Ambo 93 arrived about ten minutes later and loaded up the new mom, baby, and dad who Gabby bandaged while they were waiting for the Ambo to arrive. Just after they pulled out Ambo 61 pulled out with their victim loaded in the back. The rest of the firehouse stayed there for overhaul and clean up of the highway before heading back to the station. On the way back Matt couldn’t help thinking about what he had just done. That was his first on the job birth, despite being a firefighter for five years, and he couldn’t help thinking what a heck of a first day.

Chapter 4: Meet Alexa

Notes:

I'm sorry for the delay. I was out of state for a few days and didn't have an opportunity to do any writing. I hope you all enjoy it! I'll try to get another update out soon!

Part 4:

            Matt finished up his report after a short nap. He turned in his report to Chief Boden, placing it in his inbox and turning saw a folder with his name on it on a desk just outside the chief’s office. Matt opened the folder and saw the paperwork that he needed to have filled out before the next shift. Grabbing the folder he headed back to his office, he didn’t want to forget the folder because then he wouldn’t make Chief Boden’s deadline for having the paperwork filled out. He was a lieutenant and needed to be responsible and turning in late paperwork was not going to show that he was responsible.

            Matt saw Kelly in his office getting some last-minute things together and knocked on the door frame.

            “Hey Casey, what’s up?”

            “I was just wondering if you wanted to head to Christie’s with me after shift for breakfast. I’d like to catch up with you some more, but I can’t really go out for breakfast right now, I haven’t seen Alexa in twenty-four hours and I want to relieve my sister of her duties.”

            “Yeah sure, I’d love that, and I will get to meet that beautiful little lady at the same time.”

            “Awesome, wait for me after shift and you can follow me over there,” Matt said.

            Kelly waved his acknowledgement as Matt walked back to his office to put his folder down. He needed to do a last-minute inventory on Truck 81 to make sure that all the equipment was there before he signed off for the day. As Matt walked out onto the app floor, he saw Shay and Brett doing inventory on their Rig, and Severide walked out just after him to do inventory on his Rig. Matt waved to the two women before going through the compartments on his truck. He took his time because he was still learning where everything was supposed to go and what was kept on the Truck in general.

            “Hey lieutenant you want a hand?” Herrmann asked walking up behind Casey.

            “Hey Herrmann, yes that would be great thanks. Um, Herrmann I was wondering if I could ask you a question.”

            “Sure, thing Lieutenant.”

            “I heard that you had some children and I was wondering what day care you had them in.”

            Herrmann looked at his new lieutenant closely. He was a mystery to all of them, but he seemed like a really good person and the way that he handled himself on today’s call, birthing that baby and staying calm while doing it, keeping both parents calm earned him some respect in Herrmann’s eyes.

            “Yeah, Cindy and I have four kids. Cindy’s been staying home with them, but we do use a day care on occasion when Cindy has things to get done and she can’t take the kids with her. I’ll get the name and number from her and give it to you next shift.”

            “Thanks Herrmann. Can we keep this between us for now? I’m not ashamed of my daughter, but I’m not really ready to get into the whole thing with everyone just yet.”

            “Of course, lieutenant, your secret is safe with me.”

            Matt nodded and he and Herrmann finished up the inventory on the truck, which went much faster with Herrmann’s help. That man knew everything about Truck 81 and Matt made a mental note to himself to have Herrmann go over everything with him on the next shift. Matt knew that he could learn a lot from Christopher Herrmann and he was determined to do so. Hopefully the other man would not see it as a weakness his lieutenant coming to him with questions about their rig. From what he’s seen of Herrmann so far, he didn’t think he would, but you never knew.

            Matt grabbed his things from his office and told Kelly he’d meet him outside. Kelly nodded and headed to the locker room to grab his things. As he entered the room he heard Dawson, Shay, and Brett talking.

            “Did you get a look at the new lieutenant?” Dawson asked. “He is super fine; I’m definitely getting that man into bed.”

“Gabby, I don’t think that’s such a good idea,” Sylvie started.

“Why not? He’s hot, I’m hot, and he looks like he’d be an amazing lay.”

            Shay sighed. “I’m not letting you run him off. Not after Kelly just got him back. Leave the man alone Gabby, he’s not an object he’s a person. You are not to go all Gabby Dawson on him, do you understand me?”

            Gabby scoffed. “You’re not my mother Shay. I can sleep with whomever I want.”

            “That’s to say he is looking for someone to sleep with,” Sylvie mumbled.

            “What you don’t think I could bag him?” Gabby asked. “I’ve never been rejected.”

            “Well, there’s a first for everything. Besides, I agree with Shay, he’s a person not an object, he should be treated with some respect.”

            “Whatevs, I’ll see you two later. I’m out.” Gabby said collecting her things and walking out of the locker room.

            Kelly shook his head, he’d have to warn his friend about Gabby Dawson and what she was capable of, and he’d have to keep an eye on Casey, just in case Dawson tried something drastic. He couldn’t help but smile though at the fact that Brett and Shay were trying to protect his friend even though they barely knew him.

            Kelly gathered the rest of his things quickly and rushed out of the firehouse. He saw Matt talking to Chief Boden and breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn’t sure if Gabby had managed to corner him or not but seeing him talking to the Chief made Kelly feel better. Gabby wouldn’t try anything with Boden right there.

“Hey Case, I’m ready.”

“Great! Chief thank you. I will have all the benefits paperwork filled out and handed into you by the beginning of shift. I just want to thank you again for taking a chance on me and letting me join your firehouse.”

“Casey, the pleasure is all mine. I really do think you’ll be a great addition to this house, and maybe you’ll be able to keep this one in line.”

Kelly laughed. “Not a chance, Chief. I’m hoping to bring out the carefree Matt Casey I went to the academy with.”

“I bet you are.” Boden laughed. “I’ll see you boys next shift.”

Boden walked away from his officers and climbed into his buggy. He watched as the two young men talked and then got into their own cars pulling away from the house moments later. It was a tragedy losing Darden the way that they had, but Wallace had a feeling that Matt Casey was just what the house needed to get past such a tragedy.

The drive back to Christie’s wasn’t too long and Matt waited outside for Kelly to find a place to park. Matt was a little nervous for Kelly to meet Alexa, but at the same time he was excited.

“Alexa should be up; I just hope she’s not super cranky. It’s been a while since I’ve been away from her for a full twenty-four hours.”

“It’ll be fine Case, even if she is cranky, I’m really excited to meet your daughter.”

Matt smiled. He opened the door and was greeted by early morning chaos. Violet was running around gathering her school things, while Christie was trying to get Alexa to eat something and simultaneously helping her daughter pack her school things.

“You look like you could use a hand.” Matt chuckled.

“Matt! Your home, great, here take Alexa,” Christie said, practically shoving his daughter into his arms. “Sorry,” she apologized while rushing around with Violet getting her things packed into her school bag.

Matt didn’t comment he just look at his daughter drinking her in. It was a long twenty-four hours without her. “Hey pumpkin! Were you a good girl for Auntie Christie?”

“She was an angel, mine on the other hand.”

Matt laughed turning to Kelly. “Kelly, I’d like you to meet Alexa. Sweetie, this is Uncle Kelly.”

Kelly’s eyes welled up with tears. He could get used to Uncle Kelly. “Can I hold her?”

“Of course,” Matt replied handing his daughter over to his best friend. He watched as Alexa sized up Kelly. Matt was ready to take her back if she started wailing, but she just grabbed Kelly’s cheeks with her chubby hands and babbled at him. Matt chuckled; it appeared his daughter was smitten with his best friend. Kelly had always been a ladies’ man, apparently that also applied to little ladies as well.

“She is beautiful man,” Kelly said, clasping Matt’s shoulder. “You did good. I’m sorry that you are going through what you’re going through but I am so glad that you are home, and that I can meet this beautiful little lady right here. I swear it Case, you need anything you call me.”

            “Thanks, Kelly. That really means a lot to me.”

            Matt and Kelly had breakfast and hung out for a while, just talking about the past few years. Kelly told Matt about the call where they lost Darden and Matt went into detail about being an FDNY fighter fighter. It was a nice visit and they parted ways both feeling that their friendship was beginning to mend, which Matt was really thankful for. He missed his friend when he lived in New York and was really grateful that Kelly didn’t go running and screaming when meeting Alexa but embraced her and told Matt that he couldn’t wait to see her again.

            Matt fell asleep after her put Alexa down for her nap and thankfully was able to get a solid three hours before she woke again. After grabbing something quick to eat he took his daughter for a walk around the neighborhood, just trying to re-familiarize himself with the area. He was going to start looking up day cares online tomorrow, but today he just wanted to spend some quality time with his daughter. There was a park about two blocks from his sister’s house, Matt remembered taking Violet there when she was really little, before he moved to New York, and that was his destination. Alexa loved the swings so that’s where he was going.

            The day was pretty warm and he only needed to have Alexa in a light jacket. She was enjoying being outdoors and squealed with excitement over everything making Matt smile. He was grateful that she was so young and really didn’t know what was going on. One day he’d have the difficult conversation with her about her mother, but for right now she got joy out of the littlest things and Matt cherished that.

 

            The next two days flew by. Matt and Christie were researching daycares for Alexa, checking reviews and the better business bureau to make sure that they were legit businesses. Matt hated that he was going to have to leave his daughter in a daycare every three days as it was, he wanted to make sure that the place he left her was reputable. So far, they had a few potential places to look at and after his next shift he and his sister would go and check them out.

            Kelly had come by the house again, this time for lunch and the two men took little Alexa out. They went out to lunch and then took her to a park for a while. Kelly was loving his time reconnecting with Matt, and spending time with his “niece”. He smiled brightly every time that Matt called him Uncle Kelly.

            “You’re a really good dad, you know that right?” Kelly asked as they headed back to Christie’s house.

            “I like to think so, but it’s always nice to hear,” Matt laughed. “You’re really good with her too, and she really loves her Uncle Kelly.”

            Kelly smiled. “I love it, Uncle Kelly! I am going to be the best “uncle” ever.”

            Matt didn’t doubt that. It was really nice to be back with one of his best friends. He was sad that Andy wasn’t there and would never get to meet Alexa, but things happen and there wasn’t much that he could do to change the outcomes. At least he had Kelly who was being so supportive of his having a baby to take care of. It was nice knowing that Kelly understood that he couldn’t go out as much as they could, being as young as they were, and he didn’t judge him for that.

 

            Matt’s second shift was upon him. He went through his morning routine, spending as much time with Alexa as he could before rushing out the door so as not to be late. That wouldn’t look very good, being late on his second day, but it was so hard to leave Alexa behind. She was being cranky today, which was unusual for her. It was as if she could sense that he was going to be gone for the next twenty-four hours and was showing her displeasure. Matt had apologized to Christie before running out the door.

            Morning briefing was short, just a few safety protocols to go over and some housekeeping things that needed to be done. As soon as Chief Boden released them everyone rushed to the kitchen to grab some breakfast. Matt and Kelly were sitting at the table enjoying some coffee and quietly talking about some plans for the weekend when Gabriella Dawson sat down next to Matt.

            “Good morning lieutenant.” She smiled.

            Matt glanced over at her, noticing how closely she was sitting next to him. “Morning Dawson.” He was polite but not too polite. He didn’t want to give her the wrong impression.

            “So, I was thinking,” she said, clearly not reading his uncomfortable body language. “We should totally go out for drinks tonight.”

            “Um…thanks Dawson, but I am not really interested.”

            Gabby laughed, he was playing hard to get, well she wasn’t about to give up. “I promise you; you won’t regret it. We’ll have a really good time. Some drinks to loosen up and then we can go back to my place for a night cap.”

            Matt looked at Kelly, who was trying not to laugh. The expression on Matt’s face was saying is she for real?

            “Thank you but no. I’m not interested in going out for drinks with you Dawson, I’m not interested in sleeping with you either.”

            Gabby scoffed; he was turning her down? How is that possible. “Come on Casey, I can guarantee you a good time. It doesn’t have to be anything serious, just some casual sex if that’s what you want.”

            Matt sighed. “That’s not what I want and as much as I hate to be rude, I do not want you. Please just let this go, walk away, and I’ll forget it happened. If you continue, I will have to fill out harassment papers and I would hate for that to be on your record.”

            Gabby stared at him long and hard. She was not going to give up, she’d get him into her bed. Gabby Dawson always got what she wanted and she wanted Matt Casey. But she knew better than to push right now, he was right, she didn’t want that spot on her record.

            “Fine, I’ll walk away for now, but I will change your mind, you can count on that.”

            Matt held his head in his hands as Gabby walked away from the table. A small groan escaped him. This could not be happening; was he really being harassed by one of his own crew? Kelly couldn’t hold back his laughter any longer.

            “I’m sorry Matt, I know it’s not funny, but I swear I never expected Gabby to go all Dawson on you.”

            “Oh, so that’s a normal occurrence for her?”

            “Well, she does tend to go off half cocked a lot of the time. She charges at things full bore and doesn’t think of the consequences.”

            “Great! Am I going to have to go to Boden with this?

            “Let’s hope not buddy. I’ll do my best to run interference, and I’ll recruit Shay, and maybe Brett to help, but if she keeps it up, you might have to. Hopefully she’ll let what you said sink in and leave you alone.”

            “One can only hope.”

            Just then the bells went off. Squad 3, Engine 51, Truck 81, Ambo 61, Battalion Chief 25, structure fire 259 North Main Street.

            Everyone dropped what they were doing and ran to their rigs. Time was of the essence. They all grabbed their gear quickly and rushed out of the firehouse. When they got to the house, they could see flames shooting out of the roof, it was a fully enflamed fire. Shay and Brett set up behind Truck 81 and were helping some victims who made it out of the house already, giving them oxygen and checking for any burns. Boden sent Squad 3 to do a primary search of the second floor and Truck 81 the first floor.

            Casey sent Otis and Dawson up to vent the roof. Mouch raised the aerial quickly as the other two rushed up once it was locked and secured. Matt and Herrmann, Severide and Cruz masked up and entered the house as soon as Otis verified that they vented the roof. Visibility was almost nothing and each firefighter knew that they didn’t have long before they would need to get out of the house. Severide and Cruz carefully made their way to the second floor, checking all the rooms up there while Matt and Herrmann searched downstairs. No one was in the kitchen or the living room. Herrmann was heading to the dining room when Matt found the basement stairs.

            “Chief, Herrmann is checking the last rooms on the first floor, dining room and bathroom, I’m going to check the basement.”

            “Copy that, Casey. Make it quick, I don’t like the way this is looking.”

            “Copy that Chief,” Matt replied. He opened the basement door and quickly made his way down the stairs. It looks like the fire started there in the dryer as there were flames shooting out of the machine and smoke filled the room.

            “Fire department, call out,” Matt yelled. He slowly made his way around the room, skirting the dryer, making sure no one was hiding down there. If they were, they would be in really bad shape once he got them out.

            “Chief, basement is all clear. Coming up now.”

            “Carefully Casey, but quickly. Severide, Herrmann report.”

            “All clear Chief. Cruz and I are on our way out.” Severide said.

            “All clear Chief,” Herrmann called.

            Kelly and Joe were walking past the basement door when they heard a loud groan and a crashing sound. Moments later a pass alarm could be heard faintly from the basement. Kelly almost panicked, Matt was down there.

            “Casey!” Kelly yelled. “Casey, call out!” Severide yelled.

            There was no response from the basement. Kelly had flashbacks of losing Andy all over again. He almost didn’t survive that; he would definitely not be able to survive losing Matt. On top of that, Alexa needed her dad. She already lost her mom; she couldn’t lose Matt too.

            “Mayday, Mayday, Firefighter down!” Cruz called into the radio. “Chief, the basement stairs collapsed. Casey is down there and not responding.”

            “Capp, Tony, get in there with some rope and a backboard.” Chief Boden called.

            “Matt! Come on buddy, call out!” Kelly yelled.

            “Ugh, Kelly?” Matt called.

            “Thank God. Hang on I’m coming down for you.”

            Tony and Capp reached Severide and Cruz. Kelly harassed up and they lowered him into the basement. Matt was standing, although swaying slightly but he was upright which relived the biggest of Kelly’s fears. He got his friend hooked up and the others pulled him out of the basement. Matt waited until they had Kelly up too before walking out of the house. He didn’t know what happened, but it appeared that the fire had reached the stairs sooner than he anticipated and compromised the structure. Thankfully he was ok.

            “Casey, let the paramedics check you out.” Boden yelled, his tone showing he would not take no for an answer. Matt nodded and walked over to Shay and Brett.

            “I’m alright,” he said. “Just had the wind knocked out of me for a minute.”

            Brett nodded, “We’ll be the judge of that.”

            Sylvie checked Matt’s pupil response and his lung sounds before feeling his head for any bumps.

            “You seem alright, but we’ll be keeping an eye on you back at the station. No concussion or anything and breath sounds are good.”

            Chief Boden nodded and ordered Engine to knock the flames down. Once overhaul was done everyone packed up and headed back to the station. Matt just wanted to shower and lie down, his back ached a little, due to the impact on the ground, but he also wanted something to eat. He settled for a quick shower to wash the smoke smell off of him and then headed to the common room for some lunch.

            Gabby Dawson cornered him in the hallway before he could make it to the common room. She pushed him up against the wall, pressing her body into his. “That was close today Lieutenant. What do you say we go to your quarters and I will give you a nice sensual massage?”

            She pressed a small kiss to his neck rubbing her chest against his. Matt really didn’t need this right now. He was sore, and still a bit shaken up by that last call. It was close, he could have died, and then what would have happened to Alexa.

            Matt pushed Gabby off of him. “For the last time Dawson, I am not interested. You need to stop because if it happens again, I will go to Chief Boden and I will make a formal complaint.”

            Matt quickly walked past a stunned Gabby and into the common room. All he wanted was some food, pain relievers and sleep. He grabbed some food, pasta and salad before sitting at the table next to Herrmann and Brett. Sylvie was watching him as he came into the room and she could see the stiffness he was trying to hide. He was obviously hurt worse than he let on earlier, but then again adrenaline was running high and he might not have felt it. She would let him eat and then she’d give him some pain relievers and check out his torso.

            They ate in silence everyone decompressing from the previous call. Gabby walked in and looked for Matt. Her face fell when she saw that she couldn’t sit next to him but covered it up quickly. Just as Matt was getting ready to get up from the table the door leading to the app floor flew open and the wailing cries of a baby were heard.

            Matt knew that cry. He looked up quickly, seeing Christie rushing through the door, a crying Alexa in her car seat. Christie looked frazzled and slightly guilty. She really didn’t want to bother Matt at work but nothing she did would calm Alexa down.

            “Matt, I’m so sorry,” Christie started.

            Matt didn’t let her finish, he took the car seat out of her hands and placed it on the table quickly getting his daughter out of the carrier. He held her to his chest, rubbing her back and whispering soothing words in her ear, kissing her head every so often.

            “I don’t know what happened. Everything was fine and then about an hour ago she just started screaming and crying and nothing I did could calm her down.”

            “It’s ok Chris. I’ll get her to calm down in a few minutes.”

            Just then Kelly came running into the room. “What happened?”

            Everyone was watching the exchange with interest. Matt ignored them all, mostly forgetting that they were there.

            “She just started crying an hour ago and won’t calm down. I think she just needed her daddy.” Matt laughed.

            “You know,” Kelly said, “I’ve heard that sometimes children can sense when their parents are in danger. Maybe she instinctively felt something wrong with you. You did fall through those stairs on the last call about an hour ago.”

            Matt gave Kelly a skeptical look, but didn’t say anything because he was wondering the same thing.

            “Lieutenant?” Herrmann asked, bringing Matt’s awareness of everyone back into focus. “Is this your little princess? I have the list of day cares from Cindy, but she told me to tell you that if you’d like she would watch your daughter when we were on shift. She loves kids, and said it wouldn’t be a bother.”

            “Yes, this is Alexa. That is really sweet of her to offer Herrmann but I don’t want to take advantage…”

            “Oh, you wouldn’t be, I swear. I was told to give you the hard sell,” Herrmann laughed. “At least come by tomorrow and meet her. She told me to at least make you promise that.”

            “Alright I promise.”

            Sylvie stood up and quietly approached Matt. Alexa was starting to settle down, but was still crying and hiccupping slightly.

            “She is so precious. Do you mind if I hold her?” Sylvie asked.

            Matt was hesitant because Alexa was still crying and Sylvie didn’t push.  She touched Alexa’s hand softly. She had always love babies and one day wanted to have a bunch of her own. She hadn’t met the right person yet, but she was still young and hoped that it would happen for her sometime in the not-so-distant future.

            “Aren’t you just a sweet little pumpkin,” Sylvie cooed at Alexa.

            Alexa turned her head toward Sylvie, taking in the blonde paramedic softly rubbing her hand. Still crying slightly Alexa lifted her head off Matt’s shoulder and reached for Sylvie. Matt had never seen her do that while she was worked up. She normally wanted him and no one else, not even Hallie, although now knowing that she was struggling so much with being a mother he understood why Alexa didn’t want her then.

            Matt handed Alexa to Sylvie. She rubbed the little girl’s back, swaying to and fro, humming a soft tune in her ear. Alexa snuggled into Sylvie’s neck and quieted down, only hiccupping occasionally, but no longer crying.

            “There you go, see, you’re alright.” Sylvie said. “Your daddy’s right there, he’s safe, I made sure of it myself. Although once you and I are done I’m going to check out his chest and back because I know he didn’t think I noticed, but I could see the stiffness in his movements earlier and I know he’s in pain. That’s right, I know he is.”

            Matt’s eyes widened slightly. Not only was Brett calling him out to his own daughter, but she was a natural with her. This was what he wanted for his daughter, someone who wanted her, and who would love her. He watched as Sylvie soothed his daughter, rubbing her back and kissing her head and wished that Alexa had that, a loving mother.

            He had found Brett attractive when he saw her walking into the station during his first shift, but now, seeing her with his daughter he was certain he was attracted to her, and part of him longed for them to be together. However, currently he wasn’t sure if he was ready for that. Hallie was only gone a short while, but he knew better than anyone that life was short, look at what almost happened today. If an opportunity presented itself, he might just have to ask Sylvie out on a date and see what happened because his daughter looked like she belonged in Sylvie Brett’s arms.

Chapter 5: Meet Alexa cont.

Part 5:

            Gabby watched the scene from across the room, jealously painting her features. She could see the way Casey was looking at Brett holding his daughter, there was a softness in his eyes that is not there when he looks at her. What does Brett have that she doesn’t? This would not do. Gabby was determined to bed Lieutenant Matthew Casey and she would not be denied.

            “That’s amazing,” Matt murmured.

            “What’s amazing?” Sylvie asked.

            “Alexa never goes to anyone when she’s that upset, she only wants me, but she wanted you. I’ve never seen that before.”

            Sylvie blushed. “I’ve always been good with kids. My mom always thought I would be a preschool teacher or something but my calling was to help people who were scared, injured, or in distress.”

            Kelly, who was more observant than most gave him credit for, also saw the way Matt was looking at Sylvie. He wanted to see his friend happy, both his friends, and Brett could be really good for both Matt and Alexa, but Kelly wasn’t sure he was ready for that yet. He’d have to talk to his friend later and suggest just getting to know her and building a friendship for now. A good solid foundation could lead to more down the road.

            At that moment Chief Boden walked into the common room. “Was that a baby I heard screaming in here?”

            “Sorry Chief,” Matt said. “Meet Alexa my daughter. Apparently, she was having a really bad day and wouldn’t calm down. My sister brought her over here hoping that she’d calm down for me. It seems that she wanted me, and then Sylvie because she’s now her normal happy self.”

            Chief Boden smiled. “Aren’t you a beauty,” he cooed at the baby. “It’s really nice to meet you, Alexa.”

            Boden gently ran his hand over the baby’s head before grabbing one of the left-over sandwiches and sitting down at a table.

            Gabby was still fuming, but watching the scene closely. She now knew what she had to do, the way to win over Casey was through his daughter. If she could get the baby to like her more than Sylvie then she’d have Casey eating out of her hands. With this thought firmly in mind she made her way over to where Matt and Sylvie were, determined to show Casey that she’d be just as good with his daughter as the paramedic.

            “She’s beautiful lieutenant. May I?” she asked gesturing towards the baby.

            Shay nudged Kelly’s arm whispering to him, “What is Gabby up to? She hates kids.”

            Kelly watched as Gabby made to grab Alexa, his protective instincts jumping to the surface. Everyone in the house knew that Gabby really didn’t like kids, well everyone but Matt. He could see the hesitation on Matt’s face, but then relented as if coming to the realization that Gabby wasn’t going to hurt his daughter, especially with all these people in here.

            “Sure, I guess that would be ok,” Matt said cautiously. To most it sounded like a protective father concerned for his daughter, but Kelly could hear the unease in Matt’s voice. After Gabby threw herself at him this morning Kelly couldn’t really blame Matt for being hesitant. But if he said no, he’d look kind of like an ass, so he also understood why Matt allowed her to take his daughter.

            Sylvie gave Alexa one more kiss, “You really are so precious love bug. I hope I get to see more of you.

            “Ok lieutenant, while Dawson holds Alexa, let me have a look at you. We can either go over here in the corner so you can still see Alexa, or we can run to the bunk room really quickly for some privacy, but either way I’m checking you out.”

            Sylvie passed Alexa to Gabby, reluctant to let her go, but it gave her a good opportunity to check Casey’s torso. She wanted to make sure he hadn’t injured anything vital in that fall and cursed herself for not fully checking him over at the scene, but he walked out of the building and she hadn’t thought he was that hurt.

            “We can go to the bunk room,” Matt said, eyeing Kelly and silently communicating with him to keep an eye on Alexa. Kelly nodded his understanding letting his friend know she’d be fine and he’d keep an eye on her.

            Gabby took the baby and as she started to shift her closer to her body Alexa turned her head looking at both Matt and Sylvie and let out a high-pitched wail. Her face screwed up, turning red, and she started crying all over again. Gabby grit her teeth, pulling the baby against her and tried to mimic what Sylvie was doing only moments earlier, but Alexa was pushing against her and squirming trying to get away.

            Matt quickly walked up to Gabby and took his daughter from her. “I’m sorry, she has been really cranky today and apparently only wants certain people.”

            Matt was secretly happy that Alexa didn’t want to be with Gabby, he didn’t trust the woman and was tired of having her throw herself at him. “Hey Kel, do you mind seeing if Alexa will go to you? I need to get checked out before Brett forces me to go to the hospital.”

            Kelly smiled, “Of course. Hey sweetie, come on let Uncle Kelly show you the squad truck. It’s so much better than daddy’s truck.”

            Alexa smiled at her Uncle Kelly and slapped his cheeks as he took her from Matt. Kelly beckoned Shay with him. “Alexa, this is Aunt Leslie, but I think she’s gonna want be called Aunt Shay.”

            “Hey sweet girl,” Shay said, not touching the baby so as to not upset her again. Alexa turned toward Shay as she spoke and squealed in delight touching her face. Shay smiled at the little girl, happy that she seemed to be accepted by the little Casey. Shay knew that babies had good survival instincts and she could most likely sense that Dawson’s intentions were not pure and that was why she wanted nothing to do with the other woman. Shay followed Kelly out to the apparatus floor and laughed as he gave the 10-month-old a tour of his squad truck.

            Matt smiled at Kelly as he left the room then gestured to Sylvie to go first. He followed her to the bunk room and into his quarters. Sylvie closed the door and turned expectantly. “Take the shirt off Casey, I need to see what kind of bruising you have.”

            Matt slowly lifted his shirt, it hurt to move his body too much and the stretching and pulling were causing his back to hurt. He could tell it wasn’t serious, but he was stiff and sore, and he was sure that tomorrow would be worse. He’s gotten some bumps and bruises on the job, it was inevitable, but he’d never fallen through stairs onto a concrete basement floor before.

            Once Matt had his shirt off Sylvie walked towards him, checking out his ribs and chest for any bruising. Everything looked ok, he had a few minor bruises, probably from some debris falling on top of him, but his turnout coat protected him from most of that. Sylvie put her hand on Matt’s shoulder and started to pull him to turn him around. Matt complied and showed her his back. He heard her gasp, and realized it probably looked awful.

            There was a large bruise on his left shoulder, and one in the area of his kidney. That one made her a little nervous. She wasn’t going to say anything just yet and started palpitating his back. She could feel him tense when she touched certain spots, and when she got to the bruise over his kidney, he let out a strangled hiss of pain when she touched it.

            “Casey, I think Shay and I should take you to Lakeshore to have one of the doctors check out that bruise over your kidney. It might not be anything, but I would really feel better knowing that we had a doctor rule out any damage to the organ. It’s a nasty looking bruise, you must have fallen directly onto a beam when you fell for it to bruise like that.”

            “Brett, I’m sure I’m fine. I feel ok, just a little sore…”

            “Don’t make me have Chief order you to go Casey,” Sylvie interrupted. “I will do it. I do not like seeing my firefighters hurt and you are no exception. I’ll probably mother you more so because you’ve got a precious little one at home depending on you. Most of those yahoos out there are single, and while I love them all and don’t want any of them hurt, you and Herrmann hold a special place in my heart because you have kids waiting on you to come home.”

            “Does it really look that bad?”

            “It does. How about once your daughter and your sister leave, so long as we don’t have any calls you let Shay and I take you to Lakeshore to get looked at?”

            Matt sighed. “Fine, but only after Christie and Alexa leave.”

            “Of course.”

            Neither occupant in Matt’s quarters noticed the eyes watching them from the bunk room. Angry eyes were shooting daggers at the blonde paramedic. She was such a tramp, her hands all over the lieutenant’s shirtless torso and back. Gabby wanted to scream, she wanted to be the one touching his delicious looking skin. Gabby had never been jealous of Sylvie Brett, she was too innocent and farm girl to really feel like a threat to Gabby, but it appeared that she was a big threat, at least when it came to one Lieutenant Casey. Gabby knew that she had to do something, she just didn’t know what, but Sylvie Brett needed to be out of the way so that Gabby could have Casey. That was all there was too it.

            Matt pulled his shirt back on, trying to hold in his hiss of pain but he was unsuccessful. “Come on lieutenant, I’ll get you some pain meds from the back of the ambo.”

            Matt followed Sylvie out to the Ambo and smiled seeing Shay holding Alexa. It seemed his daughter liked both paramedics. Shay waved to him and Brett as they walked out onto the apron. Sylvie climbed into the back of 61 and got some pain medication for Matt. Nothing too strong because she didn’t want to cause any issues when they went to Lakeshore later. Shay and Kelly walked over to the Ambo. Shay handed Casey back his daughter.

            “She is beautiful, lieutenant, and so smart. You must be really proud.”

            “I am, she is absolutely perfect,” Matt smiled.

            “If you don’t mind my asking where’s her mom?” Shay asked.

            Matt swallowed thickly. He knew that he was going to have to explain this to everyone sooner or later, he might as well get it done now. “Why don’t we go back inside, I’d rather only tell this story once.”

            Shay nodded. Sylvie handed Matt two pain pills and a bottle of water. He placed the pills in his mouth and then took the opened bottle from Sylvie and washed them down. Then the four of them turned to go inside. Kelly looked at Capp and Tony, telling them to come into the common room for an announcement.

            Matt cleared his throat once he entered the common room, getting every one’s attention. “Um, so this is my daughter Alexa. We just moved here from New York City. I am originally from Chicago, but moved to New York when my fiancé was offered a position in one of the best hospitals in New York. Shortly after we moved Hallie found out she was pregnant. It was a shock, we weren’t planning on having kids, at least not then, maybe not ever. It was the only thing we fought about, I wanted kids and she didn’t. Anyway, Hallie decided to keep the baby, for me she had said, even though she hadn’t really wanted kids.

            Then one day I came home from shift and something was wrong. Alexa and Hallie weren’t in the kitchen having breakfast like they normally were, and Alexa was screaming and crying in her crib. I thought maybe Hallie was sick and just couldn’t get up, so I changed my daughter and went looking for my fiancé. I couldn’t find her, but in our room was a note on my pillow. She apologized and said she just couldn’t be a mother, she tried, but she never wanted it and she just couldn’t do it any longer. I found her in the tub with her wrists slit. She took her own life because she couldn’t handle being a mother. I still feel guilty, I should have seen signs, but she never acted depressed or anything when I was around. She doted on Alexa whenever I was there, I didn’t know she was hurting. Maybe if I paid closer attention, I could have prevented it.”

            “Oh Matt!” Sylvie exclaimed. “I am so sorry you had to go through that, well are still going through that I should say.”

            “Thanks Sylvie. I didn’t tell you all for sympathy, I just wanted you to understand that I’m a single dad and while the situation sucks, I love this peanut with everything I am. I am hoping Chicago will be the fresh start that we need. I wanted to be closer to family and friends, and New York just held such bad memories for me, I had to leave.”

            “That’s understandable lieutenant,” Otis said.

            “Yeah, totally. And Lieutenant? You’ve got family here and this 51 family helps one another. Anything you need, we’ll be there.” Cruz said.

            Matt smiled at his new firehouse family. He had heard many things about Firehouse 51, that they were a problem house, but Matt didn’t see that. He saw a group of people tighter than any family he had ever known, and they were accepting him and his daughter into that family no questions asked.

            “Well lieutenant, I can guarantee you once Cindy finds out about your history, she’s not going to take no for an answer, so I’ll be seeing you and Alexa every morning we have shift.” Herrmann said, getting a chuckle out of the team.

            Matt smiled. “Thanks Herrmann, I’ll still be by tomorrow to meet Cindy and your kids. I mean she’s already got four running around your house; I don’t want her to feel that she has to add one more to the mix.”

            “Trust me Casey, she’s going to love having another girl in the house. She and Annabelle are outnumbered currently. Alexa will even up the numbers.”

            “Herrmann’s kids are so cute, a little rambunctious but just the sweetest,” Sylvie laughed.

            “Yeah, they are, but I wouldn’t change anything. Brett Annabelle has been asking for you to come back over, she keeps complaining that Cindy and I can’t do her hair the way you do.”

            Sylvie laughed. “I’ll set something up with Cindy and be over soon.”

            Matt kissed his daughter on the head, knowing that she had to go. The bells could go off again at any time, and it was getting closer to her nap time. He hated having to let her go, but he needed to work. He still had to get checked out at Lakeshore like he promised Brett, and he needed to write up his report on the last call and hand it in to Boden.

            “Hey Casey, do you have those benefits papers? I didn’t see them on my desk this morning.”

            “Oh, Crap!” Matt exclaimed.

            Christie laughed. “Here you go Chief,” she said pulling the folder out of the diaper bag. “You left them on the counter as you rushed out this morning. You were so wrapped up in Alexa you forgot all about them.”

            “Thank you so much!” Matt exclaimed, kissing his sister on the cheek. “I thought I forgot something as I was running out of the house this morning, but I couldn’t remember what it could have been.”

            “We should probably get going. I want to get this little one down for her nap, and Violet will be coming home from school in a little bit and we need to be back for that.”

            “Thank you for brining her by, I know it wasn’t under the best circumstances, considering she was inconsolable but it was nice to snuggle her for a little bit.

            “Alright sweet pea, you need to be good for Aunt Christie for the rest of the day. No more crying fits, you hear me?”

            Alexa just babbled back at her dad, making him smile and the others laugh.

            “Not even one and she’s starting to sass back,” Kelly laughed.

            “Shut up Severide,” Matt laughed.

            “Bye love bug,” Sylvie said, ticking Alexa’s little foot. “Hopefully we’ll get to see you again soon.”

            “Bye sweetie” Kelly said, kissing her head. “Make sure you tell your old man just how cool the Squad 3 truck is alright?”

            Matt shook his head at his friend. Who knew that Kelly Severide was such a dork? Matt bucked Alexa into her car seat and carried it outside to Christie’s car. He gave his sister one last hug and then snapped Alexa’s seat into the car and gave his daughter one last kiss.

            “I love you sweet baby, see you tomorrow morning.”

            Matt watched his sister drive off before turning back into the firehouse. He saw Brett looking at him with eyebrows raised.

            “Let me just tell Boden and we can go.”

            Sylvie nodded and turned to Shay. “I got Lieutenant Casey to agree to go to Lakeshore to be looked at. He’s got a really nasty bruise across his kidney and I’d feel better if they ruled out any damage.”

            “Great, I’ll get the Ambo started, meet you out there.”

            Matt knocked on Boden’s door. “You got a minute chief?”

            “Sure Casey, what’s on your mind.”

            “Brett wants me to get looked at and she and Shay are going to take me to Lakeshore. I feel fine, but I’ve got some bruises on my back, one by my kidney that she’s concerned about.”

            “Good. Brett is a great paramedic if she thinks that you need to be looked at, I trust her judgement. If there’s a call, I’ll have Herrmann stand in as officer on truck, he was doing it since Darden’s accident anyway and I’ll have Ambo drop you off at the call, unless they have a call, then I’ll have 81 pick you up.”

            “Thanks Chief.”

            “Not a problem Casey. Go on, get yourself looked at. Let me know what they say.”

            “Will do.”

            Matt turned and moved as quickly as he could to the apparatus floor. Brett was waiting for him outside the Ambo. She opened the back door for him and he climbed in slowly, trying not to jostle his back too much. Sylvie climbed in behind him and asked Severide to close the doors for her. Once they were all settled Shay took off for Lakeshore. 

Chapter 6: Casey's not so great day

Notes:

Hi Everyone! I am so sorry for the long delay in getting this chapter to you. My life got a little busy, we had a lot going on at work and then I was away with my daughter a the Irish Dancing Nationals and didn't have time to write. But I am back, and while I have some other personal projects I am working on, I promise that I will not have such a long time between updates again.

Anyway, enjoy this chapter! I can't wait to see what you all think.

Part 6:

            The ride to Lakeshore wasn’t too long, and Shay did her best not to hit too many bumps as she knew that Casey was sore and any extra jostling would cause him more pain. They pulled up to the ER about fifteen minutes after leaving the firehouse and Shay got out to open the back door for Casey and Brett who followed him out.

            “I’m just going to pull the rig out of the way and I’ll meet you inside,” Shay said.

            Sylvie nodded and led Matt into the ER. She walked up to the desk talking with one of the nurses.

            “Hi, I have Lieutenant Matt Casey with me, he fell through some stairs onto a concrete floor this morning at a fire. He has some significant bruising on his left kidney and we’d like someone to check it out to make sure there is no organ damage.”

            “Sure, thing Brett. I will page one of the doctors, just take a quick seat over there for me.”

            “Thanks Amy, I really appreciate it.”

            Matt and Sylvie sit in the waiting room with the other patients. They turned down their radio’s so that if they went off, they didn’t scare everyone, but kept it loud enough that they would hear if a call went out. A few minutes later Shay came walking into the ER and took the seat next to Sylvie.

            “How’re you feeling lieutenant?” Shay asked.

            “I have a little bit of pain, but mostly sore, which doesn’t surprise me I fell two floors and landed on concrete. I’m sure tomorrow will be worse, but I’ll live.”

            “I know you probably think that this is overkill but a kidney injury could be life threatening and I just can’t risk it,” Sylvie said.

            “It’s ok Brett, I understand. You are right, I’m thinking like a tough male, not like a father, and I need to. I always took for granted before that Hallie would be there, but I don’t have that assurance any longer. Alexa only has me and I need to make sure that I am 100% after every call. Thank you for pushing me to get checked out.”

            Sylvie smiled. A part of her still felt like she was overstepping her bounds but it made her feel a little bit better knowing that Casey understood where she was coming from and why she was adamant about him getting looked at. She knew what it was like not to grow up with her birth parents, and it was terrible that sweet little Alexa was going to go up without her birth mother, but Sylvie vowed that she’d do whatever she could to make sure that little sweet pea grew up with her birth father. Not that Sylvie would trade the Brett’s for anything, she had a fantastic life, with two loving parents, but she has had questions about her birth parents and why they didn’t want her from the time she learned that she was adopted.

            “Matt Casey?” the nurse called.

            “That’s me,” Matt said, standing slowly. Sitting for long periods of time made him stiffer and sorer than he would like. Getting through this shift was going to be interesting. Matt followed the nurse back to curtain 3 and waited for the doctor to join him. He slowly pulled his radio off placing it on the gurney next to him and was just pulling his shirt off when the doctor walked in.

            “Matt Casey?” The doctor asked. Matt nodded. “I’m Doctor Thompson. What brings you in here today?”

            “Earlier today while at a fire scene, the stairs I was coming down collapsed and I fell two stories, landing on the concrete basement floors. The paramedic at my house checked on me and wanted me to get looked at. She said I have a large bruise over my one kidney and wanted to rule out any organ damage.”

            “Ok, lets take a look at your back,” Dr. Thompson said, walking behind the gurney to look at Matt’s back.

            He noticed some bruising up near his shoulders, and the large bruise across his left kidney, and diagonally across his back. It looked like it hurt a lot, but the man was not really complaining about the pain.

            “Are you in a lot of pain, Mr. Casey?”

            “Not really. There is some, and I’m sore but I did fall two stories so that is to be expected. I just want to rule out kidney damage and back to my rig.”

            The doctor shook his head. First responders were all the same, they never wanted to admit that that they were hurting. He palpitated Matt’s back noting the slight intakes of breath when he pressed on a tender area. He had some light muscle damage, consistent with the type of fall that he took.

            “I’ll have the nurses take an ultrasound of that kidney, just to make sure that there is no damage, but overall, you look fine. Some bruising and I am sure you will be sore the next few days. I will prescribe you something for the pain. I’ll be back once the ultrasound results are in.”

            Matt thankfully didn’t have long to wait, the nurse came in a few moments later wheeling an ultrasound machine in. She set everything up and as gently as she could scanned the bruised area. Matt bit down on his lip to keep from crying out. That bruise hurt the worst as that area took the brunt of the fall.

            “All done Mr. Casey. I’ll just bring the results to Dr. Thompson. You can go ahead and put your shirt back on.”

            Matt nodded and got dressed. He was just putting his radio back on when Dr. Thompson came in.

            “Well Matt, it all looks good. There doesn’t appear to be any damage. I want you to take it easy the next few days. I doubt you’ll listen to me, but I would prefer if you took the rest of this shift off. I have a note with my recommendation. You can work, you’ll be sore but there is nothing preventing you from physically doing your job. The bruising should start looking better in about a week, if anything changes at all you come right back.”

            “Thanks Dr. Thompson.” Matt said shaking the man’s hand.

            Matt left the room with his prescription and the note with his recommendation. Matt knew that he would only leave shift if Boden forced him to go. Sylvie and Shay were waiting for him when he came out.

            “Well, how’s it looking?” Shay asked.

            “All good. No damage. He recommends taking the shift off, but I’m cleared to work, nothing physically preventing me from being able to do my job other than the soreness which I can fight through. We’ll see what Chief says, but I’d rather stay on shift, it’s only my second one.”

            Sylvie wanted to tell him he should go home and rest, but it wasn’t her place. Casey was a grown man and could make his own decisions. She admired his desire to stay, and knew that she would feel the same way if it was her, any first responder would. They don’t like sitting around and not helping, so she kept her mouth shut and figured if Chief thought that Matt couldn’t perform his duties, he’d tell the man to go home.

            Matt could tell that Sylvie didn’t agree with him, but he also knew that if the roles were reversed, she’d fight to stay on duty as well. He appreciated her concern; it had been a while since someone had truly looked out for his welfare. He hated to admit it but Hallie hadn’t even been concerned like this for him, even when she wasn’t pregnant. Hallie knew, like Matt knew that Sylvie knew, he would be as safe as he could be on the job, but Hallie never fretted over him when he’d been injured the way Sylvie was right now. Hallie was a doctor, who better to fret and look over you, but she would just ask if he got checked out and then leave him to it. Matt never thought that was strange, or wrong, but now being looked after by Sylvie, he realizes that Hallie probably should have been more concerned with wanting to look after him than she was.

            “Did the doctor give you any pain meds? Do you want to fill them before we leave the hospital?” Sylvie asked.

            “He did, but I’m ok. I don’t really like taking pain meds. If it gets to be too much, I can bring it to the pharmacy by my sister’s house, but I’ll probably just stick to over-the-counter medicines.”

            “Ok. Well, then let’s get out of here, I’m sure that they have lunch going at the house, and I don’t know about either of you, but I’m starving.” Shay laughed.

            Sylvie and Matt laughed with her. They were both hungry as well and readily agreed that they were more than happy to leave the hospital. The three climbed into the Ambo, Sylvie let Matt sit in the front to help cushion his back and they took off for the firehouse.

            Sylvie radioed in to Chief Boden letting him know that they were on their way back which he thanked her for. Fifteen minutes later Shay pulled the rig into its spot and the three of them climbed out of the Ambo heading inside. Matt went straight to Chief Boden’s office to give him an update while the two women headed to the common room for lunch. Sylvie noticed Gabby sitting at the table eating some pasta, which was made for lunch and smiled at her friend. Gabby nodded, not smiling, she was still upset about the whole Alexa thing, and pissed about the way Casey was looking at Brett while she held his child.

            “What’s up with her?” Sylvie whispered to Shay.

            Shay rolled her eyes. “Girl who knows, it’s Dawson, she’s always moody about something.”

            Sylvie laughed, “that’s true. Well, let’s grab some lunch and sit over there at the far end of the table. I don’t want to sit though an uncomfortable lunch with Dawson shooting me dirty looks.”

            Shay agreed and the two of them made a plate and sat down at the far end of the table next to Otis and Herrmann. They were mid conversation about something having to do with Molly’s when the ladies sat down, but both nodded an acknowledgement. If either of them thought it was weird that they didn’t sit with Dawson they didn’t voice it and continued on with their conversation.

            “How’s the lieutenant?” Herrmann asked, once he finished talking to Otis.

            “He’s good, not kidney damage. He’s going to be sore but is cleared for duty.” Shay said.

            “Good, he seems like a competent officer, I’m looking forward to working with him.”

            Meanwhile in Chief Boden’s office, Matt handed his new chief the prognosis from the doctor. He waited with baited breath to see if he was going to be told to pack up for the rest of shift and rest. Chief Boden took his time reading the doctor’s finding and recommendations. While he knew that his new lieutenant should go home and rest, he also knew he wouldn’t without being ordered to.

            “I want to know how you are feeling. I want an honest answer, do not gloss over anything just because you want to stay.”

            Matt smiled slightly. “I have a little pain, it is mostly sore muscles, and I’m a little bit stiff, but I’m going to take some ibuprofen and lie down after lunch while I can. I swear I am fit for duty chief and if I feel that changes, I will let you know and promise I’ll go home.”

            “I’m going to hold you to that promise, Casey. If you start to feel worse, or like you won’t be able to carry out your duties, I need you to tell me ASAP. The men look to you are their ranking officer, you need to set the right example.”

            “Copy that, Chief.” Matt said, turning to walk out of the office.

            Matt made his way to the common room, grabbing a plate of pasta and sat down between Otis and Brett. He missed the hopeful look that Dawson shot his way, nodding toward the open chair next to her. He knew she was in there and refused to look in her direction. It was sad because Matt knew that he was her commanding officer, and he needed to build up a rapport with her, but she made him so uncomfortable he didn’t want to associate with her at all.

            “You doing alright lieutenant?” Otis asked as Matt sat down.

            “Yes, thank you Otis. I’m a little sore and stuff, but I’m ok to keep working. After I eat, I’m going to take some ibuprofen and lie down for a bit until the bells go off. Hopefully that will help. I promised Chief that if I felt worse or felt that I couldn’t perform my duties that I would to home. Right now, I feel ok, after I lie down that might change.”

            “Well, I’m glad you are ok. That was pretty scary and it could have been so much worse.”

            “Trust me I know. I am pretty sure my life flashed before my eyes for a bit there, mine and Alexa’s.”

            No one said anything after that and Matt continued to ignore Gabby Dawson in the far back corner, staring holes into the back of his head. He was sore and aching and really did not want to deal with any more of her antics today. All he wanted to do was finish up lunch, take some pain relievers and then take a nap.

            Sylvie was watching Matt and noticed how he was avoiding looking in Gabby’s direction. She found that rather odd actually. Most people lavished Dawson with attention which Dawson ate up. If there was one thing that Gabby Dawson loved more than anything it was being the center of attention. Sylvie loved her friend but sometimes she was just too much, and more than once Sylvie had turned down going out because Dawson was going to be there. She felt like a horrible person because of it, but at the same time, there were days she didn’t want to deal with the cocky, I’m better than everyone attitude that Dawson was always throwing around. She acted like she was better than everyone because she passed the fireman’s test and lived in Chicago her whole life, and occasionally Sylvie felt that Dawson looked down on her because she was raised on a farm in Indiana.

            Matt finished his lunch and slowly got to his feet. He turned to Shay and asked if she could get him some pain relievers. She jumped up immediately and grabbed some out of the cabinet in the kitchen letting Matt know that was where they kept the over-the-counter pain meds in the house. He thanked her and took four with some water. Shortly after that Matt retreated to his quarters hoping to have a quick nap and by the time he got up he prayed that the pain relievers worked on his stiff and sore muscles.

            Kelly walked into the common room about thirty minutes later kissing Shay on the head and grabbing something out of the fridge.

            “Where’s Casey?”

            “He went to lie down after taking some ibuprofen,” Shay said. “He’s got some sore and stiff muscles, but no major injuries. The doctor said his kidney looked good and he should be back to his normal self in about a week or so. He was cleared for duty, but chief made him promise that if he felt he couldn’t handle it he would say something and go home.”

            “Gotcha thanks. I think I’m going to go and check on him, just in case he needs anything.”

            Shay watched as Severide walked out of the common room. She was really glad that he got his friend back. Kelly took Andy’s death really hard, and to now have his other best friend back in Chicago, at the same firehouse, well in her opinion it was exactly what he needed.

           

            Gabby Dawson waited until a few minutes after Casey left the common room to get up and walk out. She played it off like she was going to the bathroom, and made sure to go in there just in case anyone was watching her. Once she waited long enough to make a trip to the bathroom believable, she quickly and quietly entered the bunk room. She walked up to the door of Casey’s quarters and watched him from the window. He appeared to be sleeping and Gabby hoped that was true.

            As quietly as she could, Gabby turned the knob on the door, inching it open enough that she could squeeze through without hitting the blinds. And then closed the door behind her just as quietly. Once she was in the room, she smiled to herself and closed the blinds for some privacy. She didn’t want anyone to see her in there if they walked into the room, and then approached the bed to gaze upon her truck lieutenant. He was definitely a handsome man, and she was determined to have him.

            Gabby ran her fingertips over Casey’s arms, feeling the muscles underneath his skin, a shiver of excitement coursing through her. She knew that she really shouldn’t be doing this, but she couldn’t help herself, she needed to have this man and damn it she would not be denied! Getting a little bolder, Gabby started running her hand over Casey’s chest and stomach. He made a little noise in his sleep and shifted, causing Gabby to stop what she was doing, waiting with baited breath to see if she had woken him up. What she would say if he did wake up, she wasn’t sure, but she’d come up with something on the fly, she always did.

            Gabby let out the breath she was holding when Casey didn’t wake up, and slowly proceeded to pull his shirt out of his pants, needed to feel his skin the way Brett was feeling it earlier. In Gabby’s delusional jealous mind Brett was caressing Casey’s skin, she couldn’t see that Brett was only feeling around for injuries. It was not caressing; it was medical and very professional.

            Once the shirt was free Gabby placed her hand on Casey’s bare skin, sliding her hand along the hard planes of his stomach, feeling his rock-hard abdominal muscles, and delicious pectorals. The more Gabby felt, the more she wanted to just rip his pants open and mount him in his bunk.

            That might not be a bad idea, Gabby thought to herself. She could strip out of her pants, get Casey all excited and screw him right here in his bunk. It’s not like it would be the first time she had sex in the firehouse. Granted it would be the first time she had to trick her way into someone’s pants, but once she got him hard and inside her, Gabby was sure he would want her as much as she wanted him.

            Gabby didn’t hear the door to Casey’s quarters opening she was so lost in her own twisted fantasy. Her hand reaching for the opening on Casey’s pants.

            “Dawson! What the hell!” Severide yelled, startling Casey awake.

            Matt’s eyes flew open. His heart pounding, he took in Kelly in his doorway, and angry look on his face. He wasn’t looking at Matt however, he was looking to the right of Matt. Matt followed Kelly’s line of sight and saw Gabby Dawson sitting on the edge of his bunk, her hand on the top of his pants. Matt let out a strangled cry and scrambled away from Dawson as quickly as his sore, stiff muscles would allow him to.

            “Severide,” Dawson said casually, as if she wasn’t just about to take advantage of an unconscious man.

            “What the hell do you think you are doing?”

            “I was giving Casey want he wanted, some special Dawson love to help him feel better.” She replied.

            “What?” Matt yelled. “I don’t know how much more plain I can make it Dawson; I do not want you. I will never have sex with you, and I am not ok with you harassing me and continuously coming on to me.”

            “Lieutenant, you think you don’t want to have sex with me, but once you do, you’ll never want sex with anyone else again.”

            “Right? Get out of my quarters. You are never to come in here again, are we clear.”

            “Of course, lieutenant.” Gabby said, then turned around just before she reached the door. “You were getting excited; I could see you getting hard. If Severide hadn’t barged in here you would have been begging me to have sex with you.”

            Dawson sauntered out after that and more than ever Matt wished he had gone home like the doctor suggested. How was he supposed to get any sleep with that psycho in the house? She was molesting him while he was sleeping. How could he guarantee that she wouldn’t try that again?

            “Come on,” Kelly said, capturing Matt’s attention again.

            “Where?” Matt asked.

            “We are both going to see Boden. He needs to be informed of Dawson’s behavior. She needs to be stopped and I am not going to have my best friend uncomfortable in this house because of some two-bit tramp.”

            Matt and Kelly walked down the hall toward the chief’s office. Kelly knocked on the door alerting Chief Boden that they were there. The chief smiled at them beckoning them in.

            “What can I do for you both?” he asked as Kelly shut the door. If Severide was closing the door this was something serious.

            “Chief, Dawson has been harassing Casey.” Kelly said.

            “What do you mean harassing?”

            “She’s been coming on to me Chief, and not taking no for an answer. It started on my first day, she alluded to having sexual relations with me. I told her no and she let it drop. At the beginning of this shift, she cornered me and rubbed herself all up on me. I pushed her away and told her to stop and that if she didn’t, I would file a formal complaint and harassment papers.”

            “I was just going to check on Casey to see if he needed anything and he was asleep in his bunk. Dawson was in there with his shirt untucked and getting ready to unbuckle his pants. Chief I hate to think it, but I’m sure if I hadn’t shown up, she would have raped him.”

            Matt shuddered. “I really like this house chief but I won’t be able to work here if I can’t feel safe. I mean she barged into my quarters, closed the blinds, which I had left open by the way, and then proceeded to violate me.”

            “Casey, Severide, I need you to write out formal statements. I will have this situation taken care of immediately. She will not be in this house much longer. I do not take harassment lightly, whether it’s harassment against a female, or male. Do you know if anyone else has heard or witnessed Dawson saying or doing anything?”

            “I think she made some comments to Brett and Shay in the locker room after Casey’s first shift. I’ll go get them.” Severide said, jumping up for his seat.

            Matt took the pad Boden was handing him and wrote down everything that Dawson had done or said to him since his arrival. He was just finishing up his statement and signing it when Severide returned with both Brett and Shay.

            “Severide said you wanted to see us, chief.” Shay said.

            Boden explained the situation to the two woman who were both shocked and appalled at Dawson’s behavior. They both confirmed that Dawson was talking about Casey in the locker room after his first shift and proceeded to tell them what she had said. They along with Kelly wrote down their statements and signed them before all four left Boden’s office.

            Casey went to the common room and sat on the couch. He didn’t want to go to his quarters right now, the knowledge that Dawson was touching him without his permission made him sick to his stomach. Sylvie sat down on the chair next to the couch where Matt was sitting and Kelly sat down next to him. Normally he only sat at the Squad table so him sitting in the common room, on the couch piqued a few people’s interest. While firehouse 51 was a close-knit family, they were a bunch of gossips, and wanted to know what the heck was going on.  Was it just that Severide was concerned for his friend after his fall, or was it something more?

            Both Kelly and Matt stared at the TV, not really seeing what was on. Both were hoping that whatever actions were being taken against Dawson were executed quickly and were not dragged out. If they were Matt would use his injury as his excuse and leave for the rest of shift, even though he didn’t want to.

            Boden hung up the phone, a smile on his face. He was able to get Dawson transferred to house 42. They have a firefighter they were willing to exchange, a Stella Kidd. Boden was more than happy to accommodate this as he was going to need another body on Truck now that Dawson would not longer be there. Stella would start next shift, and they were sending a floater over for the remainder of this shift. Dawson was getting a 3-shift suspension starting immediately.

            Boden walked through the firehouse and stopped in the doorway of the common room. He spotted Dawson at the back, in the kitchen laughing with Otis. He had always liked Dawson, she was a real go getter, but he would not tolerate her behavior towards his Truck lieutenant.

            “Dawson, I need to speak with you a moment. My office.”

            “Sure chief.”

            Gabby followed the chief to his office. He closed the door behind them and then proceeded to tell Dawson of her suspension and her transfer. She did not take the news well, trying to say it was Casey who was hitting on her and that she stopped his advances, and that was why he was doing this. He was trying to get back at her for saying no. Boden told her he had several witnesses to her behavior and to go clean out her locker. She was done at 51.

            Gabby threw out some curses and slammed her way out of Boden’s office. Boden took a deep breath and then went back to the common room. He had to make an announcement before the rumor mills went wild, as they were wont to do at 51.

            “Can I have everyone’s attention? Thank you. Starting next shift, we will have a new firefighter on Truck 81, Stella Kidd. She will be replacing Gabby Dawson who is being transferred to House 42 for conduct unbecoming at this house. We will have a floater for the rest of shift as she is also suspended for the next three shifts, starting immediately. I wanted to let you all know before the rumors started flying around.”

            Matt looked at Boden with gratitude in his eyes. She was leaving, he wouldn’t have to worry about her popping up in his quarters unannounced any longer. He could lie down to sleep without fearing that she was going to pounce and try something against his will ever again. Matt looked at Severide, Shay and Brett also. They knew the truth of the matter and while he feared they might resent him because they were all friends with her, he only saw relief on their faces as well.

           

Chapter 7: Conversations abound

Notes:

I'm back! Thank you to everyone who has been reading this and leaving comments, I swear I am going to go back after I post this and comment on them, I just haven't had the chance to do that yet. This chapter is mostly filler, moving the story along but I hope you all like it anyway. I am already thinking about where the next part will be headed and planning to start writing it soon.

As always, let me know what you think!

Part 7:

            Most of shift was a blur. Matt did the best he could, and the pain relievers did help with some of the stiff and sore muscles, but he still ached. Every time they were on a call Shay and Brett watched him like a hawk, and if Truck got called out without Ambo they were waiting on the apron as soon as they pulled back in making sure he was fine. Matt knew that they were concerned and was happy that they cared enough about him to constantly be checking up on him but he was fine. He didn’t say anything knowing that they would not listen to him until they could see for themselves that the was ok.

            It was about 9:00 pm and Matt had just finished writing up his report on the last call. It was just an assist with Ambo 92, person stuck in an apartment. The team went up, apparently the couple were in the middle of some freaky stuff and the guy got his arm caught in the machine they were using. Thankfully Matt used to work construction and had taken apart machines before. It did not take him and his team long to get the man out and on his way to the hospital.

            Severide knocked on his door holding up two cigars. Matt smiled and nodded. He dropped his paperwork off in the chief’s office and headed outside to meet Kelly.  This was just what he needed, a nice smoke with his best friend. He, Kelly, and Andy used to do this in the academy when they had a particularly stressful day, or something really good happened, it was their thing, and he was more than happy to continue the ritual with Severide now that he was back.

            “Thanks Kelly, I could really use this today.”

            “Yeah, I figured. I haven’t really had anyone to smoke with since Darden passed, so I’ve had these just sitting here waiting to be enjoyed. After everything today, I figured you’d need to destress.”

            “Man, you’re right. I can’t thank you enough for your timing today. I don’t even want to think about what could have happened if you hadn’t walked into my quarters earlier.”

            Kelly nodded. “I never would have thought Dawson capable of that. She was always loud and fearless, but today she was just acting crazy. I don’t know, but I’m happy I got there when I did too.

            “Normally Darden and I would smoke up on the roof, but with your injuries and it being dark I figured we could just sit in the lawn chairs down here.”

            “Thanks Kelly. Next time, definitely the roof.”

            The two smoked in silence for a while, neither needed to say anything else about the day just yet. Matt was close to a few of the firefighters in his old house in New York but he never bonded with anyone like he had with Kelly and Andy. He missed their friendship when he was on the east coast, and was really sad to know that he would never get the chance to reconnect with Andy Darden. He was grateful that there was a spot for him back here in Chicago, but the fact that the spot was there because Andy no longer was made him sad.

            “I am sorry that I didn’t keep in touch more after Hallie and I moved to New York. I missed out on so much, and while I am grateful to be getting this second chance with our friendship, it bothers me that I won’t get that with Andy.” Matt says.

            “You know Andy and I never held it against you. We were all busy, and our schedules did not really mesh, typically you were off when we were on shift, and honestly had it been Heather who had the opportunity we both know Andy would have followed her. You were here for the baptism of the boys, and while you couldn’t get here for the funeral, none of us held that against you. Heather and I knew that you tried but you couldn’t get the furlough, it happens, we knew that better than anyone.”

            “I know but I feel like I failed you all. I should have done more, been a better friend.”

            “It’s not like we were any better Matt. It’s not all on you, we didn’t reach out enough either. I mean if I had then I would have known about Hallie being pregnant and about Alexa before you moved back to Chicago. Hell, I should have been there for you while you were dealing with the initial aftermath after Hallie did what she did, but I wasn’t there. If anything, I feel like a shitty friend.”

            “You’re not, and you are right, there is plenty of blame to go around, but we can’t change the past and we just have to move on and fix that going forward. Are Heather and the boys still here? I should probably go and see them soon.”

            “They are, but last I heard they are moving to Florida to be near her family. She had a rough go of it for a bit there and I had the boys for about a month after she got a DUI.”

            “Really? Man, alright I’ll have to contact her in the next day or so and see if we can meet up. I just want to pass on my condolences and let her know that if she needs anything I’m here for her.”

            “She’ll appreciate that.”

            Once again, they let the silence of the night take over and just enjoy their cigars. Neither aware of the two blondes watching from the apron floor, soft smiles on their faces. Shay turned to Brett and smiled.

            “I’m so happy that Casey’s back. Kelly really needs someone other than me. Andy’s death hit him hard, they were friends since high school, and I know that a small part of him blames himself for what happened to Darden. I also know that while he understood that Casey couldn’t get the time off for the funeral, he really wished he was here, he needed the support. I did the best I could, but it just wasn’t the same.”

            “Well, it looks like they are hashing all that out and I think they will be all the stronger for it. I’m glad Severide’s friend is back also. I know I’ve only known him for two shifts but he seems like a really nice guy, and I think he’s going to be a great addition to this firehouse.”

            “It doesn’t hurt that he’s easy on the eyes either,” Shay laughed nudging Brett’s shoulder with her own.

            Sylvie laughed out loud, the sound traveling to the two men causing them to turn abruptly toward the source of the sound. Smiling as they see the two paramedics laughing and having a good time.

            “Shut up!” Sylvie laughed, pushing Shay back. “Aren’t you into the other sex?”

            “I am, but I can appreciate a good-looking man. Come on admit it, you find him attractive too.”

            “So, what if I do find him attractive. He just moved here, he has a daughter, and he is still grieving his fiancé. I would never try to take advantage of him like that. What he really needs is friends, and that is what I would like to be, if he is willing.”

            “You are such a good person Brett. I know he’s all those things, and I know you’d never take advantage of that situation, unlike others. He’d be crazy to not want to be friends with you. I’m hoping he wants to be friends with me too, I need more loving from that sweet little baby Casey.”

            “Right?!? She was just too precious. I’m not opposed to anything happening with the new lieutenant if the timing is right and it progresses naturally, but I think I could live with just being friends also.

            “Speaking of those who don’t know better than to take advantage of others, what do you think happened with Dawson? I mean it had to be pretty big for chief to transfer her from the house.”

            “I have no idea. I’m hoping Kelly will tell me later when we go home, but you’re right for Chief to suspend her for three shifts and boot her from the house she really had to cross the line.”

            Sylvie nodded. She looked over at the two lieutenants again before nodding her head to Shay about going back into the house. Casey looked fine, and he had Severide with him so if anything changed, she knew he would come get them. She wanted to grab a snack and relax for a while; it had been a busy day of calls for Ambo and her feet were starting to hurt.

            Shay followed her partner in after looking at her best friend and his other best friend one last time. She waved at the two of them before walking around the side of the Ambo back into the building. Maybe she could convince Brett to share some of her secret chocolate stash with her.

            “They seem really close,” Matt said, watching the two women walk inside.

            “They are. Dawson was partners with Shay originally until she decided she wanted to be a firefighter. Once she graduated from the academy, she jumped off Ambo as soon as a spot opened in our house. Shay was left with floaters for a bit until Brett was hired. She moved here from some small town in Indiana and hasn’t looked back since.”

            “I didn’t realize Dawson was a paramedic. Honestly, after today, I’m just wondering how she passed the psych evals.”

            “I know. I mean like I said, I’ve seen her do some pretty wild shit, but today, that was a new one. I never would have pegged her for one to force herself on someone else. I’m just sorry I didn’t get there sooner.”

            “I don’t think she really did anything. I remember dreaming and someone was touching my chest and abs, but that was it. I’m guessing that was her doing it and my dream morphed it to someone I knew, probably Hallie, not that I saw a face or anything, just a hand.

            “Anyway, I’d like to just forget that it happened and move on. I’m really grateful to the chief for transferring her out of the house. I’m not sure what I would have done if I had to still be on shift with her. I probably would have put in for a transfer, either to a new house or a different shift.”

            “Well thank God it didn’t come to that. I am rather enjoying you working same shift at me, at the same house.”

            “Thanks man, I am too.”

            By now they had finished their cigars and were just enjoying the cooling night air. It was early fall, the air was starting to cool down, but it wasn’t so cold that you needed to have hats and jackets yet. Matt stretched out on his chair, looking up at the Chicago skyline, a smile spreading across his face. He really had missed his home, and really was happy to be back. He had a feeling good things were coming his way, and while he had to go through heartbreak to get here, he knew he couldn’t change that and vowed to make the best of his situation.

            Without a word to one another the two friends stood up and headed back into the firehouse. Matt was hoping to get a little sleep before the bells went off again, but at the same time he was afraid that if he slept, he’d be even more sore and stiff once he woke up. Quickly he calculated the last time he had some pain meds and took another four before lying down. With any luck he’d feel better next time he woke up.

           

                                                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

            The rest of shift passed quickly. There were a bunch of calls for Ambo, and an electrical fire calling out Truck and Engine before shift was officially over. Matt was never so happy to be able to go home in his life. He stuck out the shift and pushed through his duties, but he was really sore now and could not wait for the next few days of doing nothing. The moving company was due after his next shift and hopefully by then he’d be healed enough to unpack. He figured he would ask Severide to give him a hand, this way he could get through it faster.

            Matt met up with Kelly in the locker room. “Hey, Kel, you think after next shift you could help me move into my new place?”

            “Sure man, just let me know when and where and I’ll be there.”

            “Thanks. I have a moving company so they will handle moving all the heavy stuff, but I could definitely use some help unpacking and getting the house situated.”

            “Sorry to eavesdrop,” Shay laughed, “but if you need any other help, I’m more than happy to give you a hand.”

            “Really? Thanks. I was going to ask my sister also. Hopefully Alexa will sleep through most of it.”

            “I can help too,” Sylvie said. “Even if it’s just to keep an eye on the little one if she wakes up.”

            “Thank you.” Matt smiled. “You know, you all really are just one big family, huh?”

            “You have no idea,” Lieutenant. “Severide will text us all and trust me the whole house will be there to help.” Joe laughed.

            “Damn straight,” Kelly said. “The more of us there are the quicker it’ll get done. Trust me I know how nice it will be spending the first night in your new place, everything where it’s supposed to be and not having to worry about unpacking anything else. Besides, the whole house has always shown up to move someone, why would this be any different.”

            “Well either way, I really appreciate it.”

            “Just don’t forget lieutenant, sometime today Cindy and I want you and Alexa to stop by so we can work out the logistics of Cindy keeping Alexa while we are on shift.”

            Casey smiled. “I remember, just let me know the address and we will be there. It might be sooner rather than later since no offence; I just want to go home and rest until these aches go away.”

            “Did you overdo it today?” Sylvie demanded. “I told you to take the rest of shift off.”

            “I promise I did not over do it, and the pain meds were helping, but all I want to do now is rest for the next few days and let all my muscles heal before we are back on shift.”

            Sylvie nodded but still wasn’t entirely sure Casey was being 100% truthful. She had to take his word for it though because she could not feel what he was feeling and just had to believe that if it was really too much, he would either call out, or ask to go home. She knew that his injuries were not life threatening, and while yes it might make taking care of his daughter a little more difficult, he was an adult and could make his own decisions. That did not stop the feeling of protectiveness that she had though. It was similar to the one she felt for Shay, Severide, Herrmann, Joe, and Otis. They were her family, they helped her out when she moved from Fowlerton, helped her to believe that she could do this job and really could make it in the city, despite what Harrison and the rest of Fowlerton thought.

            “Brett are we still on for breakfast?” Shay asked, pulling Sylvie out of her thoughts.

            “Of course, I’m starving. Last night was a little crazy, and those snacks from the Lakeshore vending machine were just not cutting it. I am so ready for pancakes, eggs, and bacon.” Sylvie laughed.

            “Great, come on girlie, lets get a move on.”

            Sylvie and Shay waved to the guys and headed out to their cars. Matt got Herrmann’s address and told him he would be there within the hour. He needed to go home, eat and pick up Alexa before they headed over to his house. Herrmann told him that they would be ready for him, and he’d see them then.

            Matt walked out with Kelly, talking about inconsequential things before separating at their cars. They made plans to do lunch the following day, at Christie’s house since Matt wasn’t sure he’d be up for going out anywhere and then went left to their respective houses.

            The drive to Christie’s didn’t take long and Matt was grateful when he made it home. He just wanted to snuggle his daughter and sleep. He knew that sleep wouldn’t be possible for a little while, but he could snuggle his daughter as soon as he walked into the house.

            “Hey Chris, I’m home.” Matt called, walking into the house.

            “Hey. We are in the kitchen. How are you feeling?”

            “Still sore, but nothing was severely injured in the fall. Brett had me get checked out at Lakeshore just to be safe. Apparently, I have a really bad bruise by my kidney, but the doctors tested and it’s just a bruise, no damage to the organ.”

            “Good. I think I really like Brett. If she can get your stubborn pigheaded self to do something I definitely need to see more of her.”

            “Ha, ha, ha,” Matt laughed sarcastically. “I don’t need you both ganging up on me.”

            “What do you want to eat? Little miss here is having some of Aunt Christie’s famous pancakes.”

            “You don’t have to make me breakfast.” Matt started.

            “I know I don’t,” Christie interrupted. “I offered, now what do you want.”

            “Pancakes are great, thank you. After breakfast I will dress Alexa and she and I will be heading over to the Herrmann place. He wants me to meet his wife, the one who offered to watch Alexa while we were on shift.”

            “I know that you don’t want to inconvenience anyone, but I think you should consider it. Offer them some money, I’m sure that they won’t accept it, but offer it anyway and see what happens. If nothing else offer your services. You’ve always been good with wood and construction, maybe they need some work done and you can do that for them in trade for watching Alexa.”

            “Thanks Christie. I was feeling a little guilty like I’d be taking advantage of them, especially since they have like four or five kids of their own, but it would probably be a huge savings for me to have Cindy Herrmann watch Alexa than a day care. I wouldn’t expect her to keep Alexa overnight, I was hoping you’d still take her for those evenings, unless you’ve got something to do then maybe she wouldn’t mind keeping her, on those rare occasions.”

            “I think that might work out well, and of course I will pick her up once I’m out of work and pick up Violet. We want as much Alexa time as we can get!”

            “Great thank you. I knew that you’d get her, although after meeting Alexa you might have to steal her back from Herrmann’s wife.” Matt laughed.

            “You’re probably right.” Christie said, placing a plate of pancakes and bacon in front of her brother.

            Matt ate his meal, just enjoying the quite with his sister and watching his little girl feed herself. She was getting so big, and at times like these it made him sad that Hallie was missing it. He knew as Alexa continued to grow; his sadness would also grow. However, the sadness would no longer be for Hallie but for Alexa. He will feel the sadness for his daughter who would wish for her mother to be there experiencing things with her and not having that. He would do everything he could to fill that void, but he knows that he could never truly take the place of a mom. There were plenty of things a girl would want to do, and talk about with a mom, but Alexa wouldn’t have that. She would, however, have an aunt who would love to do those things with her.

            Matt finished his breakfast and washed his plate before washing his daughter who was finished also and now just throwing her pancake pieces onto the counter. He brought her to their room and got her dressed for the day. She had a cute blue and orange bears outfit that one of the guys at the firehouse in NY got for her after finding out, and razzing, Matt about being a bear’s fan. At least it wasn’t a NY team outfit. He is a Chicago guy, and always would be.

            “All right pumpkin, lets go meet Mr. Herrmann and his wife,” he said, kissing his daughter’s head. He loved her baby shampoo smell and was not looking forward to the day she outgrew that.

            The drive to the Herrmann’s was not long, thankfully. They actually lived pretty close to where Matt was moving, which was convenient. He wouldn’t have to drive across the city to drop Alexa off before heading to the firehouse. He found a spot and after getting Alexa and her diaper bag out of the car, walked down the block to the Herrmann’s house. Matt slowly made his way up the stairs, with his sore body he wasn’t taking any chances holding his daughter, and knocked on the door.

            Moments later it was opened by whom Matt assumed was Cindy Herrmann. She was all smiles seemed really friendly.

            “Come right on in,” Cindy said, gesturing into her home.

            Matt walked through the open door, already realizing he was going to love Cindy Herrmann and would most definitely be taking her up on her offer.

Chapter 8: Meeting Cindy Herman and Stella Kidd

Notes:

Once again I am so sorry for the long delay in getting this chapter out, it just didn't want to come to me. For some reason I had a difficult time writing this part, but hopefully that is behind me and I'll be able to get more written and posted more often. I have also been super busy at work and haven't had much down time there (which is usually where I write) so that could be a factor as well. I'm going to be better about writing at home, even though my laptop goes crazy and adds random characters in when I type so I am constantly backspacing to correct the words. LOL.

Anyway, without much further ado here is the next part. I hope you like it....it's just a bit of transition for the next bit, where Casey will be chatting with Severide about his history with Stella Kidd....and.....the big move!

Part 8:

            Cindy Herrmann led Matt into her house, offering him a seat on the sofa. Matt gratefully took the seat and sat Alexa on his knee. She looked around, taking in the new surroundings with interest. It was actually pretty quiet in the house, Matt was expecting more noise, especially with having at least four kids living in the house. Yet, despite that, he could see the evidence of the children all over the place. There were toy boxes along the one wall, filled with toys, artwork taped up to the walls with pictures ranging from hand drawn doodles, to school art projects, to pages out of coloring books.

            Alexa turned her head toward Cindy as the other woman started to speak. “So, Matthew, Christopher told me a little about what you are going through right now, I hope you don’t mind.”

            “No, of course not Mrs. Herrmann, I sort of figured he would. I am actually grateful for that, as it is still difficult to talk about and I had to relive it all once today, I am perfectly alright with not having to retell the story again.”

            “I am so sorry that you are going through this, and I hope you know, that I was going to try my best to convince you to allow your sweet little princess here to stay with me during shifts before, but now I’m pretty close to demanding it.”

            Matt laughed. He could see that Herrmann’s wife was a strong woman, one that you did not want to cross, but at the same time he could see that she was loving, kind, and loyal. He could not ask for a better care taker to look after his daughter. Besides, she had her own kids so she would know how to handle any crisis that might pop up.

            “I really appreciate you offering to keep Alexa on shift days. I would like to take you up on your offer, even from the short few minutes that I have been here I know that I can trust you with Alexa. I would like to pay you; I mean you will have Alexa throughout the whole day. My sister will come and pick her up and keep her overnight. There might be a time or two when she won’t be able to, and if it is alright, I’d like to know if you would be ok with Alexa staying here. If not, I will see what else I can arrange.”

            “Matthew Casey I will not accept any money for watching your daughter. I absolutely love children and I offered to do it, so I do not expect, nor will I accept payment. Of course, I do not mind keeping her overnight if you sister cannot take her for any reason, just let me know, even if it is last minute and I will work it all out.”

            “Thank you, Mrs. Herrmann.”

            “It’s Cindy, Matt, you don’t have to keep calling me Mrs. Herrmann.”

            “Thank you, Cindy. If you will not accept payment, maybe we can figure out some kind of trade? I am pretty good with fixing thing and wood work, so if you need anything done, I would be willing to do the work for you since you are watching Alexa.”

            “That is very sweet of you Matt, thank you. I might just have to take you up on that. Christopher, God love him, is not clueless when it comes to fixing things, but he gets distracted easily and projects tend to go unfinished, or I have to call in a professional to finish what he’s started.”

            Matt laughed. “Well, if you need anything, please just let me know. I used to do side construction when I was in the academy so I know what I’m doing.”

            “Great! I will definitely let you know. On a completely separate note, how are you feeling? Christopher told me to took a nasty fall today.”

            “I am alright, a little sore still, and bruised up, but I will live.”

            Cindy nodded. “Would you like anything to drink? I have lemonade, water, some juices, apple and orange, and some pop.”

            “I am ok thank you.”

            Alexa squirmed to be put down. She had been looking around while the adults were talking and now wanted to explore this new place. There were so many things to see.

            “Do you mind?” Matt asked gesturing to the floor.

            “Of course not. She is more than welcome to crawl around and explore. I assure you everything is babyproofed and secured.”

            “I didn’t doubt that it would be, I have heard you have a fair number of kids running around this house yourself.”

            “Yes, but I wouldn’t change that for the world. I love all of my kids, despite how crazy they can make me. I truly am blessed and would not change anything for the world.”

            Matt and Cindy watched as Alexa crawled around the living room, taking in everything she could see. Of course, she was making a b-line for the toy boxes and Matt was certain that he was going to have to clean up a large mess before he left. Alexa let out a squeal of happiness as she pulled a toy out of the toy box, it was some kind of electronic toy that made lit up and played songs when you pushed the buttons. Alexa was in heaven.

            “Mommy, we’re home,” a little voice called as the front door opened.

            Matt turned his head to see a small girl about four walked through the front door, Herrmann following closely behind her. He was carrying some grocery bags, nodded at Casey and continued on to the kitchen.

            “Annabelle, this is Mr. Casey he works with daddy, and this little munchkin is his daughter Alexa. She is going to be staying here with us while daddy and Mr. Casey are on duty at the firehouse.”

            “Ok mommy,’ Annabelle said, sitting down and playing with Alexa.

            Matt smiled, at least one of the Herrmann kids was ok with Alexa being there during shift days. He had a feeling that as Alexa grew up, she and Annabelle would become best friends, despite the age difference between the two girls. Cindy smiled at the two girls, Alexa was laughing and handing Annabelle toys while Annabelle pretended to be extremely excited about what was being handed to her.

            Matt wanted to let Alexa stay and acclimate to these new surroundings and the Herrmann’s but he was getting tired and all he wanted to do was sleep. Alexa’s nap time was closing in on them also, and he was hoping she’d go down easy giving him a few hours of rest before he had to get up and take care of her.

            “I hate to just run out on you but I’m really starting to get tired, and it’s almost time for Alexa’s nap.” Matt said.

            “Of course! I know you are probably really hurting and just want to lie down and relax. I’m sorry to keep you here so long. You bring that sweet little munchkin over next shift and we’ll trial it out, and go home and try to relax until then.”

            “Thank you, Cindy. I really appreciate you offering to keep Alexa for me, it is a huge burden off of me, and I know that I can trust you with her. I will see you next shift.”

            Matt gathered up his things and grabbed Alexa. She was not happy about having to leave as she was having fun with Annabelle, but Matt strapped her into her seat and bid the Herrmann’s farewell before slowly making his way back to his car. It was a little harder this time around because Alexa was fussing and squirming in her chair and with Matt’s sore back, he needed to be extra careful walking down the stairs.

            “Come on sweetie, I know you want to stay, but it’s almost nap time and daddy’s back is really starting to hurt now. We’ll be back to see Ms. Cindy and Annabelle in a few days.”

            Alexa obviously had no clue what Matt was saying and continued to cry out her frustration. Great, now he was going to have a headache on top of everything else. Sighing Matt snapped Alexa’s car seat into the base and placed her bag on the floor before getting into the car himself. Taking a deep breath through the pain of sliding his back against the car’s seat Matt closed his eyes as tears sprang up. He hated feeling vulnerable and frustrated but he was feeling both at that moment. He wished he could just go home and take some strong pain meds and sleep, but that was not an option. He needed to make sure he was lucid enough to take care of Alexa, despite the amount of pain he was in.

            Once the throbbing in his back became manageable again, Matt started the car and drove back to his sister’s house as quickly as he could without breaking any traffic laws. Breathing a sigh of relief as he turned down the street his sister lived on, Matt almost cried out when he saw a spot right in front of his sister’s house. Luck was on his side this afternoon. Matt parked the car quickly and despite his screaming back he jumped out of the car, rushed around it and got Alexa out in under a minute. Placing her bag on his shoulder Matt hurried up the stairs the best he could while still being careful and opened the door, letting out a sigh of relief. He put the seat down and got Alexa out which quieted her cries some, before he walked into the living room and placed her down on the carpet with some toys.

            Once Alexa had some things to occupy her, she stopped crying. Matt was never so happy, but at the same time annoyed in his life. He knew that she was only showing her displeasure but his patience was much shorter today due to his pain. He hated feeling annoyed with his daughter but he couldn’t help himself. Matt half laid on the couch, throwing his arm over his eyes, hoping for a few minutes of peace and quiet to dull the pounding in his head. He needed to get some pain meds for his back also, but just didn’t have the will to move. Giving himself a few minutes to rest Matt closed his eyes and breathed deeply willing the pain in his head to go away before slowly getting up to get some pain medication. After taking the two pills, Matt picked up his daughter and headed for their room.

            Alexa did not cry when Matt took her away from her toys, which he took as a good sign, she even snuggled her face into his shoulder. He changed her diaper and then gingerly sat in the rocking chair that Christie had put into the room for their use and slowly rocked his daughter, humming a tune under his breath. He was exhausted and just wanted a few hours of sleep and hoped that by rocking Alexa she would fall asleep faster. He was not disappointed; he could feel her breathing evening out and her head lolling on his shoulder. He knew from experience that she would be asleep in no time.

            Very carefully Matt got out of the rocking chair and placed his daughter into the pack and play before lying down on his bed. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.

 

            The next few days passed quickly and before Matt knew it, he was due for shift again. Thankfully his soreness was much lessened. He still had some pain, and a lot of bruising but he was able to move almost at normal pace and knew that he would be able to make it through the shift without too many complications. He fed Alexa and got their things together before saying goodbye to his sister and niece and rushing out the door. He had to make it to the Herrmann’s and then to the station and he didn’t want to be late.

            Thankfully there was hardly any traffic between his sister’s house and the Herrmann’s house, and Matt was hoping that was a normal occurrence and not just a fluke today. He knocked on the door waiting for someone to answer. He heard a lot of yelling and loud voices coming from inside, much different than the other day when he stopped by.

            “Lee Henry, you stop pulling on your sisters’ hair! I swear I will tan your backside if you don’t.” Cindy Herrmann yelled, pulling the door open.

            Matt laughed. “Rough morning?”

            “Oh Matthew! Sorry about that. Yes, a little rougher than most for some reason. Please come on in.”

            Matt walked in and placed Alexa’s car carrier on the ground before unbuckling her and getting her out. She let out a squeal when she saw Annabelle sitting at the kitchen table and squirmed to get out of Matt’s grasp.

            “Hold on peanut!” Matt laughed kissing her head. “You be good for Miss Cindy I don’t want to hear any bad reports.”

            “Everything is going to be fine Matt, I promise. If anything happens, I’ll call the station. Honestly, I’m more worried about my own kids than yours.”

            “Thank you again for this, I really appreciate it.”

            “It really is no bother. I enjoy children, even though my own make me want to rip my hair out sometimes.”

            Matt nodded. He put Alexa down after giving her one more kiss, and she promptly crawled off toward Annabelle. Matt laughed, bid goodbye to Cindy and headed out to his truck just as Christopher was coming out of the kitchen, kissing all his kids good bye.

            “Well, hello there little one,” he said to Alexa.  “And good-bye to you as well.”

            Herrmann gave her a quick kiss on the head as well and Matt got choked up. Herrmann barely knew him or his daughter and there he was kissing her good-bye like she was one of his own. He knew right then and there that he made the right decision leaving New York to come back to Chicago. He had really good friends in New York, but none who would just kiss his daughter good bye because she was staying at their house while he worked. It was an amazing feeling, even if it was a little overwhelming.

            “Lieutenant,” Christopher said, walking past Matt.

            “Herrmann.” Matt replied nodding his head.

            The two got in their separate cars and headed to the station. Matt was hoping that today wouldn’t be too busy of a day, just to give his body as much time to rest and heal as he could.  He was not holding his breath that shift would be slow, but he could hope.

            Matt parked his truck and headed inside to drop his things off in his locker before morning briefing. He should have enough time to do that and grab a mug of coffee before he needed to be in the briefing room.

            “Morning Casey,” Shay said as Matt walked into the locker room.

            “Morning Shay. Brett.”

            “Good morning lieutenant. Are you excited for your new firefighter to start today?” Sylvie asked.

            Matt looked at Sylvie questioningly before remembering that Dawson was no longer a member of 51 and Stella Kidd was supposed to be starting today.

            “I am actually. It’ll be nice not having to constantly look over my shoulder for Dawson. I never knew when she was going to strike. It is sad though, she was a damn good firefighter, I just wish she didn’t make it so weird and uncomfortable for me.”

            “Well, Dawson was always like that,” a new voice said, walking into the room. “Hi, Stella Kidd.”

            “Hey Stella, welcome.” Brett said. She grabbed a piece of masking tape and slapped it on what used to be Dawson’s locker and handed Stella a marker. “This is your new locker. Once you get your stuff settled Shay and I will show you around.”

            “Thanks. I’m really excited to be here. Granted I’ve heard mixed things about this house, people are either trying to get into this firehouse or they are warning you that it’s a problem house.”

            “I heard that too when I was being assigned here. Now, granted I’ve only been here two shifts, but so far, I’ve liked what I’ve seen of this house. Everyone is really friendly and super close. To me they seem more like a family than some actual families I know. Hi, I’m Lieutenant Casey your officer on Truck.”

            “Good to meet you Lieutenant. I don’t normally hold to rumors and will definitely make my own judgements. But I have heard that this is a busy house, which I am hoping for. Don’t get me wrong 42 wasn’t slow, but I’m definitely ready for a more challenging position.”

            “Oh, we definitely are kept busy,” Shay said. “Ambo more so than the rest, but our guys get multiple calls a shift normally, if not then it’s a slow day which according to the guys is nice every once in a while.”

            The girls flanked Stella and took her on a tour of the firehouse. Matt watched them leave with a smile on his face. From his first impression of Stella Kidd, he could tell that she’d be a great addition to Truck and was looking forward to working with her.

            “Hey, who was that?” Kelly asked, rushing into the locker room to drop off his bag.

            “That was Stella Kidd, Dawson’s replacement.”

            “Stella Kidd, that name sounds familiar but I can’t place why.” Kelly said. “Oh well it’ll come to me. Come on, lets grab some coffee before Chief starts briefing.”

            Matt and Kelly walked to the common room and each grabbed a mug filling it with coffee. They then proceeded to the briefing room and took up their positions in the back, sipping their coffee as everyone filed in and took their seats. The three girls came walking in, laughing about something or other and sat down at a table in the front, Stella flanked by both Shay and Brett. Matt felt Kelly stiffen beside him and quickly turned his head to look at his friend. There was a look of pure shock and some fear on his face. Matt couldn’t help but wonder what that was about.

            “All right people,” Chief Boden said walking in the room. “As always let’s be as safe as possible out there, make sure you’ve checked and tested all of your equipment to verify that everything is working correctly. Don’t forget that this weekend is the CFD family picnic and as we are not on duty, I expect to see all of you there.

            “Now, I would like to welcome our newest member to Firehouse 51 Stella Kidd. She will be taking Dawson’s place on Truck. Let’s give her a warm welcome. Kidd, I see you’ve meet Brett and Shay, behind you leaning against the back wall are our lieutenants, Severide and Casey.”

            Stella’s head whipped around at the mention of Severide. She could not believe it he was here. Stella had always found him attractive, and she still did, but they had a sorted history together, one that she was sure Kelly Severide wished to forget. Great, she had hoped that she would fit in here, and now she was afraid that things would be weird and uncomfortable because of what happened in the past.

            “Thanks Chief,” Stella said, turning her attention back to the front.

            Boden went through a few more announcements before dismissing everyone. Stella hung around a few minutes hoping to catch a word with Severide, but he rushed out of the room the minute Boden dismissed everyone. Sighing, Stella hoped that the two of them could move past what had happened while she was in the academy and work together. She really didn’t want to be transferred again, and she really liked Shay and Brett and could foresee many a girl’s night in her future.

            Matt watched Stella watching Kelly leave the room, a sad look on her face. There was definitely a history there, one that Matt was determined to find out. He figured that he’d have to whip out some cigars later and have a talk with his best friend to see what the issue was and whether or not it could be worked out. Matt was really looking forward to working with Stella Kidd and was hoping that she wouldn’t be driven away because of some awkwardness between her and Kelly.

            “Hey Kidd,” Matt called, “come on let me introduce you to the rest of Truck 81.”

            Matt walked with Stella into the common room and introduced her to Mouch, Herrmann and Otis. They all made small talk and Matt told them that he’d be setting up some drills for them to do, just to get the feel of working together, much like he did on his first shift. Then he and Stella talked about her strengths and weaknesses and where she felt most comfortable during fires. Matt just wanted to make sure that everyone was doing what they felt most comfortable with, but also needed to run drills to make sure they were prepared to do any job during a fire. You never knew what would happen and where you would be needed.

            Before Matt could set up for drills the bells went off calling Truck 81 and Ambo 61 to the scene of an accident. Kidd joined the crew of Truck 81 as they quickly jumped into the firetruck and sped off toward the accident, ambulance 61 right behind them. Thankfully it wasn’t too crazy a scene, a standard car accident with only a few minor injuries for Brett and Shay to patch up.  After overhaul and cleanup Truck 81 headed back to the station for some lunch and then Matt set up his drills. He was pleased that everyone seemed to work well together and knew right then and there that Stella Kidd was going to be an asset to his team. It was also helpful that she didn’t seem to be interested in him other than her lieutenant and perhaps a friend, unlike Dawson, which immediately put Matt at ease.

            “All right guys, you all did really well on those drills. I feel comfortable knowing that if I had to, I could send any one of you to cover any situation on a call and the task would get accomplished quickly and correctly with no hesitation whatsoever. We’re done with drills for today, you can all go about doing whatever you do in your down time.”

            Matt started to clean up the equipment and before he knew it his whole Truck crew were helping him. They put everything back where it belonged quickly and then with a nod to their lieutenant went about their day. Matt nodded his thanks and went in search of Severide, he was dying to know about the weird tension between his best friend and Kidd. Matt stopped in his office to grab two cigars and then went in search of his best friend.

Chapter 9: What's up with you and Kidd?

Notes:

Sorry for the delay. I am trying to write a novel also and my friend and I had a deadline of yesterday to get our next round of chapters and edits to one another, and I had slacked on that and needed to catch up so that took precedence. I promise y'all I have not forgotten this fic, and now that Chicago Fire is back on I should have plenty of inspiration to write more often. Sorry for the lack of Brettsey in this chapter, but there will be plenty in the next one.

Part 9:

            Matt cursed his luck, just as he was walking out of the bunk room Ambo 61 and Squad 3 got called out. His cigar chat with Severide would have to wait. Instead, he headed into the common room to see what was going on in there. Mouch was sitting in his spot on the couch watching something on the TV, Herrmann was talking on his phone about some side hustle he was trying to put together, while the rest of his crew were spread out doing something or another. Sighing, Matt went to check the kitchen to see what might be made for dinner. There really wasn’t anything in there.

            “81, lets go for a ride. We need some groceries.” Matt called.

            His Truck crew jumped up and followed their lieutenant to their rig. Otis drove them to the nearest grocery store and the crew all filed into the store. Matt had come to the decision on the way to the store that he was going to make dinner for the house tonight. He thought about making corned beef, but decided on chicken parmesan instead.

            “What are we getting lieutenant?” Kidd asked.

            “I need some chicken breasts and sauce and pasta, along with some mozzarella cheese. I’m going to make chicken Parmesan for dinner tonight.”

            “Wow, really lieutenant? That’s awesome, normally officers don’t ever cook.”

            “Really? In my house in New York everyone took turns cooking, rank didn’t matter. I actually like cooking, and let’s just say it’s a pre-thank you dinner for everyone coming to help me move after shift.”

            The members of Truck 81 made their way through the grocery store picking up all the ingredients that Matt was going to need. He made sure to get some spices to doctor up the sauce he was picking up, it would have to do, he didn’t have time to make sauce from scratch. All the little kids in the store were amazed to see firemen walking around the store and the crew were loving it. They stopped to say hello to every single kid before paying for their groceries and heading back to the station.

            By the time they got back Squad 3 was back but Ambo was still out. They had gotten another call on their way back from Lakeshore and headed off to their next patient.

            “Where were you guys?” Severide called, as Matt and crew hopped out of the rig.

            “Store, Casey’s making dinner tonight,” Mouch replied.

            Kelly lifted an eyebrow and Matt just shrugged smiling. He took the purchases into the kitchen and got started on dinner. He cut the breasts into cutlets then breaded and fried them before placing them on a baking sheet. While he was frying up the cutlets, he started the sauce. He had gotten a plain marinara and added the spices that he had picked up to make it taste more like homemade. Once the sauce was to his standards, Matt slathered some sauce on each cutlet and topped them off with cheese. After placing them in the oven, he set a timer and then filled the large stock pot with water and some salt for the pasta.

            Matt promised himself to corner Kelly after dinner, he really wanted to know about the weird tension between his new crewmember and his best friend. There had to be a pretty good story there for “ladies’ man” Kelly Severide to become flustered and pre-pubescent around her. Right now, he drove that out of his mind and focused on making dinner.

            “Oh my gosh, what is that divine smell,” Shay called as she and Brett walked through the doors.

            “That’d be dinner, Casey’s cooking,” Mouch said.

            “Hey Casey, what’re you making?” Sylvie asked, peaking into the pot on the stove.

            “Chicken parmesan and spaghetti,” Matt replied.

            “It smells delicious,” Sylvie smiled.

            “Thanks. It’s kind of a thank you dinner for everyone’s warm welcome into the house, and a pre-thank you dinner for coming to help me move into my new house after shift.”

            “You don’t have to thank us for that, it’s what we do. We really are a family on Second Shift and we take care of one another.”

            “I am seeing that, but I still wanted to do this for all of you.”

            “We appreciate it, trust me, we definitely love food especially good food. I swear you can get these guys to do just about anything for you for some sweets.” Sylvie laughed. “Which reminds me, I think I might need to bake some cookies soon, I haven’t done that in a while.”

            “Cookies? What kind?”

            “Oh, all kinds really. I usually bring in chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin for these clowns, of course at Christmas I bring in all kinds, Herrmann does too, Cindy bakes for us all of the time. Her brownies are to die for.”

            “I have a weakness for brownies,” Matt laughed.

            “Hey Herrmann, any chance Cindy could make some brownies for tomorrow when we all help Matt move into his house?” Sylvie called.

            “I’ll ask her, but I’m sure she will. You know Cindy she loves spoiling you guys and it makes her really happy that you love her brownies.” Herrmann replied, picking up his phone to call his wife.

            “So, what’s all this talk I keep hearing about you moving lieutenant?” Stella asked, walking up to him and Sylvie.

            “I just moved back here from New York City. The movers will be arriving tomorrow with all of my stuff and the house volunteered to help me unpack and move into my new house.”

            “Well, just let me know the address and I’m there.”

            “Thanks Kidd, I really appreciate that.”

            “Of course, I wouldn’t miss it.” She said, looking toward the door that Severide just walked through, a look of longing and amusement on her face.

            Matt was more resolved than ever to get the story out of Kelly now. He just hoped that the weird tension between him and Kidd didn’t disrupt the house. Matt didn’t want to lose Kidd on Truck, she seemed like she was going to fit right in and he’d hate to lose that. But he would focus on that later, right now he needed to finish dinner so that he could get to that conversation with Kelly.

            “Do you need help with anything?” Sylvie asked.

            “Would you mind cutting the bread in half and spreading the garlic butter I made on it so that when the chicken comes out, I can pop the garlic bread into the oven to toast?”

            Sylvie nodded and set about cutting the bread spreading the butter mixture that Matt had made earlier onto it. Her mouth was watering and she couldn’t wait to eat. She watched Matt stir the spaghetti, mesmerized by the muscled in his forearms. Forcefully shaking herself from her stupor she told Matt she was done and then proceeded to get the plates and utensils ready for once the food was done.

            The timer went off just as the spaghetti was finished.

            “Brett, would you mind pulling the chicken out of the oven and popping the bread in there while I drain the spaghetti?”

            “Copy that.”

            The two worked in tandem, making quite the team as they finished getting dinner ready. Matt ladled some sauce into the spaghetti to prevent it from sticking and then took the garlic bread out of the oven, cutting it up into slices for everyone. While Matt was doing that Sylvie went to let Chief Boden know that dinner was ready before going and collecting the rest of the house.

            Boden was impressed that Matt had cooked, and thanked his young lieutenant as he filled up his plate with chicken, pasta and some bread before sitting down at the table in the common room. Everyone followed suit and pretty soon the only sounds that could be heard were the clinking of silverware on plates, or the occasional praise for how good the food tasted.

            Matt grabbed his plate and sat next to Kelly. He nudged his friend and whispered, “after dinner you fancy a smoke on the roof?”

            “Yeah sure,” Severide replied smiling.

            Matt smiled back then tucked into his food.  He had washed as many of the dishes that he used as he could before dinner because he didn’t want to be stuck doing everything after, but much to his surprised Kelly and the Squad guys cleaned up and did the dishes. While they were doing that Matt went back to his quarters and grabbed two cigars so that he and Kelly could go up to the roof as soon as the dishes were done.

            Thankfully the dishes didn’t take long and before Matt knew it, he and Kelly were up on the roof enjoying their cigars. Matt didn’t say anything right away, he just enjoyed the quiet and spending time with his friend. But their tradition of cigars always went with a discussion and Kelly knew this, so he broke the silence.

            “So, what’s up Casey? I know there must be a reason you asked for a cigar chat.”

            Matt smiled. “There is. What’s the story with you and Kidd? Don’t even try to deny that there is anything I can see the looks, and feel the tension. Besides that, you get all strange and start acting like a teenager with a crush.”

            Kelly hung his head. He knew that he’d have to tell his friend the whole embarrassing story. Sighing and taking a deep breath, Kelly started on his story. Matt could tell that whatever happened Kelly was embarrassed about and he allowed his friend to tell his story at his own pace with no interruptions. It was tough holding in his laughter as Kelly retold how he rappelled off Kidd’s roof only to find out that she was not just unavailable but married.

            Once Matt was sure that Kelly was done with his story, he finally let his laughter out. He couldn’t help it, he could just picture Kelly, drunk rappelling off the roof to a startled Kidd and an annoyed husband. Oh, how he would have paid to seen that.

            “Sure, sure laugh it up. It’s amusing now but back then I was mortified.”

            “I’m sorry, you’re right. Is this going to affect your working relationship because I really like Kidd and want to keep her in the house.”

            “I’ll work it out. It’s just a little weird and uncomfortable, you know. Don’t worry I won’t let it affect the house or any calls.”

            “Ok good. I don’t want another Dawson situation in the house, you know. I know that Chief felt horrible having to let her go, especially since she had been here for years and I’d only just gotten here.”

            “You had other witnesses Casey; it wasn’t just a he said she said situation. I mean I walked in her getting ready to touch you without consent. Don’t get me wrong I never had a problem with Dawson and thought that she was a nice person, but even I have to admit, she had to go.

            “I promise you Casey, I’ll work out the uncomfortable feeling I have around Kidd and we will be able to work together. Kidd was great in my academy class and all the instructors that I talked to had nothing but amazing things to say about her so I know she’s a good firefighter. I don’t want chief to have to go through the process of finding another replacement, especially since he just managed to bring Kidd into the house.”

            “Maybe the two of you just need to have a conversation,” Matt suggested. “Clear the air and have a laugh at your drunken exploits and move on.”

            “You’re probably right, and I will, just not today.”

            “Well, you might want to make it today, she’s coming to help me move along with the rest of the house. She overheard us taking about it earlier and told me to send her the address and that she’d be there to lend a hand also.”

            “Crap! Okay, I guess I’ll be having that uncomfortable conversation sooner than I would like. Thanks man.”

            Matt laughed. “Anytime buddy.”

            The two finished up their cigars but stayed up on the roof for a little while longer enjoying the evening air. Neither said anything else, just enjoying the company and the peace and quiet. They didn’t know if and when the bells would go off again and wanted to soak up as much rest as they could.

            “I’m going to give Christie a call and check up on Alexa. You should go find Kidd and get that talk over and done with.”

            Kelly rolled his eyes. “Ok, ok, I’ll go find her and we’ll talk.”

            Matt nodded and then slid down the ladder to the ground, pulling out his cell phone as he walked back toward the apparatus floor. Kelly took a deep, steading breath, then he too slid down the ladder making his way inside the building. He saw his crew at the Squad table playing a game of cards. He nodded a greeting to then and proceeded to go inside, looking for Kidd. Thankfully he found her in the bunk room alone. He didn’t want to have to deal with the house gossips right now and didn’t want to lose his nerve, which would have likely happened if she had been in the common room surrounded by all the others.

            “Hey Kidd, can we talk for a minute,” Kelly said, cautiously.

            “Sure,” Stella replied, smiling.

            Kelly led the way to his office and closed the door behind Stella after she walked in. Kelly gestured to his bunk while he sat in his chair. Stella sat on the edge of his bunk waiting for the lieutenant to start talking. She wasn’t sure what it was he wanted to talk about, but she could hazard a fairly good guess.

            “Look, I wanted to apologize again for my stupid drunken behavior two years ago. I have no idea what possessed me to look into your personal file and find your address, never mind showing up at your house with climbing gear and rappelling off your roof. I also never thanked you for stopping your husband from kicking my sorry drunk behind all over the block.”

            “Ex-husband now, and you’re welcome. Truth be told I found it flattering. I mean I wouldn’t have done anything with you, no matter how attractive you were, because I was married, but it was sweet nonetheless.”

            “I’m sorry things didn’t work out between you and your ex-husband.”

            Stella shrugged. “Grant and I dated in high school. We were young and stupid and got married. He wanted to be a musician and might have been pretty good but he started up with drugs and hasn’t been able to kick the habit. I am not going to lie, he almost pulled me down that rabbit hole with him, but I was able to claw my way back out kicking and screaming.”

            “That still sucks. I’m sure it’s been hard and I’d like for us to be friends at some point, once we can get past the weird awkwardness of our previous encounter. So, if you ever need anything let me know I’ll be there to lend a hand.”

            “That’s really nice of you, thank you Severide.”

            “No problem, Kidd.”

            Neither got to continue their conversation because the bells sounded calling Truck 81, Squad 3, Engine 51 and Ambo 61 to a structure fire. Stella smiled at Kelly and then ran out of the room with him close on her heels. The entire house was wheels up in a matter of minutes, ready to fight this fire.

            There was smoke and billowing out of the second story of the two-story home as the crew pulled up. Casey and Severide were jumping out of the trucks before they were even in park, yelling out orders to their teams.

            “We’ll take the second floor, while Truck 81 searches the first,” Kelly said to Matt.

            “Herrmann with me, Kidd, Mouch, vent the roof.”

            Kidd and Mouch quickly made their way to the roof so that they could vent and the rest of their team could enter the house to look for victims. As soon as Mouch gave the all-clear Casey and Herrmann along with Severide, Cruz, Tony, and Capp all rushed into the house. Severide and his team took the stairs while Casey and Herrmann started searching the rooms on the first floor.

            “Fire department call out!”

            “Help!”

            “Lieutenant Casey, I think there’s someone in the bathroom. I heard a call for help.”

            “Ok, let’s check it out.”

            Casey and Herrmann made their way to the closed bathroom door. If there was someone in the house, they picked the best place to hold out of help. In the bathroom they had access to running water and could wet towels to place around the bottom of the door to slow down the smoke from the fire.

            “Fire department. Hello, is anyone in there.”

            “Please help me!”

            “Ma’am stand back we are going to open the door and get you out of here.”

            Casey opened the door and quickly walked into the bathroom. There was a young woman, probably about twenty sitting on the toilet. She was sweaty and had some soot on her face but overall, she looked ok.

            “Herrmann here is going to lead you outside, ok? You stay with him and he will get you out. I will be right behind you. Is there anyone else in the house?”

            “I’m not sure if my younger sister got home yet, she might be.”

            “Ok, no problem. You go with Herrmann and I will continue to check down here for your sister.”

            Casey passed the young woman over to Herrmann who nodded his head and started to lead her out of the house. Casey turned and started to head back down the hallway toward the kitchen.

            “Severide, we found one victim, Herrmann is leading her out now. She says that her younger sister might be in the house but she wasn’t sure.”

            “Thanks Casey. There are two more rooms up here to check but so far we haven’t found anyone.”

            “Copy that.”

            “Lieutenants, the smoke is starting to really turn black, it’s not looking so good. You probably only have a couple of minutes to finish up and get out of there.”

            “Copy that Mouch.”

            Casey continued to the kitchen as quickly and carefully as he could. No one was answering his calls but he made sure to look under the table and in all the lower cabinets as he didn’t know just how old the girl, he was looking for was.

            “All clear,” Casey said into his radio.

            “Clear.”

            “Clear.”

            It looked like the rest of the house was empty. Casey made his way back toward the front door, rechecking the closets as he went. He met up with Squad 3 at the stairs and the five of them walked out to the rest of their crew.

            “Engine 51, get some water on those flames,” Severide said, taking off his breather.

            Matt saw the young woman sitting on the back of the ambulance and young girl of about ten sitting next to her. He guessed that was the little sister. Thank goodness she was not in the house.

            Ambo 61 left to take the young woman to the hospital for mild smoke inhalation and Squad 3 left shortly after that. Once Engine 51 finished knocking down the flames Truck 81 did overhaul and headed back to the station.

            It was a crew of very tired firefighters who walked through the doors of Firehouse 51 and hour later. The house was quiet and Matt figured everyone who was back were already in the bunkroom getting some rest. His crew were quickly making their way to their bunks. Unfortunately, being an officer Matt had to write up his report before he could turn in, which he wrote up as quickly as possible. He was hoping to get a couple of hours sleep because the following day was going to be a busy one. He was meeting the movers at his new house at 10:00 and then the rest of the firehouse were coming over about 11:00 to help me situate the house and unpack his belongings.

Chapter 10: Moving Day

Notes:

I am sooooooo sorry for the LONG delay in getting this chapter done and posted. I lost some inspiration and knew where I wanted to go, but just couldn't get the scene to play out the way I wanted it to. I'm not 100% in love with this chapter, but I felt it was better to post something then to continue not to post. I will do my best to get the next part up much sooner than this one, and with Chicago Fire starting again hopefully I'll be inspired, but if the rumors I'm reading are true and they broke Sylvie and Matt up I'll be really mad, but I guess this will be my outlet to keep them together.

I hope you all enjoy it!

Part 10:

            Thankfully the rest of shift was mostly quiet. There were a couple of calls for Ambo 61 and Squad 3 was called out at some point for an assist but other than that there were no other major calls. Matt finished his report at about 1:30 am and managed to get a few hours of sleep before having to get up for end of shift. Thankfully he was used to surviving on minimal hours of sleep because today was going to be a long day.

            Matt met with the shift three truck lieutenant and briefed him on the previous shift before heading out to his truck.

            “See you at 11:00 Casey!” Severide yelled from his mustang.

            Matt waved and jumped into his truck. If he was lucky, he would be able to have a quick breakfast with Alexa and grab a nap before he needed to meet the movers and everyone from Firehouse 51. Christie had taken the day off to help him move, or keep an eye on Alexa, whichever he needed. Matt was grateful for whomever was watching over him because he got home quicker than he expected. Although his luck did not extend past not hitting traffic, he had to park down the block from his sister’s house.

            Parking quickly, Matt clambered out of his truck and wearily made his way down the street. He could see his sister and Alexa watching out the window, waiting for him and he couldn’t help but smile. No matter how tired, or hurt, Matt was seeing his daughter always put a smile on his face. She was such a joy and he was ever so grateful to have been given this blessing.

            Matt opened the door and Alexa squealed the moment she saw him, making him laugh. “Well, hello sweet-pea! I missed you too.”

            Matt took Alexa from Christie peppering his daughter with kisses. She shrieked in delight making the two adults laugh. Toeing off his boots, Matt dropped his duffle bag by the door then walked toward the kitchen.

            “I hope you and Auntie Christie didn’t eat breakfast without me.” Matt said to Alexa conversationally.

            “Of course, we didn’t,” Christie replied. “I made pancake batter; it should only take a few moments to make some.”

            “Thank you.”

            Matt sat Alexa into her high chair and then sat at the table. Christie set about making pancakes, but took note of how tired Matt looked. He had some circles under his eyes and it looked like it was taking all of his strength to keep his head up.

            “Rough night?”

            “Just a late-night call, and then I had to write up my report so I didn’t get to sleep until about 2:00 am. I got a solid four hours of sleep though and hopefully this little miss will cooperate and let me take a quick nap. I have to meet the movers at 11:00 so I won’t be able to sleep for long, but even another hour will help.”

            “Well then little brother, eat your pancakes and go lie down. Alexa and I will keep busy until you get up. Maybe I’ll take her for a quick walk to the park and go on the swings for a little bit.”

            “You really are the best Christie, thank you,” Matt said, while cutting up some pancake for Alexa.

            Christie waved Matt’s comment away and sat down next to her brother with her own plate of pancakes. The siblings ate in a comfortable silence just enjoying one another’s company. Matt was going to miss his sister when he moved out, but they wouldn’t be that far away from one another and were planning on doing family dinners either Saturday or Sunday, depending on what day Matt had shift. They refused to allow any distance between them any longer, they were estranged for far too long, and made a promise with one another to fix their relationship. Weekly family dinners were a good start.

            Matt washed his dish once he was finished, kissed Alexa’s head and headed to his temporary room to get a little more sleep. He packed most of this and Alexa’s things the day before shift so he didn’t have to worry about that, all he would need to do is put it all in the truck before they left for his new home.

            Those were the last thoughts Matt had before he drifted off into a deep sleep. He was so deeply asleep he didn’t hear Christie and Alexa leave, or come back from their walk to the playground down the street. His phone ringing startled him awake an hour and a half after he laid down.

            “Hello?”

            “Casey?”

            “Severide? What’s up?”

            “Just making sure you were awake man. You looked super tired this morning, and also to ask if you needed me to pick anything up on my way to the house.”

            “Thank you for the wake-up call. Um, if you wouldn’t mind picking up some beer and maybe a bottle of wine or something for the ladies? I’ll give you the money once you get to the house, but I hadn’t had a chance to pick anything up. Christie went and got some burgers and dogs for me yesterday so we can grill, and worse comes to worse we can order some pizza or something.”

            “I will definitely get some beer and wine, and you don’t have to pay me for that, it’s my treat.”

            “Thanks, Sev. I’ll see you in about an hour.”

            Matt hung up and stretched. He then double checked the room making sure he had packed everything that was essential. If he forgot anything Christie could drop it off, or he could stop by and pick it up later. Reassured that he had everything, Matt headed out to the living room smiling at the picture of his sister sitting on the couch cradling Alexa. He quickly pulled out his phone and snapped the picture. He was going to have to frame that.

            “Hey, I was afraid I was going to have to come in there and wake you up.”

            “You might have had to, if Severide hadn’t called, I’d probably still be sleeping.”

            “Do you feel any more rested?”

            “I do actually. I will be able to power through the unpacking and settling in. Are you almost ready? I’m just going to go get the truck and pull it in front of the house so that I can pack up the few boxes of things I have here.”

            “We are. I just changed Alexa so she is all set, we were just waiting on you.”

            “Great, I’ll be back in a few, just got to go and get the truck from down the block.”

            Matt put his boots on and hurried out the door. Thankfully there was an open spot behind his sister’s car which he parked in. Christie entertained Alexa while Matt loaded up the stuff he had kept at his sister’s house and then strapped his daughter into her car seat. Christie grabbed her keys and followed Matt to his new house. Matt pulled into the driveway of his new house. He pulled all the way up to the garage door. He knew that he had to put his car inside to leave enough room for the moving truck, but he wanted to get Alexa, and the boxes from his truck first. It would be easier to bring everything inside from the driveway. Christie parked in front of the house and then grabbed Alexa from Matt. He handed her the keys, showering her which one would open the door and then turned to start grabbing some boxes.

            Christie had the door open and was making her way into the living room when Matt walked through the back door. He put the boxes he had down on the counter and went back for the last couple of boxes so that he could then park his truck in the garage.

            “Hey Chris, if anyone starts showing up could you let them in for me? I’m just going to put the truck in the garage so that the moving truck has enough room to pull into the driveway.” Matt called as he put the last boxes on the floor in the kitchen.

            “Sure Matt, don’t worry.  Here are your keys.” Christie said, walking into the room with Alexa on her hip and Matt’s keys in her hand.

            Matt smiled at his sister and rushed back out the door. He first opened the garage door; he would definitely be putting a garage door opener on there as soon as he had some free time. The house was not perfect, it definitely needed some upgrades and minor cosmetic adjustments, but it was a good foundation and Matt was excited about what he could do with the place. The school district was one of the best in the city and that was his number one priority. Of course, he had flown out to look at the top prospects that his relator had sent to him and this one called to him more than any of the other ones and he put a bid on it. Matt had kept his fingers crossed that his offer would be accepted and he got a call a few days after landing back in New York that the previous homeowner had accepted his offer and that the house was his if he still wanted it.

            There was a small patch of grass and a garden in the front of the house. Concrete steps led up to the porch and front door, and down the driveway there was a side door that led directly into a spacious kitchen. There was enough room in the kitchen for a table and chairs and Matt planned on turning the formal dining room into a study/office for the time being. He didn’t really need a large dining room as it was just him and Alexa and even if he had Christie and Violet over there would be plenty of room in the kitchen for them.

            Matt quickly pulled his truck into the garage then grabbed the last few things before shutting the garage door and heading back inside. As soon as he walked into the kitchen, he could hear voices coming from the front. Severide was talking to Christie and ticking Alexa while waiting for the rest of 51 to arrive. Matt greeted his friend and set up the pack and play for Alexa while they waited. Kelly put the beer and wine in the fridge for later.

            “Where do you want to start?” Severide asked.

            “Well right now I only have a few things. The movers should be here in the next twenty minutes. Once they get here, I figure we can divide up and chose a room, or an area and direct them where to put the furniture and then unpack the boxes.”

            “Sounds good. Do you have a preference on where you want people?”

            “No, not really. I’m still learning everyone’s personalities so I’m not sure who will work well together. Maybe you could divide up the groups. I need one in the living room, one in the kitchen/office area and one more group upstairs for the bedrooms.”

            “You got it. I’ll put Hermann and Mouch in the kitchen and office area. Cruz, Otis, Capp and Tony in the living room. I’ll take upstairs with you, Brett, Kidd, and Shay.”

            “Sounds great. Christie when do you need to leave? I’ll make sure that I’m grab Alexa so you aren’t late.”

            “I need to leave by four o’clock. I have to pick up Violet from her friend’s house and get dinner together.”

            “Not a problem. I appreciate everything you’re doing for me. So, I’ll get Alexa’s room put together first so that I can bring her upstairs while we finish with the other rooms.”

            Severide had walked away while the siblings were hashing out their plans to open the door. He had seen the other coming up the sidewalk and went to let them in so that Matt and Christie could finish their talk.  Shay and Brett were leading the pack with Cruz, Otis, Herrmann and Mouch behind them.  Capp and Tony were a just down the block having had to find a parking space before catching up with the others.  Kelly smiled at his friends, well family really, and ushered them into the house.

            “Hey Case, the Calvary’s all here.”

            “Great!” Matt exclaimed. “The movers should be here any minute and we can get started. I can’t thank you all enough for coming and helping me, I know you probably have other things you’d rather be doing today.”

            “Nah, Lieutenant, we don’t mind, besides, there’s free food and beer so we’re good.” Cruz smiled.

            Severide laughed. “Exactly, just feed and liquor up these fools and they are willing to come and help with anything.”    

            Matt gave everyone a quick tour of the house so that they would know where things needed to go and grabbed Alexa when she started to fuss. Moments later there was a knock at the door and Matt, carrying Alexa met the movers at the door. He instructed them to pull into the driveway so that they won’t have to find a place on the street and they set to work. Matt directed the movers on where to leave certain boxes and furniture while his new firehouse family started to rearrange rooms and empty boxes.

            Brett and Shay stayed with Christie in the kitchen to organize his cabinets and drawers. Matt set up the pack-and-play just off the kitchen and went to put together Alexa’s room. He and Severide were putting the crib back together when Sylvie walked in and began unpacking the boxes that were stacked next to the dresser. She hung up many of Alexa’s dresses and placed onesies, socks, pants, and some shirts into the drawers of the dresser. Once she finished with that, she put together the changing table and loaded up all the supplies. Matt was impressed that she knew her way around tools and smiled his thanks.

            Sylvie smiled back and left the room when she was finished setting up the changing table, making her way back to the kitchen to grab a quick bottle of water. Christie was just finishing up feeding Alexa some veggies and fruit as Sylvie walked in.

            Christie’s phone started ringing causing the other woman to almost drop the jar of food she was holding. She quickly checked the caller ID before quickly answering it.

            “Hello? Yes, this is she? Oh my God, is she alright? Yes of course I’ll be right there.”

            “Is everything all right?” Sylvie asked.

            “My daughter fell in PE and they think she might have broken her arm. They are taking her to the hospital, I have to leave and meet her there.”

            “Hey, no problem, I’ll finish cleaning up Alexa and take her for a quick change. You go make sure your daughter is ok.”

            “Thank you, Sylvie, I really appreciate it. I just need to run and let Matt know and I’ll be off,” Christie said as she rushed out of the room.

            “Well little Miss, it is just me and you now.” Sylvie said, turning to the little girl in the highchair.

            Alexa babbled at Sylvie, all smiles and happy gestures. Sylvie found a towel and wet the corner of it to wipe the little girl’s face before picking her up. She cuddled Alexa into her, peppering kisses on her cheeks. Sylvie, never having had a child, could not understand how a mother could look at a small helpless little child like Alexa and not love it. She really could not understand how this young, sweet baby girl’s mother felt that taking her life was better than watching her child grow up.

            “I’m so sorry that you will never get to know your momma, sweet girl, but I can tell you for a fact that your daddy loves you to pieces. He is so good with you, and you know what, you have a large family at the firehouse who will love you just as much.”

            Alexa squealed and placed a wet baby kiss on Sylvie’s cheek causing the older woman to laugh. “Come on sweetness lets go get you changed, I’m sure you could use a fresh diaper.”

            Matt was just walking out of Alexa’s room as Sylvie was walking in, the two almost walking into one another. Matt grabbed her hips out of instinct making sure she didn’t fall backward. He felt a tingle where his hands met her skin, wondering if she felt it too. He knew that it was still too soon to get into anything, and honestly wasn’t sure if he wanted to date anyone he worked with, but he could not deny he found Sylvie Brett attractive.

            “I’m so sorry Sylvie, I wasn’t paying attention.”

            “It’s ok Matt, we’re both fine. I’m just taking this sweet little lady here to get a diaper change, and maybe a nap,” she laughed as Alexa nuzzled her head into the crook of Sylvie’s neck.

            “Thank you so much for helping, especially with Alexa, I really appreciate it. Let me go find the rocking chair for in here, Lexi likes to be rocked to sleep.”

            “Thank you. And Matt, you are very welcome, you don’t have to thank me for coming to day to help, it’s what we do. Also, you never have to thank me for helping with this little nugget right here, I honestly love kids, and really enjoy spending time with her.

            “Oh, by the way Kidd arrived, she’s helping in the living room, I saw Severide going in there too just before I came up here. I am not sure what happened with those two, but I know that there is a history there, and I’m not sure if things will get weird or not. I just wanted to let you know.”

            Matt laughed.  “Thanks. Yeah, there is definitely some history there. I’ll keep an eye on them, if things start getting really weird, I’ll separate them.

            “I’ll be right back with that rocking chair.”

            Sylvie nodded and walked to the changing table with Alexa. She set about freshening up the little one before picking her back up and swaying with her in the center of the room, humming a tune while she waited for Matt. She could feel Alexa’s head getting heavier as she swayed and wondered if the little girl would be asleep before Matt retuned with the rocking chair.  Before too long Sylvie could feel the difference in Alexa’s breathing and knew that the little girl had fallen asleep. She placed her in the crib, covering her up with a light blanket and after brushing a few stray hairs off her forehead turned to walk out of the room.  She stopped short, clutching her chest in fright, just barely managing to keep her gasp inside.  Matt was standing in the doorway watching Sylvie interact with his daughter a look on his face that Sylvie could not quite decipher. She could tell that it wasn’t angry, it was almost like a look of longing, as if he was wishing his daughter had someone to love his daughter like that regularly.

            “Sorry, I didn’t mean to overstep…”

            “You didn’t. I’m glad that you seem to love my daughter, I just can’t help but wish her mother was the one here brushing hair off her forehead and loving her, you know?”

            “I do, and I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through Matt. I look at that sweet little face and I can’t understand how a mother could do what your wife did, but I’ve never had to deal with depression like that. I know a lot of mothers go through things like that, many get help, but some don’t and they take that same road, ending their lives not able to handle it. Please just know that if you ever need anything I am here and will help out any way I can.”

            “Thank you, Sylvie, I really appreciate that. . Alexa is one blessed little girl. She might not know her mother, but she will not be lacking in the love of a woman, between you, my sister and I am sure both Shay and Kidd she will be loved so completely she won’t even realize she is missing anything.”

            Matt quietly placed the rocking chair in the room and ushered Sylvie out of the room. The two made their way into the master bedroom where she helped Matt hang up some stuff in his closet while he put his stuff away in the dresser.